do experiments in conformity worry christians?

Question

there is an experiment where a group of subjects are asked to determine which line from a choice of 4 - is the shortest. However all but one of the subjects are in on the experiment and give obviously wrong answers.

The interesting thing that has been discovered is that the test subject will often give an incorrect answer rather than openly disagree with the rest of the group. This happens about 30% of the time.

This seems to indicate that at some deep psychological level, humans need to conform with those aroind them. This could explain why people born in predominantly muslim countries are more likely to become muslims and why those born in predominantly christian countries are more likely to become christian.

Isnt this good evidence against christianity and islam and all other organised religions?

Answer 1

No Christians don't worry. We have no need to.

Answer 2

NO...what about people who become Christians inspite of the norm around them. Look at communist China or any other country where it is illegal to become a Christian. People have been killed for their faith. Why would someone who has a deep psychological need to conform to the norm go against it even at the risk of losing their life.

What concerns us is the opposite. The research you mention would also suggest to me that a person will conform the other way. If a person who predominnately grew up around athiests they would become atheists because they are made to believe that being anything else other than an athiests would be conceeding their ability to use reason and logic. On the same token your reasoning would also state that a child who grew up in a homosexual environment would become homosexual themselves. I know people will find that last statement offensive, but I think you understand the point I am making.

So no this isn't good evidence against religon. Its generalized statements on a person's wanting to be accepted by the group and their willingness to do what it takes for that acceptance so in that respect I do agree that it shows a persons need to conform. Everyone is guilty of this no matter what their background is, but I think if you truely study and understand what it means to be a "true" Christian you would see that the reason people accept Jesus in their lives is not because of their wanting to be accepted.. The Bible even states that when we accept Jesus into our lives we will face trials and tribulation.

Answer 3

Hi aurora,

Psychology experiments are quite different from what people believe. The first rule of psychology is that correlation does not imply causality. In other words first of all studies do show that people can be influenced, but there are a number of factors and you have to look at your subjects.

With that said, i think your views are quite unfounded and unsupported. It is less likely the country and more likely the upbringing from the parents. However, as we look at America that is supposedly 80% Christian i think as we see morality and ask people what they believe and how it affects their life i think we'll find that American is by no means a Christian nation.

Hope that helps,

Nickster

Answer 4

I think the answer to that question is simply culture and lack of exposure to other beliefe systems rather than conformity. Once a person has decided what they believe--often at a young age if they are in a country or family with a predominant belief system--other options become more difficult to take it, as the mind tends to set its neuron patterns early.

Answer 5

Not exactly. This is good evidence that man is a social animal, that the approval of the group is important to us. But even though I'm anti-religious, I would not use the results of a single experiment as proof of my assertion that religion is a bad thing. You'll need more than that.

It's a good start, though.

Answer 6

No this is just good evidence that peer pressure is very important in determining behavoir.

You don't need to construe it as evidence against any religion. If you want to question a religion all you have to do is ask for proof God is real. Of course there is none.

Answer 7

I think it's a strong argument against religion, however, you do know that there aren't just Christians in Christianity and not just Muslims in Islam...there's all sorts of divisions and beliefs.

I believe there are thinkers and true believers in any religion but the majority of adherents are the simplistic followers you speak of who just go with the flow and do not think for themselves.

Answer 8

people, generally, are filled with fear, and will do anything to assuage it. giving up independence and freedom for alleged security, is very popular. just look at what's happening in the U S right now. the admin. just keeps pumping fear generating propaganda, etc. into the population, and they become easily manipulated sheep. always works. being an independent individuated being with courage is a major breakthrough in a human life.

Answer 9

In this world, to conform is to not believe in God. So, you may be right in what you say, I have seen such a test. However, it does not explain why people become Christians, They are moving in opposition to conformity. They are rebelling. The test, in your terms, explains why people conform to atheism, secularism, materialism, prejudice, bigotry and so on.

Answer 10

This is not conclusive. how many times was the study repeated? how were the the subjects chosen?

besides, 30% is far from a majority, so furhter investigation is sorely needed before any scientific conclusion can have validity on this topic.

Answer 11

It might be for them but not for any one that has truly been touched by the masters hand /,john 3:3 Unless a man be born again he can not enter the kingdom of heaven ....The things of God are foolishness to them who live in the dark