Isn't black and white thinking frustrating?

Question

I am increasingly frustrated by people in this forum who don't seem to understand that the universe is one big gray area.

It HAS to be EITHER atheism or Christianity, as if those are the only choice.

It HAS to be EITHER evolution or creationism, as if it can't be both (or neither).

It HAS to be either the Bible is innerrant or it's completely wrong; it couldn't be that it's mistake-ridden but with some wisdom.

It HAS to be either a damnation-worthy sin or not a sin at all, as if the circumstances of a specific action have no weight.

Do you people really think this way? Do you really think things are so black and white?

Answer 1

"Black and white" thinking is easy and simple. It does not call for any critical thought or intellectual challenge.

You can simply draw on preconceived formulas, biases, and narrow vision, and you don't have to think too much.

I find that most people tend to take comfort in ignorance, and they often are not interested in learning but are rather more interested in reinforcing what they already believe to be true.

For example, this is why you will find some conservatives only reading or listening to conservative publications and radio shows, while some liberals will only get information from liberal sources.

When you talk about religion, that might be a little different in that a faith is usually absolute for those who practice it.

Over all, the shades of gray that you talk about cause one to really examine issues from all sides, and I just don't think most people are sophisticated enough to engage in that type of critical thinking.

Answer 2

Indeed, black and white thinking, when promoted by someone else, is usually a way to control discussions and limit choices. It's time to realize that.

"Phrase. Denotes a system of thought that predominantly considers things in an "either, or", "right, wrong", "black, white" way, ignoring any subtleties or consideration of third or more alternatives.

In philosophy, this is know as a "bifurcation fallacy".

People who habitually think in this way are usually fairly unintelligent and unimaginative. "

Answer 3

Some things are black and white, no matter how much someone would like them to be grey. Alot of times they are not. When it comes to religion it is a black and white issue. The only time it becomes grey is when people disregard facts. This is why it causes such heated debates. One side wanting to wipe out ignorance and the other wanting it to continue. You can keep believing that their is a grey area, but it will only be wishful thinking on your part!

Answer 4

Black and white is either side of a decision line. Grey is the inability to make a decision. Decisions that are wrong can be corrected. Decisions mean direction; indecision means stagnation. There's nothing you can do with "I can"t decide".

And there are other choices- unless you believe in a "God"; because that is the dictatorship. Man created god in his own image for glory and power. Power doesn't like dissenting opinions; thus religion itself is what insists on being all correct.

There is a higher power; only a fool thinks otherwise. It is not a god or a mirror image of man. It's mother nature, and she doesn't appoint deputy gods on earth to collect money, build temples or wage war in her honor. She does make rules that are working, wether we ignore them or not.

Answer 5

Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher and philosophy begins in wonder.
Plato: Theaetetus, 155

Trappings of a philosopher is inherent in every one of us. Wonder is the catch word. When you wonder, you start to think. Questions, reaching out for an answer through logical reasoning is thinking. The exercise of the mind.

Answer 6

properly at the same time as a white woman dates a black guy some black women would locate it intimidating and wonder if the dude thinks they are no longer strong sufficient or what ever and whena white dude dates a black woman idk yet i imagine its sweet. oh yeah some human beings merely call white chicks that various the time because they could pull a black dude and that i wager black women human beings properly idk yet why the hell are you asking that query any way?

Answer 7

As a follower of Christ, I know that you are either following Christ or following the devil, in whatever way or form that may be.

I do not think that one should accept or reject either evolution or something else, for we are so limited in mind and knowledge.

The original written Dead Sea Scrolls and the original documents of the New Testament are for followers of Christ. . . the word of God, written by His servants, who He moved to do so. I cannot see what fault could be within it. (And I can defend myself as to why)

There are sins that do not lead to death. (As said in the Bible) Note: The meaning of sin is 'to fall short.'


Followers of Christ believe in the Bible. For those unbelievers, I believe we should have an answer to every question. (As said in the Bible) We should be able to explain the hope that we have.

I do not enjoy black and white thinking. I enjoy thinking used with mind and spirit, not just in spirit.

And if one makes a claim or argument, we should educate ourselves. "Test everything. Hold on to the good." -1 Thessalonians 5:21

Answer 8

Who says the shades of gray are right? It's black and white, right and wrong, good and evil.

May God Bless you.

Answer 9

SOOOO TRUE. LISTEN UP PEOPLE, THERE IS MORE THEN JUST ATHEISM AND CHRISTIANITY, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER RELEIGONS. THERE'S MORE THEN JUST THE BIBLE TOO. TO ALL THOSE HUNDREDS OF RELEIGONS, THERE ARE MANY OTHER FAITHS AND BOOKS. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO GET THEIR HEAD STRAIGHT!!! I AM SOOO GLAD THIS PERSON BROUGHT THIS ISSUE UP. I HATE PEOPLE WHO THINK 'BLACK AND WHITE.'

Answer 10

i do not think black or white i think grey that is why i am a independent and not a republican or democrat , i control my own thoughts