Just because someone claims to have strong religious beliefs doesn’t automatically make them a good person.
In fact, many people use their faith as a shield against criticism for some of the terrible things they do. Sometimes this is unintentional, while others it’s a purposeful manipulative tactic meant to get one over on people. Here are just some of the behaviours many religious people excuse in the name of their spiritual beliefs.
1. Picking and choosing which teachings to follow
When someone only focuses on the parts of their religious texts that suit their own agenda, it’s a clear sign they’re missing the bigger picture. They’ll happily quote verses that back up their opinions but ignore the ones that challenge their choices or call for personal accountability. True faith is about wrestling with the uncomfortable parts and striving to live by the whole message, not just the bits that feel convenient.
2. Judgemental superiority
Some people use their beliefs to put themselves on a pedestal, looking down on anyone who doesn’t share the same views. Instead of practising humility or compassion, they point fingers and act as though they’ve got it all figured out. Real spiritual growth is about self-reflection and understanding, not deciding you’re better than everyone around you.
3. Forcing their beliefs onto other people
Source: Pexels Trying to control someone else’s choices in the name of faith is more about power than genuine concern. Whether it’s imposing their opinions on relationships, lifestyle, or personal decisions, this behaviour goes against the principle of free will that many religions hold dear. Leading by example is far more meaningful than demanding compliance.
4. Dodging accountability by blaming “God’s plan”
Source: Unsplash When people use their faith to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, it undermines the idea of personal growth. Claiming divine guidance for poor decisions—or worse, harmful ones—twists spirituality into an escape route. Owning up to mistakes and learning from them is far more aligned with the values of most religions.
5. Using guilt to extract money
Source: Unsplash When people use their faith to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, it undermines the idea of personal growth. Claiming divine guidance for poor decisions—or worse, harmful ones—twists spirituality into an escape route. Owning up to mistakes and learning from them is far more aligned with the values of most religions.
6. Demanding forgiveness without making amends
The idea of forgiveness is powerful, but it’s not a shortcut to avoid consequences. When someone insists on being forgiven without showing genuine remorse or putting in the work to make things right, they’re missing the point entirely. Forgiveness should be earned through accountability and meaningful change, not demanded as a free pass.
7. Only showing kindness to people who believe the same things
Compassion that comes with conditions isn’t really compassion. Being kind and supportive only to people who share the same faith—or using kindness as a recruitment tool—undermines the universal love that most religions teach. True kindness doesn’t ask for anything in return.
8. Turning faith into a status symbol
For some, religion becomes less about personal growth and more about looking good to their community. They’ll put on a show of devotion—attending every event, loudly quoting scripture—but it feels hollow when their everyday actions don’t match up. Faith is supposed to be about what’s inside, not how it looks from the outside.
9. Exploiting people in vulnerable moments
Using someone’s spiritual journey or difficult life circumstances as a chance to manipulate them is a deep betrayal of trust. This kind of behaviour twists the idea of a supportive community into something self-serving. Genuine spirituality uplifts and supports, never takes advantage.
10. Rejecting knowledge or reason
Dismissing science or critical thinking in favour of rigid dogma creates unnecessary conflict between faith and facts. Many religions encourage curiosity and a pursuit of understanding, but some people treat their beliefs as an excuse to shut down any kind of dialogue. True faith doesn’t have to be at odds with learning—it can complement it.
11. Using fear to control people
Religious guilt trips or fear-based tactics to influence behaviour often cross the line into emotional manipulation. Instead of inspiring positive change, this approach breeds resentment and mistrust. Real spiritual leadership encourages growth through understanding, not fear.
12. Putting on a show of devotion
When someone’s faith is more about appearances than actions, it’s hard not to notice. They’ll make sure everyone sees their grand gestures of piety, but the way they treat people behind closed doors tells a different story. Genuine spirituality doesn’t need an audience—it’s about living your values consistently.
13. Spiritual bypassing
Source: Unsplash Throwing out religious platitudes instead of engaging with real issues does little to help anyone. Phrases like “everything happens for a reason” might sound comforting on the surface, but they often sidestep deeper emotional or practical challenges. True faith embraces hard questions and helps navigate them honestly.
14. Justifying prejudice with scripture
Source: Unsplash Twisting religious texts to support hate or discrimination goes against the core teachings of love and acceptance found in most faiths. This behaviour weaponises spirituality to defend personal biases. Real faith challenges people to grow, love more deeply, and let go of judgement.
15. Claiming their beliefs are the only “right” ones
Source: Unsplash Insisting that their faith is the one true path while dismissing other people’s experiences as invalid comes off as arrogant and close-minded. Spirituality isn’t a competition, and most religions teach that the divine is far beyond human understanding. Respecting someone else’s journey doesn’t diminish your own.
16. Using tradition as an excuse to stay stagnant
Resisting change or personal growth in the name of “tradition” overlooks the idea that faith is often meant to evolve alongside life. Holding on to outdated practices or beliefs just for the sake of it can turn spirituality into a roadblock instead of a pathway to growth. True devotion often means balancing respect for tradition with openness to change.
