Shouldn't religion be open to investigation, study and criticism just like any other human phenomenon?

Answer 1

Yes, it should. We study human psychology, emotion, behavior, and physiology, so why not religion? Religion shouldn't be exempt from study and criticism. Far as I'm concerned, we already criticize each other's religions as it is, so why not do so academically? The way I see it, religion could probably tell us a LOT about human psychology, especially that of people in ancient times.

There's also the possibility of historical data that can be taken from religion, too. After all, if not for religion, we probably wouldn't have found the mythical city of Troy, we wouldn't have gone hunting for things like the Holy Grail, lots of archaological discoveries that we probably wouldn't have hunted for had it not been so important to religion. Things that were hinted at in religious texts were sometimes greatly expanded on once such a discovery has been made.

The only way we can truly understand religion or anything else is by investigating, studying, and criticizing it until we discover the truth. After all, a lot of religions claim to be about "the truth", so why stop criticism just because something's holy? The truth'll never be found if we don't search for it.

Answer 2

It is open to study.... And many do. There are intellectuals in any religion I'm sure. I know that Christianity has. There are so many books by people who are studying what is called Apologetics. They are reasonable minded people that are seeking to either defend or refute the faith.

Right now a group has put out a video series on this subject called The Truth Project. CS Lewis was not a Christian all his life and later wrote incredible books studying Christianity. Mere Christianity is one that looks at the basics of what the Bible actually says about how we should live. Lee Strobel was an athiest that sought to disprove Jesus and went about his investigation in a way similar to the way lawyers would seek info for a trial. He ended up finding the proof for Jesus and becoming a Christian. He has written a few books based on what he learned. Josh McDowell wrote Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

Many people are studying to prove or disprove religion. Christianity at least is open to it. I don't know if other religions are. Just because an individual can't answer doesn't mean the the whole "religion" can't answer.

Answer 3

The key here is human phenomenon. Religion as a human invention needs to be open to criticism.
If a collection of books claims divine inspiration, then a qualifying factor is, do the prophecies come true? If they do, and I only know of one bible that meets that qualification, the holy bible, then the claims and laws within must be accepted as the word of God.
To disobey the commands of a Holy God and think there will be no eternal consequences, is the epitome of foolishness.

Answer 4

Of course it is open to investigation. We are doing it in a small way in this forum. Since you are lucky enough to live in the western world, it should be easy for you to see. Thank God that you are not in the Middle East. Then you would see what investigation and criticism will get you.

Answer 5

Probably not. Is your love for your parents or wife "open to investigation, study and criticism just like any other human phenomenon"?

You see, not everything works that tidy way, imho.

Answer 6

I think so. There is nothing wrong with investigating studying and critically examining religion. My friends and I do it all the time. I really enjoy our discussions.

Answer 7

It is and has been for quite some time now.You have people on one side trying to disprove the Holy Bible,and on the other side people trying to prove the bible.
Islam is different.The higher up's you have to get permission from(I'm assuming some government body in Saudi Arabia),will not let scholars and archaeologists critique the Koran.Why?I don't have an answer for that.

Answer 8

Religionists should in fact demand that their beliefs are scrutinised and challenged-if they have validity they will stand regardless of any criticism and if they are exposed as myth then it is illogical to adhere to them. They are however guilty of moral cowardice and intellectual dishonesty-they fear criticism, which is why I have a very low opinion of institutionalised religion. It's a charade.

Answer 9

I guess there have been circumstances when some "religion" did not like someone prying into certain things. Nowadays, it seems most religions make themselves open to the general public.

Answer 10

And it isn't open to investigation? Maybe in some Asian countries it isn't, but in the vast majority of the world no one is being forced to adopt any religion, and no one should be compelled to maintain a religion or have forced attrition.