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Talion
To amplify on what you said, a lot of these people, in my experience, feel that that kind of introspection (what we Catholics call an examination of conscience) is inherently selfish - that we should be focused on the needs of others rather than on taking a serious look at our own flaws. Also, there's a "guy thing" involved in that the men in particular feel the need to be right even when they're wrong, finding incredibly creative ways to justify even the most unethical actions. I've seen that latter trait in less religious men, too, so it isn't necessarily that the religious beliefs require them to be in charge or right all the time.
posted by
kidnykid
on December 22, 2006 at 2:05 PM
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kidnykid
I attended Xavier University, a predominantly black Catholic institution in New Orleans. Nuns, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrement lived on campus and many priests were instructors. Though the whole organized religion thing isn't my cup of tea, I have great respect for Catholicism. The clergy's vows of poverty and celibacy move me. If someone's convictions are so strong they're willing to give up money and sex, the two most important aspects of our society according to the images that assail us through the media, I'm at least willing to listen to what they have to say.
Hypocrisy is often the best way to describe the obvious differences between the words and deeds of some Christians, but I don't think it's true for all. Definitely some, but not everyone. I believe most simply lack the insight to realize what they're doing. It's easy to point out the faults and flaws of others, but incredibly hard to see and admit the existence of the same within ourselves. Many lack the courage and/or the ability to be truly instrospective. This by no means forgives their actions, but it doesn't necessarily make them bad people.
posted by
Talion
on December 22, 2006 at 8:55 AM
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