Because they have been being indoctrinated since they could talk. If you are pointing out the incredibly vast quantity of fallacies behind their beliefs,you may very well have the facts on your side,but you are way behind the curve in terms of effort. They have years worth of intense indoctrination with which to fight against the few hours a week they spend hearing opposing views on here.
AD
2007-12-21 23:28:11
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I find it interesting that the same generalization keeps being made- that "most" people who are religious have been since they were born or were children. I suppose it makes your argument that they're brainwashed a whole lot easier to defend. What about those of us who did not become "religious" until we were adults? Those of us who did NOT grow up in religious households and found faith through life experiences? I personally have found that my religious beliefs are a bit stronger than those of some of my friends who have grown up in their faith. They're far more willing to "bend" than I am.
2007-12-22 09:03:23
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answer #2
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answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7
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Why bother? Does anyone really want to change their belief system? I do think that any belief system that has not been fully explored and examined is more prone to fanaticism than for those belief systems that have been carefully considered, examined, amended, molded to what the believer most closely holds as his/her truth. I'm unsure that 'brainwashed' is an appropriate term - rather I think that (in my experience) most who adamantly hold to beliefs (without allowing themselves to visit or hear another point of view) have had their belief handed to them by family (or others) through organized religion as 'the only way'. They may feel threatened if someone challenges the belief. It's easier to have a belief given to you than to search out what your soul tells you is your own truth. An examined belief system is comfortable, open to others' points of view, and the believer allows others to believe as they choose.
2007-12-22 08:00:00
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answer #3
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answered by katydid40 1
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Because the indoctrination took place at an early age, when their minds were open to cuddly stories about superhero jesus told to them by their parents and later at Sunday School. When they pass the age of 12 and STILL cling to these beliefs, it is usually too late.
They WANT it all to be true and they do NOT want it to be shown to be a lie.
The only hope for these people is when some of them DO have an open mind and are already harbouring doubts. A quick talk, using logic and common-sense, with scientific facts, can save them from their lives of fantasy BUT, as stated, they must WANT to listen and the bulk of the jesus-freaks are deaf to such suggestions. Too late. The damage has been done. It DOES become a one-way street.
2007-12-22 07:25:20
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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This is a good observation. With regard to Christianity, faith that is based on reason is of no value. Rather, one is to believe with the heart. So, once you get someone who believes with the heart, all hope of reasoning with that person is gone.
Just in case you may be wondering what is the purpose of the mind, I will add this small detail. For the Christian, they are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The purpose of reasoning, simply put, is to figure out what God wants one to do once one become a Christian by believing the message with the heart.
The reason why God does not ask people to use reasoning as a basis for becoming a Christian is that the god of this age blinds the minds of those who do not believe God's truth. The mind is not a unreliable means for knowing truth or becoming a Christian since it is in control of the enemy.
2007-12-22 07:51:16
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answer #5
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answered by HaoShe 2
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Actually it doesn't JUST work one way.
Religiousness being a brain washed thing has it's tendancies to stick. People who believed the world was flat had the same problem... they killed people who noticed the truth actually.
Converting someone takes time, consideration, cold hard facts, and basically trust. You don't know if they'll actually understand or not even if they say they do... it's drilled into them that non logical conditions are logical.
At the same time though, Atheism grows, and not just as the population grows. Some people know the truth but just won't admit it because of family and/or friends.
2007-12-22 07:25:07
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answer #6
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answered by Kren777 3
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A lot were programmed as children with fear of eternal torture if they dare think differently. Every time they hear logic or truth about their religion, that old fear riles up and blocks their ability to think. It's like a PTSD effect. Tis sad. The only thing that will break that is usually a huge crash in life of some sort.
2007-12-22 08:16:26
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answer #7
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answered by American Spirit 7
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I wasn't heavily indoctrinated. My family was only passingly religious.
I became religious by my own choice and am stubborn about it by my own choice and as a result of personal experience with God. I've done tons of research about religion and have changed my views with the facts, but I still remain a believer.
2007-12-22 07:27:16
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answer #8
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answered by 5th Watcher 4
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they are not brain washed they use not only human wisdom but godly wisdom there is a differense between just being physical and a spirtual person----- looking deep in to the bilble each day brings u closer to knowing god and what he wants from u but if u dont read it u are brain washed by the elements of the wickedness of the world so u tell me why cant we reason with ones that have a limt to makeing no sense of there life
2007-12-22 07:29:57
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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I don't have a promise of eternal life or a threat of eternal suffering for believing/not believing the things I say. Also, people don't have to justify to their families and friends the reasons they have for becoming a Christian, but if they leave the cult then they have to deal with all kinds of societal issues, especially here in the states.
Also, It is not my intention at all to brainwash theists out of their delusion. I want people to learn to think for themselves, the rest will take care of itself.
2007-12-22 07:36:50
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answer #10
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answered by AiW 5
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