Is religious belief fueled in part by class prejudice and snobbery ? So, one day I was walking a long way in very hot weather, and a foreign land. And about eleven in the morning I sat down on a low village wall, just outside the church, to drink some water and eat a sandwich, when the church service ended and people started to come out. As each group pass me I am greeted with good morning, or greet them first, and everyone replies cheerfully with a smile, or smiles first. Except that the last two out are the priest and what looks like a church warden. By now I am getting exhausted by all the greetings, and beginning to wish I had sat somewhere else, but I manage to smile and say good morning again. The priest and his 'friend' look at me, frown and turn away. True story.
My observation of religious belief is that it always follows the rules of group dynamics. I've never spoken with any religious person who doesn't identify closely with a group.
Each person wants to be identified with that group and they expect to gain social advantage from that relationship.
In 2003 whilst still on crutches from being run over I had an Anglican church door slammed in my face & locked.
This was the same church that gained fame & notoriety around the world for the signs put up at the roadside.
[sbs.com.au]
Yes, certainly. The gracious kindness they expect of and imbue in their docile flock is far beneath their self-reflected status.
They probably just realised that you weren’t one of the sheeple
Yep certainly, if you are not going to put anything in the plate.
@Fernapple I’ve met a few nice vicars in my time, but also...unfortunately. A load of Bishops did speak out about that politicians jaunt up to County Durham whilst we were in lock down, explaining the parishioners had been unable to attend their loved ones and how unjust it was. (I have a friend who is in the clergy).
You might be on to something. Snobbery definitely. Class prejudice perhaps. I always got the feeling that the clergy know that they can get away with things you can't, they yield a certain power and authority in the community because of their position as "God's representative". At least, it used to be like that; thankfully, things have changed but the older priests and those who still live in very religious communities still have that attitude.
......and influence!
I think you hit the right word with "snobbery."
I have gotten lots of contempt from church people because I don't earn enough money, I don't look pretty and I don't wear expensive clothes. I was dragged to snobby churches as a kid and listened to many sermons telling me that poor people are lazy. The well to do have found god's favor. If you are successful, it means god has smiled upon you. Sick.
I think there is a degree of snobbery in any 'club' towards those who are not within the circle of it. A big appeal of going to church is a desire to belong. I find it interesting that the congregation members were all friendly toward you, but not the leader of the pack. Not sure what that means, but it can't be a good thing.
Let it go.
Japanese bouncers didn't let me in Japanese club's in Japan because I wasn't Japanese.
I don't think about it except when reminded of the problem category I call "trivial."
Oh I did not care, it was just an amusing example of something I have seen so many times before, and it was the complete contrast with the smiling congregation that made it so striking.
Or maybe they were just exhausted from an hour's with of work, singing, and dancing and holding the congregation's attention. That can wear you out. You probably looked content and well-fed and not in need of anything.
Very Christian of them. No this was certainly a sneer, I have seen it so many times before from christians.
Translation: "Why the fuck weren't you in the congregation?"
In most cases that would be true, but I was clearly foreign, having said that the churches empire has no boundaries its true.
@Fernapple Understood. Thanks for sharing.