If you were to ask a Christian why they are Christian they would probobaly spout off some answer that they heard from church because they have more or less been programed to do it. In several studies it has been confirmed that many Christians have actually been brainwashed into believing what is told to them by their family and church. If someone is constantly told from birth thay they must believe in God or they will be punished eternally of course they will believe because they are too frightened to think otherwise. Eventually this becomes so natural to them that they it actully becomes imprinted into their mind so they cannot question it. This is how cults and kidnappers brainwash their victims. THey consistently tell them that if they do not believe them or do as they say then they will be punished until sub conscienously they cannot think against it.
2007-03-30 16:38:58 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Brainwash is a little harsh, but i feel they are influenced.
2007-03-30 16:41:37 · answer #1 · answered by gorsi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually a person grows in a relationship with God and eternal punishment becomes a non-factor because Christ redeems them. I laugh at your brainwashing idea. A Christian is trained to watch for false teachers and most would never turn to a cult. I have been a Christian since 1956 and still question things about my faith. I am in Bible college and have questions all the time. That is how I learn, and how I know the truth.
2007-03-30 16:44:51 · answer #2 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were to ask an atheist why they are atheist they would probably spout off some answer that they were told by someone or something they heard or read. Kinda like brainwashed, according to your definition of brainwashed.
I had never read the Bible, was not attending a church, hadn't been in a church for many many years (except weddings) and did not understand anything during the short time I was attending. Just was made to go. In fact, I just could not conceive of the whole God thing. Didn't make sense.
Then, out of nowhere, with no ones encouragement, with no one speaking, He found me. I was as surprised as anyone. Hope He finds you one day, it will flat-out open your eyes and your mind.
2007-03-30 16:53:55 · answer #3 · answered by howdigethere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In that sense, we are ALL brainwashed by our environments. There are only two possibilities: either there exists something supernatural, or there doesn't. NEITHER side has enough information to conclusively support their arguments. Neither side actively seeks to investigate fully the evidence the other purports to have.
How many atheists have really considered evidence of reincarnation? How many atheists have "sought god" with an open mind?
On the other hand, how many fundamentalist Christians have truly listened to reason regarding science and the age of the Earth, rather than simply echoing what they might have heard from a preacher in a church. Complex organs do not disprove evolution. Darwin himself addressed this issue early on.
Perhpas there is a dichotomy between faith and reason that really doesn't need to exist.
2007-03-30 16:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Christianity is a result of brainwashing, then how do you explain the conversion experience of people who did not grow up in Christian homes. When I answer questions about my faith, I use scripture that I have personally studied. My knowledge comes from prayer and reading. I have attended church and I listen to the message and check the message against what the Bible says. If they are the same, then I include that information with what I know. If they are not the same I do not return to that church. It is unfair to group all Christians into one large group and make wild assumptions about their beliefs.
I do agree however that there are many people who claim the label of Christian and do not truly understand what they are saying; these are the people who could fit into the category you have offered.
2007-03-30 16:47:58 · answer #5 · answered by future dr.t (IM) 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian... and I have never been brainwashed. Many Christians today, me being one of them, don't even attend a church on a regular basis. Church attendance is not a requirement to be a Christian. I believe in God because I asked his son to come into my life and he did. He was worked many miracles in my life. He is my Lord and my best friend. This is a first hand relationship, not something told to me by someone else. I guess you'd have to be there.
2007-03-30 16:44:28 · answer #6 · answered by disciple 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOPE! Ask me why Im a Christian... and I will tell you that I have strayed and tested the waters. But through my relationship with Jesus Christ I have been "set free." My mind has changed... I think different... my priorities are different. I have a peace that I have never known, in my life. I now know that Jesus does love me, that He would die so that I can live. There is no greater love than that. I have seen miracles happen at the call of the name Jesus Christ. I have seen situations turn around. I have seen people change. I have changed. My shame has gone away... my past does not hold me anymore. I have truly been set free. There could be no other... but Him... my faith is strengthened everyday. I am living proof that the love of Jesus Christ is real!
Im not brainwashed. I am persuaded!
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2007-03-30 16:48:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should take the time to know some Christians before you just talk about them. There are more Christians attending college than atheists, so you should check the brainwashing non-theory. As a matter of fact, you just spewing your opinion, and other atheists just shaking their non-thinking heads in agreement seems alot like brainwashing.
2007-03-30 16:46:18 · answer #8 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
True Christian belief stems from personal relationship with the creator. It is an experience of the spirit which is made alive when one is born again. It is experiential to be sure and is difficult at best to share with those who are blind to the things of God and the understanding of spiritual experiences. It has nothing to do with cultism or brainwashing and everything to do with personal revelation through soverign and divine intervention by grace.
2007-03-30 16:53:31 · answer #9 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not brain washed. My brain is clean, doesn't need a washing. However, I do believe strongly in the Christian faith. It is not because I am an autotron and follow blindly. In fact, quite the opposite. I consider myself highly intellectual and have researched many of the world religions. It makes perfect logic and sense what is taught in Christianity. Therefore, I CHOOSE to believe, on my own free will and accord.
2007-03-30 16:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by Kerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you love your parents because they brainwashed you your entire life? Same concept. I choose to love and trust God. I wasn't brainwashed into it. Fear of eternal life in Hell is not the same as being a christian--by a long shot. Feel free to question my beliefs, but don't insult my intelligence.
2007-03-30 16:50:03 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋