What do most people mean by free thinking (besides what can be implied by the words)? Why do people say that Christian belief discourages it? Is it just that some strict sects of it try to keep people from real thought?
I mean learning isn't contrary to thinking. If we learn more, one can argue that it makes our thoughts make more sense and our logic lead to more correct conclusions. Why can't learning about God be good for the thought process?
I ask because for me, being a Christian has encouraged me to think more deeply about things, explore more, ask more questions out of life....
2007-03-22 09:37:08 · 12 answers · asked by peacetimewarror 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would consider you a free-thinker if you have made your religious choice based on what you truly believe and you also tolerate and encourage the free-thought of others whose beliefs are unlike yours.
2007-03-22 09:46:46 · answer #1 · answered by l m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free thinking is having the ability to consider information based on its own evidence without any attachment to the outcome.
When you can openly view data without a predisposition of thought only then can you see what is. When you get to the point of none attachment to what your origins maybe you can then follow the path of absolute truth and still be open other truths.
The data that we are discovering in this modern time is challenging the very core of our planets very belief systems. The masses are being spoon fed this information because they tend to be very panicky individuals when their beliefs systems are no longer valid.
The religious minded will be the hardest hit thus become societies most dangerous opposition to real change.
2007-03-22 17:04:37 · answer #2 · answered by T-Rex 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not having someone or an organization tell you how to think and how and why you should believe and not believe.
Just look at the catholic church 500 years ago, they discouraged the idea that the sun was the center of our solar system and now 500 years later they have come around and admit it was a mistake, but during that time free thinking was discouraged especially when it came to religion.
2007-03-22 16:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by independant_009 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Free thinking when talking about religion generally refers to being able to come to your own conclusions without having someone or something else tell you what to believe. Christianity is based on the Bible. God said this, God wants that. Christians are taught that the Bible is God's word and that they can not stray from it.
That isn't exactly free thinking. You may think about what you are taught, but you aren't given the opportunity to question or disbelieve. The questions you may ask are based on what you have been taught is true - not on your own observations and conclusions.
2007-03-22 16:45:07 · answer #4 · answered by Sun: supporting gay rights 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Free thinking in religion is usually never encouraged outside of the doctrines of the faith. Most religious orders are happy to have a person learn more of the faith, but nothing outside of it.
Christian doctrine states that the bible is the infallible word of God and that everything else is false. That just doesn't leave room for individual thinking.
2007-03-22 16:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A free thinker is someone who is not restricted or prevented from researching and accepting new ideas.
Religion by nature is a static belief system and does not allow for change.
Reality is dynamic, and human knowledge is ever expanding. Free thought, or the acceptance of new information is the enemy of all static beliefs; i.e. religion.
2007-03-22 16:51:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very accurate description of FreeThought.
Freethought is a philosophical viewpoint that holds that beliefs should be formed on the basis of science and logical principles and not be comprised by authority, tradition, or any other dogma. The cognitive application of freethought is known as freethinking, and practitioners of freethought are known as freethinkers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freethought
2007-03-22 16:41:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Freethinkers are people who reject authority or dogmas the society expects followers to have. Freethinkers usually have no dogmas supressing their thoughts and thus can think with no pressure from society. Usually, its the freethinkers that criticize everything in order to learn and progress while religions tend to supress your criticism and expects you to simply follow.
2007-03-22 16:47:21 · answer #8 · answered by Maikeru 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Free thinking imo means not being tied down to absolutes about religion.
2007-03-22 16:42:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Free thinking is where you make your own decisions w/o any regard to religious doctrines, teachings etc.
Religion has a tendency to be dictatorial. You are supposed to follow the teachings of it (whichever one you follow) without question.
2007-03-22 16:42:05 · answer #10 · answered by nycguy10002 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋