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We have a new neighbor who seems perfectly "normal". She's a retired postmaster and friendly, smart, etc, but has a strong mainstream religious belief that really is not based on any proof other than writings in a suspect book, Moderator cut: Politics
I'm at a loss to explain people like her, and they're everywhere you go, it's not just this one person. Can someone explain this to me? How can people who appear normal have beliefs that are, in my opinion, delusional?
Last edited by Mightyqueen801; 11-05-2023 at 04:55 AM..
Reason: Keep politics out of this forum, please.
I believe stuff I can't see or prove, like everything is made up of atoms, and the stars are distant suns.
I believe them because trusted authorities (NASA, parents, teachers) have told me they're true.
But choosing an authority to trust can be difficult. If your parents, friends, clergy, and neighbors all agree on something, you'll probably believe it, too. If you aren't particularly analytical, you may never bother questioning it, and simply believe.
It all depends on what one chooses to believe in. Some folk need hard, concrete proof. Like something which can be seen with their eyes. Others believe in abstract concepts, as in the paranormal or a supreme being. IE: Ghosts /God ? Arguably, all can be considered valid. But what "God" would torment his/her subjects for not being "properly worshipped" or not adhering to standards set forth in whatever rule book they have ? Thats where organized religions lost me. They contradict themselves. Thats my $02. on this.
I believe stuff I can't see or prove, like everything is made up of atoms, and the stars are distant suns.
I believe them because trusted authorities (NASA, parents, teachers) have told me they're true.
But choosing an authority to trust can be difficult. If your parents, friends, clergy, and neighbors all agree on something, you'll probably believe it, too. If you aren't particularly analytical, you may never bother questioning it, and simply believe.
If you had the time to spare, you could study science until you did understand the evidence
for why the stars are distant suns, or how matter is made up of atoms, or the evolutionary path that led
to human beings. That's one of the great things about science.
But no matter how much study time you put in, you wouldn't find comparable evidence
for the existence of a god... you'd be told you simply have to believe what's written in some ancient book.
My mind was returning some weird info so I set out to prove myself correct by not being able to prove myself wrong. About halfway through this video and went "ya got me." I was oddly angry for about 15 minutes though. People get angry even when they want to know the most likely answer if it's something they like thinking is true.
We have a new neighbor who seems perfectly "normal". She's a retired postmaster and friendly, smart, etc, but has a strong mainstream religious belief that really is not based on any proof other than writings in a suspect book, Moderator cut: Politics
I'm at a loss to explain people like her, and they're everywhere you go, it's not just this one person. Can someone explain this to me? How can people who appear normal have beliefs that are, in my opinion, delusional?
One explanation is that those people were indoctrinated into believing that it's true from childhood. When someone believes that something is true, regardless of what it is, it's hard to not believe that it isn't true. And because most, if not all, people are taught to be "good," people will try to justify their beliefs to be good.
Last edited by Mightyqueen801; 11-05-2023 at 05:02 AM..
Reason: Quoted post edited
One explanation is that those people were indoctrinated into believing that it's true from childhood. When someone believes that something is true, regardless of what it is, it's hard to not believe that it isn't true. And because most, if not all, people are taught to be "good," people will try to justify their beliefs to be good.
I have noticed people that split things into good and evil also tend not to make it past level 2 of moral reasoning. They have been told what is good or bad but don't seem to have that anchored as a principle which to work off. It's like a stand-alone rule. The reasoning for some of the good v bad things aren't founded in anything but being told it's bad.
I have noticed people that split things into good and evil also tend not to make it past level 2 of moral reasoning. They have been told what is good or bad but don't seem to have that anchored as a principle which to work off. It's like a stand-alone rule. The reasoning for some of the good v bad things aren't founded in anything but being told it's bad.
Well-said. Critical thinking and analysis seem to be a lost art.
It appears 50% of the population is how you describe.
We have a new neighbor who seems perfectly "normal". She's a retired postmaster and friendly, smart, etc, but has a strong mainstream religious belief that really is not based on any proof other than writings in a suspect book, Moderator cut: Politics
I'm at a loss to explain people like her, and they're everywhere you go, it's not just this one person. Can someone explain this to me? How can people who appear normal have beliefs that are, in my opinion, delusional?
Compartmentalization. Herd mentality / need for belonging to the dominant social group. A preference for prepackaged rulesets and morality.
Last edited by Mightyqueen801; 11-05-2023 at 05:04 AM..
Reason: Quoted post edited
Why care what other people think? If you don't find it credible that is fine, but live & let live.
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But what "God" would torment his/her subjects for not being "properly worshipped" or not adhering to standards set forth in whatever rule book they have ? Thats where organized religions lost me. They contradict themselves. Thats my $02. on this.
