Doesn't anyone see the argumentative fallacy in saying that religion just brainwashes you?

Question

Just because some people who follow a religion do so blindly doesn't make the religion false. The idea that the followers of the religion are stupid, therefore the religion is stupid is the "poisoning the well" fallacy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoning_the_well

Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that Christianity or any other religion is right, but there are a lot of people on here who think poorly of religion simply because of the followers. The same idea applies to the leaders of the religion until you go to a religion's original author (or authorS in the case for Christianity, which greatly enhances its credibility), in which case you can look at circumstantial evidence.

So, when responding, I guess the question is whether or not I am right in saying this.

Answer 1

perhaps you are miscontruing their negativity... maybe they are trying to talk the less sophisticated adherents into a more sophisticated understanding of their religion

presumably this is better; it is at least less offensive. it should be closer to actually becoming atheist+agnostic, as any application of logic towards understanding religion is good practice.

Answer 2

I don't give a monkey's what the followers are like. I read the claims and accept or dismiss them on the grounds of evidence as I am sure does every atheist on here.

I will also think poorly of a religion if believers act badly in its name, but that has nothing to do with the truth of its claims.

Answer 3

However any particular follower of Abrahamic religion might act is not relevant to this question. I only care that someone would believe something with the amazing number of inconsistencies, fallacies, absurdities and contradictions the Bible (and Quran) has. That's enough to call them brainwashed or question their intelligence.

Answer 4

What if it's not just the followers, but the leaders of the religion? I have trouble with Christianity because most of its leaders are authoritarian and controlling over their followers' lives. And the beliefs of the religion support following your leaders (even if they are this way).

Answer 5

I do not have a problem at all with believers believing whatever it is they choose to believe. Believe in god, have faith in your higher power, read the bible or whatever book applies.

It's when it is organized into "religion" that it gets ugly. Religion organizes the people and once organized, someone has to lead. I've known some fine pastors in my life, but mostly, I've known shameless men who want nothing more than to manipulate their congregations by using fear and god's word to bring in money and keep people afraid.

So... faith, good... religion, bad. It has less to do with individuals or "followers" as you put it, but with the BUSINESS of religion itself.

Answer 6

Followers are the ones who created religions. Google: "Constantine Bible". Check it out.

Also, why was the Library at Alexandria burnt to the ground around the same time as Constantine's rule? Check that one out too.

Answer 7

THOUSANDS OF RELIGIONS

Does any one of the religions make a claim that any of the others are correct?

Christian means to know the bible, the disciples studied with Jesus three years to try and get all the knowledge they needed.

Answer 8

Hey, everyone! Look! It's an atheist who's familiar with the concept of "tact"! :P

Brainwashing can be interpretted from either side of the spectrum. One could argue that religious parents try to brainwash their children to believe in God from a very early age, while someone else could argue that the liberal media and every college in America is brainwashing our youth that anything Christian is utterly vile.

Answer 9

I think you are totally right in saying this
We are are human and as a follower of faith we are bound to make flaws even when the idea we try to follow is pure and righteous in itself.

AWESOME REALIZATION!!! :)

I SUPPORT YOUR INTELLIGENCE