Why is it so hard for people to admit that their personal beliefs could be wrong?

Question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060814083530AAtoCXO&r=w

This is my last question, and almost every person who answered it could not admit this, and some were just downright rude for even questioning the validity of those beliefs. Why is it so hard for some to admit that their personal beliefs may be, and probably are, incorrect, or incomplete at best.

Answer 1

Because they've been indoctrinated since they were born.

In my own personal journey to atheism, it was very, very hard to take that first step. I had gone to a private lutheran school and been taught all about god and jesus and all that. Once I began down the road, I began to ask questions and do research as to how religions start and how they grow.

After several years, I was able to say out loud "There is no god" and really mean it.

Now, I feel so free, I am no longer bound to a make-believe person. I'm still a law abiding person but because I choose to be, not because I fear "hell"

Anyone who decides to look deeply at this has a difficult road, not only the first step but all the other steps, the concept of god is everywhere. Family, Friends, Work, Government.

Answer 2

As an agnostic, that's the cornerstone of my outlook on life. I feel that no one has all the answers and that only with new, concrete evidence (for or against) will any answers be found. So I attempt to keep an open mind and evaluate any new findings or arguments as best I'm able.

Though the above could be considered a belief also. But the fact is, as humans we all believe in something. And no one is going to continue to believe in something they KNOW is wrong. So this means no one feels their personal beliefs are wrong without some outside assistance or new information. The best we can do is remain open to that new information.

Answer 3

ah....a very wise question. I understand the hostility and rudness you probably recieved from this question and it is simply becuase they have low self-esteem. For the most part, people in this world have personal beliefs that are incorrect. And, this statement may be said becasue it is based on fact, not opinion. The people who immedietly turn hostile and rude while questioning their beliefs do so because, believe it or not, they know that they are wrong. If they admit that we are correct in saying their belief is wrong they realize that their entire life they have been wrong and that is a tough pill to swallow. Even if a person becomes rude to you, I always continue my discussion with them because maybe something you say may literally save their life. I am so glad someone is smart out in this world and remember, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything." Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 4

Am not a religious scholar, but bc_munkee I have told many ppl that can come up to me and asked me religious questions, that I dont know all the answer, but bc_munkee if you really wanted the answer to your question you would ask someone that could give it too you, and this is not the place,

Q: Since I know nothing of God, does that make your beliefs correct by default?
or can you admit that you also know nothing of God?

No it shows that I know nothing about God, because you know nothing, If everyone that has answered your question know something about God then you should leave with knowledge weather you believe it or not. I believe in Allah, the real meaning of the word God could be for any diety and more then one.

Answer 5

Because for most, their personal beliefs, especially those about religion, address what they want to believe they are or are aspiring to at their very core... their beliefs give purpose and meaning to themselves and the world around them.

To question the very core of who and what people believe they are or want to be is to question their very existence and faith in a universe that can/does/will make sense on at least some level to some one (or thing).

That's a scary thing to do when you do it on purpose, and an even scarier thing when someone else tries to make you do it.

To look at it another way, why is it so important to you that these people DO admit questions about their personal beliefs? If my system works for me and makes me a better person than I might be and leaves the world a smidge better than when I entered it, does it matter if they were "correct" in the galactic sense? They were correct for ME.

Answer 6

This is a question that my religious department continues to ask. The best answer I have heard so far is that personal beliefs are much more than that. It is easy to see 'personal beliefs' as just the ideas of a person, but it is much deeper than that. It is their "map of reality". It is not just ideas but their entire structure of life that you call into question. To question one's entire world as they know it is practically a declaration of war. Granted some people are more openminded, but if everything you know and believe to be reality is undermined some religion groups will do whatever possible to continue their practice against all reasonable thought. Even if it means killing those that threaten your lifeworld.

Answer 7

I accept that I could be wrong. Not hard at all. However, I know that through my personal research and study that where I am now is what makes the most sense to me personally. If that's wrong than oh well. :-) I'll have to deal with it when I die. (But, I, like everyone else, tends to think that I'm right and I believe in reincarnation -- so it's all good. Of course, I think that everyone else is right to a point as well.) :-)

Blessings and Light!

~RW

Answer 8

Individuals make significant emotional and intellectual investments in their beliefs. To ask them to deny that investment is extremely difficult.
It would be like you asking someone who has been married for 20 years to 'the love of their life' to say that their spouse may not be the right person for them! It's not going to happen. And, they'd think you were being a real jerk for asking.

Get real, and realize what you're asking.

Answer 9

I fear that those who cannot accept that they may be wrong do their religion and God a grave injustice. It perhaps endangers their soul (though you may not believe in the existence of souls). They also do the scientific community injustice by doubting their every move.

They fear that if one thing fall into question it damages the rest. Likely they are proud and/or arrogant in their beliefs.

Answer 10

because if they accepted that they were wrong and shouldn't be living the way they are, they'd have to admit they were wrong (which some are too proud to do!) and then they'll have to change the way they live, act and the things they do...and they don't want to do THAT! my mother also taught me that people slam and discourage others who are right to make themselves feel better (i had a friend who did this to me =( ) i'm sorry they were rude but some people are just too proud!