Brainwashed ...

[StuartJ]

Brainwashing (also known as mind control, menticide, coercive persuasion, thought control, thought reform, and re-education) is the concept that the human mind can be altered or controlled by certain psychological techniques.

Brainwashing is said to reduce its subject’s ability to think critically or independently,[1] to allow the introduction of new, unwanted thoughts and ideas into the subject’s mind,[2] as well as to change his or her attitudes, values, and beliefs.[3][4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing

Is this an accurate description of religion ...?

[bjs]

Brainwashing (also known as mind control, menticide, coercive persuasion, thought control, thought reform, and re-education) is the concept that the human mind can be altered or controlled by certain psychological techniques.

Brainwashing is said to reduce its subject’s ability to think critically or independently,[1] to allow the introduction of new, unwanted thoughts and ideas into the subject’s mind,[2] as well as to change his or her attitudes, values, and beliefs.[3][4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brainwashing

Is this an accurate description of religion ...?

Is it an accurate description of atheism?

[ElCodeMonkey]

[Replying to post 1 by StuartJ]

Wow, that really might be. Although, it is likely also true for any group we might belong to. When we identify with any group it quickly causes us to justify the groups actions rather than think critically about them and cognitive dissonance will take over because our identities get wrapped up in the groups. In such a way, is anyone not brainwashed?

[StuartJ]

[Replying to post 2 by bjs]

Is it an accurate description of atheism?

No.

Those of us who are Atheists by intent are the LEAST likely to be brainwashed by ANY belief system: from Christianity, to Fascism, to Communism, to any group-belonging huddle of leader-worshiping sheeple.

And besides ...

We are far too fond of wallowing in our sin.

[ttruscott]

Is this an accurate description of religion ...?

How could anyone ever leave such a thought controlling situation?

[Kenisaw]

[Replying to post 1 by StuartJ]

Wow, that really might be. Although, it is likely also true for any group we might belong to. When we identify with any group it quickly causes us to justify the groups actions rather than think critically about them and cognitive dissonance will take over because our identities get wrapped up in the groups. In such a way, is anyone not brainwashed?

I'd have to agree with this. We are all guilty of things like confirmation bias for example. It takes quite the effort to remain open to new information and allow one's viewpoint to be changed. We are all brainwashed at some level when you stop and think about it.

[Wootah]

[Replying to post 2 by bjs]

Is it an accurate description of atheism?

No.

Those of us who are Atheists by intent are the LEAST likely to be brainwashed by ANY belief system: from Christianity, to Fascism, to Communism, to any group-belonging huddle of leader-worshiping sheeple.

And besides ...

We are far too fond of wallowing in our sin.

Is this evidence of being brain washed? Complete certainty is a marker right?

Also for the record, accusing others of being brain washed, even when posed as a question is uncivil.

[StuartJ]

Anecdotally

It seems to me that when brainwashing is successful, those who are brainwashed are quite convinced that they must remain loyal to the system ...

No matter how much evidence is piled against the system ...

No matter how little evidence supports the system ...

No matter how preposterous and perverse the tenets of the system.

[Wootah]

Anecdotally

It seems to me that when brainwashing is successful, those who are brainwashed are quite convinced that they must remain loyal to the system ...

No matter how much evidence is piled against the system ...

No matter how little evidence supports the system ...

No matter how preposterous and perverse the tenets of the system.

Exactly. Know thyself seems to apply to everyone right?

[Wootah]

[Replying to post 2 by bjs]

Is it an accurate description of atheism?

No.

Those of us who are Atheists by intent are the LEAST likely to be brainwashed by ANY belief system: from Christianity, to Fascism, to Communism, to any group-belonging huddle of leader-worshiping sheeple.

And besides ...

We are far too fond of wallowing in our sin.

Is this evidence of being brain washed? Complete certainty is a marker right?

Also for the record, accusing others of being brain washed, even when posed as a question is uncivil.

Personally i think we label others as brainwashed so that we dont need to challenge our own ideas. Its a control technique used on brainwashed people to prevent them from straying.