Why do so many people believe that ALL Christians/other religious people are brainwashed?

Question

While some of us may be brainwashed, it's kind of immature to assume that if a person is religious, it's because they were brainwashed to be that way.

So why do some people believe that, even when there are many people who disprove that "rule"?

Funny, I don't believe that people of other religions are brainwashed. I don't believe that atheists are brainwashed either.

Answer 1

Because it is easier for everyone to Stereotype than to see that there are individuals.

Answer 2

It's silly really. I find it to be a particularly weak statement.

Dorland's Medical Dictionary defines brainwashing (also known as thought reform or re-education) as "any systematic effort aimed at instilling certain attitudes and beliefs in a person against his will, usually beliefs in conflict with his prior beliefs and knowledge."

Most people go into their faith willingly. Yes, some people have not studied the mechanics of their faith. Or perhaps its origins. They just accept it.

That's not brainwashing. That's a sort of spiritual illiteracy if you ask me. A GREAT many people in my own faith are spiritually illiterate. So don't think for one minute that I am pointing fingers. I'm not.

People love a faith for the same reason they love a tennis shoe. Because it appeals to them. That's not brainwashing. It's sweet. It's simple. It's love.

I can just hear the birds twittering...

Answer 3

I think brainwashing is not an appropriate term. Most religious people are brought up in that same religion. In sociology you know that agents of socialization teach what is the truth. The most trouble is that a lot of people blindly believe their religion without question. Then these ppl aren't thinking for themselves, what do you call that?

Answer 4

Because the media tends only to cover the ignorant, extremist religious members. The ones who march around chanting 'GOD HATES FAGS' are far more interesting than the ones who contribute at nursery homes or feed the homeless.

From personal experience, I find that a lot of the religious folks I know, unfortunately, are of that 'brainwashed' variety. The sad truth is that many STRONGLY religious people resign to blind faith as opposed to rational faith, practicing the letter and not the spirit.

Answer 5

hi, i have been told that i brainwashed because of my Christianity by family my friend think so also but you know what from the way i was all messed up to now i needed to have my brainwashed and very often. i think that people want to make excuses for thing they don't understand and are afraid to try. so it is not an issues with in me but with in the person that makes statements of that sort. be happy that God has washed your brain!!!!!!!

Answer 6

People like people who believe the same kinds of things that they do.If they are agnostics,they hang around other agnostics,if they're atheists,they hang out with other atheists.It is coming to a point that there are lesser and lesser christians in this world,especially in the United States than at any other time in the history of this nation.But,in a way,that is to be expected,because we have lost our way.Jesus said,"I am the way,the truth and the life."With the
ACLU removing prayers from our public arenas,and Darwinists teaching evolution,is there any wonder that people think christians are brain-washed,because we don't think like they do? "And I saw satan fall from heaven,and he knew that he only had a short time."Satan is alive and well on planet Earth!He is doing his thing,fooling millions into believing that there is no God.Stand your ground,let them think that we are brain-washed,and as softly as possible,love them and pray for them.God will reward those who stand until the end.

Answer 7

Because everyone is born without "religious" belief. You are usually taught from your parents as soon as you are able to form a thought - that's brainwashing. Those who follow along even after other ideas worthy of at least listening to are presented and ignored, are sheep, happy to follow the path which is proven to be riddled with hypocrisy and falsity. You should be thankful you are being given such an easy out ... would you really like it to be known that you are just a closed-minded hypocritical jerk?

The only ones afraid, are those who follow without seeing. Those who see and speak up about it, those who know it is indeed brainwashing herd mentality, have nothing to fear because they have already decided to break free and use their minds.

Answer 8

everyone is a product of their upbringing, and later of their environment. therefore, everyone is taught to think a certain way. if that way does not agree with yours, then they will call the unfamiliar way of thought "brainwashing." people are "brainwashed" to do everything from believing in religion to using a toilet instead of doing your business out in the backyard.

Answer 9

Truthfully? I think most people are afraid of Christians because we know the truth. We have a relationship with
God that they don't have. They also don't want to know the truth because they want to live by their own rules. They also think that Christians are "wimps" because we depend on God for everything. But they don't know how hard it is to be a Christian in such an evil world. That's their loss and we need to just pray for them.

Answer 10

there is something call freedom of religion in the us that states that NO ONE can tell you what religion to believe in here lately people have been trying to put other religions down there is an easy way todeal with it if people don't like the religion they should not participate in it as far as being brain washed think of religions that declare jihad and are stupid enough to blow themselves upto change things everyone needs something to look foward to in the end some look to god others to ala some to nothing i am a cristian and proud of it if i do not expect everyone else to like but its the way i believe

Answer 11

U know it's funny how the word brainwash is used. To me anything washed gets cleaned but because of all the lies and religious junk in the minds of people, i'll be the first to admit we are braindirtied.