Religions are not organizations where people learn to be moral. They are in-groups where people are taught to focus on the immorality of out-groups, thereby making themselves feel superior.

As an example, I was in my office yesterday and two lawyers (and one lawyer’s) son (all catholics) were shooting the shit when conversation turned to the “con” that is homeless people who just “don’t want to work” b/c it’s so “easy” to beg on the street, and how they’re not “really” poor, it’s all just a scam.

All our doors were open b/c no clients were around — it was the end of the day. And so I overheard the entire conversation. I stuck my nose in the office, leaned against the door, shook my head and said “Jesus is so disappointed in all of you right now. I’m pretty sure his gospel taught charity for the poor, not resentment.”

Two of them immediately blushed and shut up. One lawyer erupted. “But they’re not POOR! They’re hypocrites!” He exclaimed. To which I replied, “I thought that was god’s to judge.” He stormed off and slammed the door to his office.

It’s not about god, or morals. It’s about feeling powerful among an in-group while persecuting an out-group. It’s sick.