Religion is sustained by two factors; FEAR and GUILT. - Creflo Dollar's Quote • Thought

“ RELIGION is sustained by two factors; FEAR and GUILT. ” - Creflo Dollar -

Quote Interpretations:

• Fear of Punishment:
Religion is sustained by the fear of punishment or consequences for not following its teachings. It relies on instilling fear in its followers to ensure compliance with its beliefs or dogma. For example, in some religions, believers are taught that if they do not adhere to certain moral principles or rituals, they will face eternal damnation or other forms of punishment. This fear of punishment motivates individuals to stay committed to their faith out of fear of the consequences of not doing so. Likewise, the concept of Hell in some religious beliefs is often used to scare believers into following the rules set forth by the religion.

• Guilt Over Sin:
Also, religion is sustained by the guilt individuals feel when they believe they have sinned or strayed from the teachings of their faith. Many religions instill a sense of guilt in their followers for not living up to the moral standards set by their faith, and individuals may feel guilt for their perceived shortcomings. This guilt can lead individuals to seek redemption through religious practices or rituals in order to alleviate their feelings of guilt.

• Control and Power:
Most religious leaders make use of fear and guilt to control and manipulate their followers. They instill fear and guilt to maintain power and control, as believers may feel compelled to follow their teachings in order to avoid punishment or to seek forgiveness for their perceived sins. This manipulation of fear and guilt can lead to a cycle where individuals rely on religion for guidance and reassurance, even if it comes at the cost of their own autonomy. For instance, in some religious practices, the concept of confession and penance can lead individuals to feel guilty for their sins, which may drive them to seek forgiveness and redemption through the religion.

• Fear of the Unknown:
Religion can also be sustained by the fear of the unknown, such as what happens after death. Believers may turn to religion to provide themselves with answers and a sense of security in the face of uncertainty about the afterlife.

• Guilt for Imperfection:
In some religions, adherents are made to feel guilty for being imperfect or for straying from the prescribed path of righteousness. For example, the concept of original sin in certain religious dogma teaches that all humans are born inherently sinful, leading individuals to feel guilty for their natural inclinations.

- TemQBS’ Food for Thought