http://nfgworld.com/mb/thread/740-Accidentally-Explaining-The-Religious Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:53:25 GMT FeedCreator 1.8.0-dev (info@mypapit.net) http://nfgworld.com/mb/thread/740-Accidentally-Explaining-The-Religious techdirt, there was an article on the idea, originally brought up at harvard business, that charging people for bad behaviour could encourage that behaviour, rather than discourage it.

The example given was of a daycare, where inconvenienced teachers would fine parents for picking up their children late.  The sad result was that the parents felt they'd purchased their freedom, and they felt as if they were allowed to be late if they paid their twenty dollars.  There are many examples of this - if you pay for your library fines, you don't feel bad about returning it late, etc.

And sitting on the couch two nights ago a puzzle piece clicked into place for me: this purchase/release activity handily explains the actions of religious people.  I don't know many Catholics, but it seems to me that forgiving all their sins every time they confess and mumble a few prayers might not be the best way to correct their behaviour.  Indeed, my personal experience with Catholic girls is that they're mighty sinful!

It also goes some way toward explaining the assholeish behaviour of Christians.  They're allowed to cheat on their wives, lie on their tax returns and screw their fellow man.  After all, they're god's chosen!  They've gone to church, suffered through the sermons.  They've paid their dues, and now they're guilt-free. ]]> no_email@example.com (NFGworld.com - NFG) Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:36:39 GMT http://nfgworld.com/mb/740#2059