German guy
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While the headline is worded to refer primarily to the Christian religion, I think the question is just as interesting for followers of some other religions. My question:
When you respect a religious rule or commandment, or avoid to disrespect a rule, not because you *want* it, but because you're forced to do so by others (i.e. due to criminalization), is that worth anything, from a religious point of view? Will God not judge your will and your convictions instead, rather than your (unconvinced) mere fear of earthly consequences? After all, forgiveness for a sin requires remorse, or not?
It is my belief that to enjoy God's agreement, you need to genuinely follow the rules from within, because of love for God and conviction. Just following a rule because it will have negative consequences for you doesn't bring you closer to God.
That's why I think legislating religious morals is pointless. It's your deliberate choice for the good that matters. Respecting a religious rule is worthless when you are not given the freedom to break it.
We see extreme cases of legislated morals in some Muslim countries, like Iran or Saudi Arabia. There is a "vice police" strolling the streets fining people who break religious rules, i.e. drinking alcohol or dancing. Sexual behavior is strictly legislated. Does that make any single person a better believer with a better love for God? I doubt it. It just creates the false impression that human fallability and sinfulness is less of a problem than it actually is (behind closed doors), just by pushing it under the rug. It may even give a false sense of righteousness that's counterproductive for salvation.
And then, regarding the Christian religion, there are verses demanding sinners shall not judge other sinners. I take that as a calling that believers should foremost focus on the own soul, rather than meddling into the behavior of others -- leave their sins be a matter between them and God.
So, legislating religious morals is maybe even bad, from a religious point of view.
What do you think? Did I overlook something?
When you respect a religious rule or commandment, or avoid to disrespect a rule, not because you *want* it, but because you're forced to do so by others (i.e. due to criminalization), is that worth anything, from a religious point of view? Will God not judge your will and your convictions instead, rather than your (unconvinced) mere fear of earthly consequences? After all, forgiveness for a sin requires remorse, or not?
It is my belief that to enjoy God's agreement, you need to genuinely follow the rules from within, because of love for God and conviction. Just following a rule because it will have negative consequences for you doesn't bring you closer to God.
That's why I think legislating religious morals is pointless. It's your deliberate choice for the good that matters. Respecting a religious rule is worthless when you are not given the freedom to break it.
We see extreme cases of legislated morals in some Muslim countries, like Iran or Saudi Arabia. There is a "vice police" strolling the streets fining people who break religious rules, i.e. drinking alcohol or dancing. Sexual behavior is strictly legislated. Does that make any single person a better believer with a better love for God? I doubt it. It just creates the false impression that human fallability and sinfulness is less of a problem than it actually is (behind closed doors), just by pushing it under the rug. It may even give a false sense of righteousness that's counterproductive for salvation.
And then, regarding the Christian religion, there are verses demanding sinners shall not judge other sinners. I take that as a calling that believers should foremost focus on the own soul, rather than meddling into the behavior of others -- leave their sins be a matter between them and God.
So, legislating religious morals is maybe even bad, from a religious point of view.
What do you think? Did I overlook something?