atheists only- power of suggestion?

Question

How much of a role do you think this plays in the christian faith?

Answer 1

I like your question.

I think suggestion, or influence, is the main reason why most religions are still going. Its easy to understand why someone would WANT to believe, you're indoctrinated by your parents at an early age who reward you for following the religion. Church, sunday school and later most schools and the state drum it into you, and you are accepted and approved if you comply, even better help spread the faith to others. They tell you you're a good person and will ultimately be rewarded. You don't have to feel bad if you do something horrible, god will forgive you. etc.
There's no way that people would believe all this unless they were influenced by others - it defies all logic

Answer 2

It depends on the person. I know you said atheists only, but I couldn't help but be interested in this question. While I'm technically a catholic, I'm against organized religion. Anyway, I think the power of suggestion CAN play a big role, but depends on the overall will-power of the person. Some people are raised christain and remain christian, and some people are raised christian and simply choose to go another way. That's the great thing about free will.

Answer 3

Power of suggestion is different from childhood teaching. Belief in the supernatural is taught from shortly after birth. That's why about ninty-eight percent of religious people follow the religion of the parents. It's burned into their heads so deeply that few convert. Many drop the belief, but few convert to more of the same, under a different name.

Answer 4

60% of the religious experience is probably suggestive. The remaining 40% is probably related to emotional and psychological factors.

If somebody was not raised in that environment or community, and looked at things from a scientific perspective, then it is unlikely that they would have an interest in faith or believing in one religion.

Answer 5

Probably the same role it plays in all religions or the lack there of.

Answer 6

I think indoctrination plays the largest role.

Answer 7

I suppose so. I mostly see it as people who are afraid of death and want easy answers. The bible, a pat on the head and a cookie apparently is enough to get them to forget about how to logically look at life.

Answer 8

well.. for me it was all sex, drugs, rock and roll... and I was perfectly happy and content living as a hedonist!! and then God confronted me personally.... haven't been the same since... He found me, when I NEVER wanted to find Him... I'm glad now He did....

Answer 9

Several cognitive bias that extend well beyond a confirmation bias. (God-> good and Satan->bad type thinking...)

Answer 10

Not much. Pops