How does someone get to a point where they obey without question? Why can't people think outside the box? What about cults whose members have obviously given up their freewill for ego and security? I'm looking for psychological answers only.
2006-10-13 14:32:15 · 10 answers · asked by Xo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Human beings are always looking for a leader. Most people believe themselves to be independent minded but very few are. When blended into the masses they do their best to conform in one way or another. That makes human agenda very impressionable with little to no consistency. The person who looks and sounds the most appealing or the strongest of two or more choices is always selected. People can't stand to govern themselves. It is how religion works. Religion is most often an establishment made for and by humans who have come to terms with how easy it is to sway the masses. It has nothing to do with GOD, but as long as they can get up on a podium and pretend to be in touch with the deity of their choice, religious officials know their authority is secured.
2006-10-13 14:43:33 · answer #1 · answered by Rick R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Psychological answers are exactly what you need before attending any of these so called churches--they are designed to break down a mind and reconstruct it inside of two hours--especially if the victim is having a rough time and vulnerable--I have visited them, and seen the pattern, it involves a lot of hugging, kind words and the first thing the victim usually does is cry--the crowd repeats these 'mantras' like "Its okay, we love you, your old life is behind you, nothing matters, we care"--after their initial meltdown and tears comes jazzy music and cheering, hugging and lots of petting, caressing, touching-- to give the victim an endorphine rush, which they call being filled with the spirit--luckily they can reproduce these psychological effects every time these people come to the church, because that is the only reason they return--the sense of belonging, cameraderie, acceptance--I've gone to these things, and even knowing full well what psychologicla tricks are being pulled, I have had to walk out because they were getting to me. Those old cults of the eighties had nothing on these "religions"
2006-10-13 16:30:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a very religious person and I don't obey without question.
Most religions (but not mine) do have their members follow them blindly because the clergy like control (and money) and the members, ahtough they don't know it, like to be controlled and feel secure.
But the purpose of religion is not to have people obey without question, even though it ends up being that way most of the time. You have to believe and prove to yourself that what they are telling you is true. And if you don't believe it, you help others who are associated with you to reach the right conclusion. That way you stay united, and no one is being misled.
2006-10-13 14:50:48 · answer #3 · answered by Nothin wrong 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's easy to make people think that to become part of the community, they have to conform with the rest of the group, and if the group follows a strong leader, then they're inclined to do his will collectively solely because everyone else is. It's a phenomenon called group-think, and it really is a very powerful force that can explain why a lot of religions endure and grow.
2006-10-13 14:36:12 · answer #4 · answered by Wonder Weirdo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The religion I had as a child & young person says that god gave us the power of choice. So I think some people obey without question so when things go wrong they don't have to own it. Just think, if you don't have control over your own life & things go bad it has nothing to do with what you did or didn't do. IT WAS GOD'S WILL!!!!!!!!! ~;}
2006-10-13 14:45:25 · answer #5 · answered by ancestorhorse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They obey because doing so honestly makes sense to them.
Being in tune with reality, and with yourself, is only one of many ways to go about life. The human mind is susceptible to coming to many different sorts of erroneous conclusions. The thing about incorrect conclusions is that, for the unpracticed, uneducated mind, they feel exactly the same as correct ones.
Sticking with reality is probably the best way to go, but not the most common way, not by far.
2006-10-13 14:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by extton 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It brings to mind animals...alpha male, people A type personality. Some, seem to have minds that need to be dominated or led by another. And they are caught in a feeling of losing their grasp on what they want so desperately to believe. So, if a leader type comes along, with the beliefs the weaker ones want, they will be attracted to the leader and follow
2006-10-13 14:37:32 · answer #7 · answered by TCFKAYM 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel there could be a level of low self-esteem involved in that type of mentality. When they don't think much of themselves they are easy pickings for someone who likes to control. Then, in the same vein the person with low self-esteem is getting attention they crave to boost their ego even if they are told exactly what to do at every given moment. It's a vicious cycle because it feeds upon itself.
2006-10-13 14:36:37 · answer #8 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone needs to believe in something. It provides comfort. And everyone has faith in something. It might not be God, per se, for everyone.
2006-10-13 14:43:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Islam asks you to think.
and it doesn't ask you to believe in things your mind does not comprehend.
like three gods in one and one in three.
2006-10-13 14:34:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋