Tom, I think we should just agree to disagree on what motivates people to be Christians. Christianity offers pat solutions and black-and-white choices, and brakes on behaviors. I read a very interesting interview with some Catholic priests who turned out to be child molesters at some point, saying the same thing I am saying, that people who have some inner darkness often turn to Christianity to make rules for them, and change their behaviors. Alcoholics and drug addicts often do the same.
People who are chaotic and out of control crave rigid structure, and Christian teachings provide this. In fact, I have heard the question asked here many times about how on earth people would know how to behave if they did not have church teachings telling them so. But really, healthy people do not need those rules because they naturally act in kind and loving ways.
You were right about the prisoners issue. I just got my words mixed up. Society needs to be protected, not the guys in jail!! |
