Why do religionists prefer the carrot and the stick approach to morality?

Both versions of that are effective on the foolish.

The original use of the "carrot and stick" expression was that you drive a mule by holding a carrot in front of him dangling from a stick, that he will keep moving towards but never actually get.

That describes religion perfectly, with its "rewards" and "afterlives" and "God's Love" -- you're forever moving towards a reward YOU NEVER GET.

The other use of that expression, which has grown leaps and bounds by people unaware of the original meaning, is carrot (reward) OR stick (punishment).

The religionists use THAT one, too. Apparently religion cannot function without some "later you'll get..." promises (or threats).

Pie in the sky when you die -- or else burn forever.

Is religionist really a word?

OMG spell check knows it so it must be.

Well I am a religionist then..eww it sounds awful....and no I don't.

But thanks for the insults. Not just from you but from many answerers too. It's always nice to be slagged off by people you've done nowt to offend as far as you know.

It's simple enough to understand

Do bad: stick

Do good: carrot

Grace unto you, and peace,

from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Indeed, Law is vain religion: vanity and vexation.

http://www.godshew.org/RevelatorySermons24.htm

Pure religion: Grace: has neither carrot nor stick.

http://www.godshew.org/GraceUntoYou.htm

The laws do not produce morality, nor stability,

don't profit them occupied therein: Hebrews 13:9.

So the heart should be e-stablished with grace,

not laws and under-taker jeopardy thereof laws.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.

I prefer the mcdonalds burger on a stick stuck to a fat childs head so they can see it and chase it, but can never catch it.

Carrot and the stick...?

I don't eat carrots and I am not a religionist. I am a christian.

That fact that it works for them tells you how "moral" they are

Que?