Theists and sexual libertinism.

[Cavemonster]

I know, there are quite a few threads in this pattern already, but I think this is an interesting notion.

When some theists indulge their sexual appetites (see Ted Haggard, Larry Craig, various Catholic priests) their religion offers them an instant forgiveness. For Catholics it is through confession, for protestants, the act of embracing Jesus makes up for any past transgression.

When atheists make poor sexual decisions, it is up to us to make our peace with those we've harmed- a much harder job.

Therefore, I think it's reasonable to argue that many theists may choose to embrace their faith to facilitate and excuse their libidinous excesses.

Discuss.

Edit: To Borrow a phrase

I like to ask theists whether sexual libertinism is the real motivation for embracing theism, and a loving god is just an attempt at convenient justification supposedly afforded by the theism worldview.

[tuc0]

Yes, but it's of course much broader than that. I think this need to have a higher power take away individual responsibilities is the main reason gods exist. I imagine it's very comforting to know that ultimately there is a benevolent creator who makes the rules I just have to follow to gain incredible benefits. And all of that for the price of a little guilt. Not a bad deal.

[Marquis de Carabas]

I like to ask theists whether sexual libertinism is the real motivation for embracing theism
It's part of it, but slaughtering reason and stealing logic from children are more important aspects of the appeal.

[Cavemonster]

It's part of it, but slaughtering reason and stealing logic from children are more important aspects of the appeal.

I see what you did there.

[Safe-Keeper]

The idea that the judgment of God prevents you from doing harm sort of loses its meaning when you remember that God forgives whatever you do, as long as you just stay a Christian, doesn't it?

[Beerina]

I know, there are quite a few threads in this pattern already, but I think this is an interesting notion.

When some theists indulge their sexual appetites (see Ted Haggard, Larry Craig, various Catholic priests) their religion offers them an instant forgiveness. For Catholics it is through confession, for protestants, the act of embracing Jesus makes up for any past transgression.

I fail to see how imagining a god (or actually having a real god) "forgive" you alters the fact that you either transmitted disease or messed up other people's emotions. What's "forgiven" about that? This god never helps them, never gets rid of the diseases.

[BetheBall]

[QUOTE=Cavemonster;4284202]

Therefore, I think it's reasonable to argue that many theists may choose to embrace their faith to facilitate and excuse their libidinous excesses.

QUOTE]


I embrace libidinous excesses to excuse my faith.

Just the other night the wife was screaming, "Oh, god! Oh, god! Oh, god!"

[Cavemonster]

I fail to see how imagining a god (or actually having a real god) "forgive" you alters the fact that you either transmitted disease or messed up other people's emotions. What's "forgiven" about that? This god never helps them, never gets rid of the diseases.

You're right, god doesn't cover every detail, but it does give a pass not to care about other's emotions.

Within his Christian community, when Ted Haggard confessed and prayed and gave his penance to Jesus, his wife would have been condemned by the church for leaving him.

The most hardened rapist can find Jesus in Prison and go along thinking himself pure despite the lives he's destroyed.

And in many Islamic countries, young men who gang rape a woman can feel secure in their place in heaven since it was her fault for walking around dressed immodestly and in a way, they were doing Allah's work. In fact it is their victim who may be put to death by her family as an "honor killing" to spare them the shame.