Q7. Disassociating From Murder

[K.M.]

Question 7. Lavinia's relationship with her faith could be viewed as a mechanism to disassociate herself from the act of murder. How was Lavinia’s ability to justify her sin in the eyes of God a form of permission?

[C.]

It was almost like a drug, I believe. The high from the kill and the confession kept her going back for more. It was when that piece of her ritual was taken from her did she start to spiral. But as for her faith, sometimes the rituals of belief are so ingrained into you that any challenge to it, will not be well received. Lavinia truly believed that if she asked for forgiveness, she would be forgiven. So, knowing that, any act was acceptable.

[Dave]

History plays the same justifications on larger events as they did for Lavinia. She's no more guilty than the organizations who used faith to advance their own agendas.
“For fear of commencement of puberty let the father give his daughter in marriage while she is still going about naked. For if she remains at home after the marriageable age sin falls upon the father.”
The Yogi Vasistha - Child Marriages
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”
Ephesians 6:5 - Slavery
“Men are in charge of women by what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in absence what Allah would have them guard. But those from whom you fear arrogance—advise them; forsake them in bed; and, strike them. But if they obey you, seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.”
Surat An-Nisa 4:34 - Subjugation of Women
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”
Leviticus 20:13 - Homosexuality
Almost any issue can find support in the different faiths, but it is usually taken out of content or stems from an era that no longer exists.

[Robin]

I LOVE identifying defense mechanisms...and Lavina's was confession. One of the captivating components of this story was witnessing her lose that defense mechanism..and adjust accordingly. (I have written short stories about justifiable murder!) Honestly, I kind of quit viewing her behavior as a sin, so I didn't think she needed confession. To be honest, I do have a very limited background in understanding faith.