Quote
barabara
IMO, the only thing that changes human behavior is a desire to change. This is almost inevitably brought about by pain, either your own, (usually), or that of others.
In order to be compelled to change because of other's people's pain, you have to have a high degree of empathy.
Not to mention a willingness to look at and admit your own imperfections.
Hurting others in the name of God is common to all religious fanatics, and self-justifiable if one believes they are doing the will of God.
That's the problem with believing you are the spokesman for God.
You can justify anything you want to.
I thank you for your wealthy reply Barbara. Please don't be offended
if I have'nt replied until now as I am not near a computer all the time.
I actually just spent about 20 minutes typing a reply to your post (it was
rather in-depth) and for some odd reason, this browser or the internet
just "cut me out" and I lost the reply I typed.
Aside from this, I agree strongly with your reply as I have personal experience of my own religious indoctrination compelling me to believe
I was doing the will of God. How can there really be a God when there
are so many people suffering such perplexing conditions? Have you
ever seen the movie "the devil's advocate"? Sometimes I feel that if there is a god he must be sitting up there laughing in delight at people
suffering!
Anyhow, I don't dare type any longer than this and lose the post, at
least until I figure this thing out.
Your reply is wealthy and makes many good points. I definately appreciate it.
Thanks,Bob.