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A Scenario...

In a certain community there exists a number of religious groups and about 95% of that same area are all very devotee to their beliefs and regularly attend and participate in their worship services. The other 5% are not as zealous, but they also acknowledge a supreme being and doing good to fellow men. Now, this community is very isolated and receives very little outside interference or visitors yet their is high crime and many poor among them - how do you explain this?

Scenario A

I would say there are many hypocrites there who attend church and appear "good" on the outside, but don't follow through on the teachings they receive. They neglect the poor and needy amongst them, and foster hatred and deceit in their hearts. That's my first "gut reaction."

A Scenario... Beliefs Religious General

I agree with FarSeer in principal. However, I think it may not be quite as black and white as that. In truth, they are not living their faith. However, for me to label you a hypocrite, I believe it must be done knowingly. So, I think, for many they are doing the best they can, but they are not perfect. So, they don't give as much to the poor as they would need to give for their to be no poor. Also, just because people are religious does not mean their won't be poor. Hopefully, those religious won't turn their backs on the poor and completely ignore them, but you will still have the poor amonst you.

As far as the high crime, it takes a very small minority to cause high crime rates. The one rotten apple in the barrel ruins them all principal is at work here. So, the 5% that are not really faithful can be the cause of the crime.

Finally, there are many different religious groups. Not all religious groups have the same moral values or view of caring for the poor and sick. So often, we tend to look at things from a christian perspective because that is what we personally know. However, their are other religious groups that may not consider certain things as crimes. So, they may do something one group considers wrong, while they see nothing wrong with it relative to their pious religious behavior.

Edited: funbikerchick on 14th Apr, 2005 - 10:50am

Scenario A

I believe the key to what most of the people are doing is in the statement, "95 percent are all very devoted to their beliefs." Webster says to be devoted is, "to give over ( as to a cause, use, or end ) wholly or purposefully." These people are probably also devoted to family, which means they work and support family and don't have time for mischief.

I can only guess at the economy because of the isolation, but if you combine a lack of jobs, boredom, and people that are devoted to things other than work or the God they acknowledge exists, you have a perfect mix for crime.

mousetrails

Scenario A

I found that the majority of "religious" people can find a way to justify their beliefs and their behaviors. Humanity has a built in ability to have a behavior and justify their religious activities to accept it. In this case, I see many people in day to day life that are like this.

However, there is another possibility. Poverty breeds crime. People with no hope in society, that have no place to go but up, are always willing to take more chances that someone who has plenty.

To call them hypocrites is to indicate that they are not the majority. If it is accepted and practised this way by many, than its not hypocrisy, its the norm. Rarely in this type of situation will the leader of the faith call out his flock on an important issue when he knows that the majority of them are guilty of it. I have seen few who will take the chance and step on toes.