Religion
In reply to the discussion: It might be about religion if . . . [View all]Brettongarcia
(2,262 posts)Last edited Mon Jun 27, 2016, 04:37 PM - Edit history (1)
It helps violence happen, by in some ways seeming to let people off for doing certain bad things.
In particular, convincing people that magic powers are making them do things, weakens their sense of self will and control. And personal responsibility.
God made them do it, they think; so now they don't have to worry about their own personal responsibility for their own personal actions.
Which is probably a factor in many more crimes than the very obvious hate crimes noted by statistics.
It's not just an after-the-fact excuse, for what they were going to do anyway. It's often the final thing that makes it happen.
Religion is oftenhe final straw that makes a bad thing happen. By assuring the perpetrator in effect, that he isn't responsible. That God or the devil, is ordering, compelling him to do it. So he is just following orders. Or is the innocent victim of external powers, making him do things. After deciding he has an excuse, the person then finally decides to go out and finally do it.