Heaven, hell, and criminals

 

Most people believe that an unaffiliated person would be more likely to commit a crime compared to a religious person. This is due to the perception that they lack the moral judgment that religion provides.

The understanding is that people who are not religious are corrupt while those who are devoted to God and have strong beliefs in heaven and hell are more morally inclined, therefore, less likely to commit crimes.

This is why many of my cousins and nephews who were found to be 'naughty' or have a lack of moral values during childhood, were often sent to religious schools. It is hoped that religion would somehow save them and bring them to the righteous path.

Likewise, many criminals who are undergoing jail terms also find solace by embracing religion, hoping to begin a new chapter in life when they are released.

Religion has so often been chosen to guide people to the right path, a path that leads to everything good. Unfortunately, every now and then we are shocked by criminal conduct performed by someone religious.

There are many religious folks out there proving that religious people, too, can be corrupt.

The most recent case is a religious motivational speaker who has been detained following reports from a few teenagers who claimed they were victims of sexual assault. The teenagers were participants in a school motivational programme conducted by the speaker.

This piece of news has been quite a hit among my Malay friends and acquaintances. Most of them, while being appalled by the news, could not comprehend how a religious person who has a career in spreading goodness and kindness could end up in such a serious crime.

Good and evil

Since young many of us have been taught to do the right thing and to stay away from evil. ‘The God strategy’ has always been successful in making many of us stay obedient.

“If you behave, God will love you. If you don’t, God will be upset with you. If you behave, God will grant you heaven. If you don’t, hell awaits you.”

This carrot-and-stick method is believed to be a good control mechanism for generations. It motivates those who need to see a carrot ahead of them and encourages those who need to know there is a stick behind them to keep moving in the right direction.

But the million-dollar question is, why do some people with religious beliefs still get involved in crime?

Maybe some people interpret their religion differently; they rationalise their actions, or they think they won’t get caught. I am sure there are hundreds of other reasons explaining why people do the things they do.

I think when a religious person commits a crime, it is because he/she has succumbed to his/her true character.

You see, just as criminals are capable of becoming religious during sentimental moments – such as praying to God for the wellbeing of their loved ones, religious people are also capable of becoming criminals – such as when greed and lust overpower their souls.

Our so-called ‘religious’ politicians are also among those capable of goodness and evil. Though many of them proudly wear their religious badges, implying they are on the righteous path, some have been prosecuted in the court of law as criminals.

The fact is that a religious person can be a criminal; a politician appearing to be religious can also be a criminal. Anyone can be a criminal.

After all, religious or non-religious, we are all human beings who are capable of good and evil. - Mkini

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FA ABDUL is a multi-award-winning playwright and director in the local performing arts scene, a published author, television scriptwriter, media trainer, and mother. Her ultimate mission in life is to live out of a small suitcase.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.