They use the same method as cults and it's even more effective because they are doing it since birth. "Do what God says or you will burn for all enterity.
2006-07-25 16:13:32 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
if it's done right no it's not but for the most part yes. I wouldn't say religion so much as I would say most organized religions and their organizations are. Most require that you give money to the church which is what most cults do. Fear tactics are largely used to get more followers also, which is used by cults. I'd say for the most part a good deal of religion is just brainwashing. But someone is only brainwashed if they want to be. You must have a strong will.
2006-07-25 16:23:35 · answer #1 · answered by ithek_thundervoice 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, religions employ all the tactics involved in brainwashing. If you look up brainwashing in Wikipedia the first sentence mentions "religious purposes."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwash
2006-07-25 16:19:43 · answer #2 · answered by CaptWags 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is, it is like the quote from the movie The Big Bounce Morgan Freemans character tells Owen Wilsons character to have faith, and he asks like in god, and Freeman says "God is just an imaginary friend for adults." That is one of my favorite quotes of all time.
2006-07-25 16:49:05 · answer #3 · answered by tre_loc_dogg2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Do I think some people get carried away, yes I do. It is pretty black & white there is a Heaven & Hell. Maybe instead of going off of what people say, because I know some get pretty preachy, go to the source, the Bible.
2006-07-25 16:20:23 · answer #4 · answered by pinkdaisy3000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think religion was originally formed with good intentions. but since it was seen to draw large crowds / followings, it was turned into a tool. my answer is 'NO', religion is not brainwashing but CAN be used for brainwashing.
2006-07-25 16:20:49 · answer #5 · answered by smokejami 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's coersion, not brainwashing. Brainwashing involves erasing previous beliefs.
2006-07-25 16:17:22 · answer #6 · answered by mbezlr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Major religions? Yeah. I think if you were some sort of solitary practitioner, you wouldn't brainwash yourself.
2006-07-25 16:19:36 · answer #7 · answered by Spex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I might be brainwashed, but at least I know how to spell ETERNITY!!
Much Love!!
2006-07-25 16:55:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion in and of itself isn't.Its the proselytizers that do the brain washing.and yes that can be mom and dad.
2006-07-25 16:34:36 · answer #9 · answered by Professor Riddle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably
2006-07-25 16:33:48 · answer #10 · answered by igɳo★ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋