Why do religions teach you it's wrong to think for yourself?

Question

Each religion seems to say that we must believe everything they "hand to us" without questioning it. They claim their interpretations, instructions, and beliefs come directly from God. And people believe this, even when these things differ from religion to religion. Each religion claims that only "their way" is the "right way". What about this: if God really is our Creator, and He resides inside of each of us, why then, can't we trust what our hearts (where He resides, and where he speaks to us from) is telling us about what is right and wrong? Why shouldn't we question what we hear (if it feels "wrong"?) when it comes from others? Is it not right to question what MAN tells us is divinely inspired? We have a "direct line to God" right here inside of us...and people do not listen. They listen to (and follow) what other MEN say they should.....and no one seems to think for themselves....they blindly follow....right off the path of real enlightenment. Your thoughts please?

EDIT: Thanks to all for your thoughtul answers. I just want to clarify: I'm speaking of Christian religions here. I don't know much about Buddhism or other religions...but it's fascinating to hear all of your responses!

Answer 1

A lot of religions do this, I'm not sure why. But thousands of years ago, life was different--women were ruled by man unjustly, and man was ruled the same way by kings and emporers. So religion was created in a many instances where you *had* to listen to your leader. It was just one of those things instilled in people. If you didn't listen to a king, off with your head. And if you didn't listen to the leader of your religion, you could be killed or thrown out of the community.

Fortunately, we can choose to believe what we want to (at least in the US) so we're not bound bythat. We are allowed to think freely and to question or beliefs. Some think the ability to question is wrong, and others use it to strengthen their faith. I have my own beliefs and to me they are right--even if someone tells me that I am wrong I know my personal path. And I have freedom of will, choice, and the freedom to question everything.

Answer 2

Because religion is population control . You make the people fear something and they conform. a good example is telling the American people that a terrorist threat is looming. Keep the people on the edge and they conform. If there really IS a God he'd would be more upset with the people who run these churches instead of the followers. They use god and Jesus as tools to get money and commitment from the masses. Ever notice how people involved with the church tend to "look down" on those who either don't go to church or go to a different church? Its a superiority issue. My gods right you're wrong deal with it. Watch a movie called "Jesus Camp". You won't believe what you are watching.


BTW all these different religions worship the same "God". Just different interpretations of him. sounds silly doesn't it? then again its all a business venture anyway. Want to make good money quick? Start your own church. And if anyone questions your "God". Threaten them with eternal damnation. It works everyitme.


This is one of the best questions I've ever seen on here. Good job!!!

Answer 3

Regardless of what a religion teaches, those who choose to follow the religion either lack the ability or are too weak to think for themselves. The fact of the matter is that nobody knows the answer to the "mystery of life" and we are all left to wonder. Those who feel they must know the answer find a religion to hide in. Those of us who are comfortable with not knowing all the answers reject religion because we see it for what it is; an attempt to answer the questions that cannot be answered, no matter how absurd.

Answer 4

Er, no, not all religions have that attitude. In most NeoPagan faiths, there is a lot of emphasis on self-determination and personal experience of Deity -- there are no "prophets" and no one is considered to be the only way to access the Divine presence. Many NeoPagan faiths also teach that there are many paths to Deity; therefore, all religions are potentially valid ways of accessing the sacred.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking that everyone else is just like Christianity...

Answer 5

Actually you are making really big generalizations without knowledge which pretty much defines ignorance. Biblical christianity constantly teaches to prove all things and hold on to those things that you have evidence of as being good. It also says never to put faith in any person but examine what they say first to see if it holds up. Never in the bible did Christ go up to someone and say do what I say or else. In fact each time Christ would present his arguments and left it up to the individual to decide for himself which way to follow. If this isnt the promotion of a free mind then what is

Answer 6

My religion doesn't teach me anything other then to think for myself.

All of what you just wrote is called "advice" Yes I go for advice through religious leaders, Family members and friends.

Because I ask for advice does that mean I don't think for myself?

Actually that makes me a better person. Instead of trusting my own instinct which can be very wrong at times because of basic human emotions, I ask for advice on how to handle things that are hard in my life. I get different perspectives. That helps me make the righ decision. What I feel is right anyways.

Do I always follow my pastors advice? No. Do I occasionally? Yes I do.

In my own life and in my experiences, My the advice I take from my pastors always ends up being the right way.

Thinking for yourself doesn't mean your always right. It is being mature enough to know that your not perfect and that sometimes we need guidance for loved ones. Thats what my religion teaches, Well that is what I take from it anyways. Because I am a strong woman who thinks for herself and I dont always look for something wrong, rather find whats right in ever not so perfect situation.

Answer 7

Buddhism teaches that the Buddah took a path and found enlightenment. It also teaches us that everyone must find his/her own path. Seek your path, whether it be that one that Buddah took or some other one. There are many roads to enlightenment. Some find it in Jesus, others in Allah, still others yet in chocolate donuts (the Homer Simpson doctrine). Look around you. Go with your heart and your mind.

Answer 8

Much of religion is based on control. If the members began to think for them self control would be lost, and eventually the religion would be gone or at least reshaped. In order to insure it's future religion must fill it members with guilt, fear, and shame. This is done by controlling what the members think.

Answer 9

Sure question God go ahead most answers God will provide for us but as Believers "We do not lean on our own understandings" But Christians that I know they have had experiences and I have too and once that happens we dig into the Word and that is where God helps us understand Him and His way of doing things. I am allowed to do whatever I want. And we go to church to fellowship,encourage and come together to worship and praise God. That is what I can say about my church. Others I wouldn't know.

Answer 10

The Xian hierarchy wants your complete devotion as well as all your money but if you question any part (their authority or the books that give it to them) you could open your eyes to the truth and realise The Invisible Sky Critter is no more than a mass delusion.
It's only unadulterated children who say: The emperor has no clothes.

Xianity is about Power and Money; 'they' want it all to themselves.