Many people are so firm in their beliefs that they go through their entire life without questioning them. Even if you debate them and make excellent points, the thought that they could be "wrong" never enters their mind. This is frightening. Every thought, idea, and statement should be up for rational debate.
Now, let's take this to a second level: Many people are so conditioned by their authority figures that they will go through their entire life without questioning them. Thus, we get Jonestown, suicide bombers, and misogynists. Even in the United States, you see this happening on a more subtle level.
A preacher in Dallas, TX recently told his congregation to essentially "black list" any company whose employees did not say, "Merry Christmas." Suddenly, wishing someone a "Happy Holiday" has become offensive. This is just one of many examples.
And this is SOCIAL CONTROL by a religious authority figure.
The antidote to this form of mental abuse is education. Typically, the more you are educated, the more you tend to question. This is terrifying to religious organizations that are unable to withstand much scrutiny without quickly unraveling. The "danger" is that one question always leads to more questions, and before you know it, you have "questioned" yourself into a whole new world. And the beautiful thing is that "questioning" and skepticism will set you free.
When I did deep research into my childhood religion, what I found was shocking, and part of me wanted to hang on to that security blanket, but it was gone forever. But it didn't take me long to realize that "truth" and "reality" are always better than being led on an endless delusion by some preacher or priest. The clergy is NOT going to tell you the "truth" because their career and income depend on you being blinded with ignorance. And don't worry, our U.S. plutocracy relies on the same sort of control.
Just as I was dwelling on these points, and the hopelessness of the uneducated followers, I came across the latest video by my colleague, Laci Green. Laci is a former Morman and currently a teacher and college student. Her short video is eye-opening and dead on.
Note: This video contains some vulgar words. If you are easily offended, please don't watch. Laci is a rough kid.
We live on a blue marble flying through space. I'm surprised at how many people forget that. Our species and ecosystem are fragile, yet we are systematically destroying it instead of protecting it. This blog is dedicated to environmentalism and sustainability
3 comments:
when russia was still an official enemy the rational was that they were evil, right, they tortured, denied rights etc; this was the authoritive position that led to citizens supporting the very policies this rationale decried. beneath the rhetoric of course was the real reason for russia making the list: it questioned capitalism. tf
I just read (again) about these experiments in a book called the Sociopath Next Door. Good reason for questioning authority albeit risky business.
I keep hearing about that book and need to read it. In the environmental movement it would help us all to better understand some of our opponents.
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