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 subjects ability to think critically or independently,[1] to allow the introduction of new, unwanted thoughts and ideas into the subjects 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 ...?

[StuartJ]

[Replying to post 40 by rikuoamero]

I have sadly seen plenty of atheists discourage independent thinking.

Disappointing ...

This unherded cat doesn't associate with many Atheists ...

They can be far too lippy.

Didn't know they discouraged disagreement though ...!

Some of us THRIVE on disagreement and seek it out

[RedEye]

Atheism actively encourages critical and independent thinking. That is the direct opposite of brain-washing.

He said it so it must be true....

Hey just out of curiosity, you believe Jesus is a myth?

One of the few times I agree with you Tart. I would instead say skepticism actively encourages critical and independent thinking. If we take someone and the only thing we know about them is they are an atheist (they lack a belief in a god or gods), that isn't an indicator that they think critically/independently.

In my experience it's usually a fairly reliable indicator. After all, the atheists we are talking about are usually a minority within the populations they reside in. That means that they displayed some level of critical and independent thinking right there.

I have sadly seen plenty of atheists discourage independent thinking. Steve Shives is a well known internet joke for having the world's biggest block list for his twitter feed.

Firstly, there are usually exceptions to every rule. One example does not make a case. Secondly, I think you will find that the block list in question is to reduce the absurd amount of harassment he received. It was not necessarily to discourage independent thinking.

[RedEye]

Atheism actively encourages critical and independent thinking. That is the direct opposite of brain-washing.

He said it so it must be true....

Hey just out of curiosity, you believe Jesus is a myth?

As a matter of fact, yes, if you mean a historical Jesus. (That would probably put me in a minority among atheists - no atheist believes in a miracle working Son of God Jesus of course). What is your point?

[Tart]

Atheism actively encourages critical and independent thinking. That is the direct opposite of brain-washing.

He said it so it must be true....

Hey just out of curiosity, you believe Jesus is a myth?

As a matter of fact, yes, if you mean a historical Jesus. (That would probably put me in a minority among atheists - no atheist believes in a miracle working Son of God Jesus of course). What is your point?

The point is that some nonbelievers are quick to believe anything anyone tells them.. I dont even think this is a minority belief, probably the vast majority of atheists want to believe Jesus is a myth, the belief however cant be justified...

You guys say brainwashing is for the religious, and atheism encourages critical thinking... I dont think anyone who believes Jesus is a myth, has thought critically about the subject, and investigated the evidence... That is my opinion... You say you believe Jesus is a myth, would you like to be challenged in that belief, and see if you can really justify it based on the evidence?

[otseng]

You guys say brainwashing is for the religious, and atheism encourages critical thinking... I dont think anyone who believes Jesus is a myth, has thought critically about the subject, and investigated the evidence... That is my opinion... You say you believe Jesus is a myth, would you like to be challenged in that belief, and see if you can really justify it based on the evidence?

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Please start another thread to discuss if Jesus is a myth.

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[Tart]

I will certainly go to another thread to discuss if Jesus is a myth. The point of this discussion is about brainwashing, which has developed to a discussion about critical thinking... I am challenging the idea that atheism encourages critical thinking...

[RedEye]

I will certainly go to another thread to discuss if Jesus is a myth. The point of this discussion is about brainwashing, which has developed to a discussion about critical thinking... I am challenging the idea that atheism encourages critical thinking...

How are you challenging it? By your opinion only?

[FWI]

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 subjects ability to think critically or independently,[1] to allow the introduction of new, unwanted thoughts and ideas into the subjects mind,[2] as well as to change his or her attitudes, values, and beliefs.

He then asked the question: Is this an accurate description of religion...?

Of course not! This is quite evident considering most atheists, where at some point in their past, religion was a part of their lives. So, to be able to switch back and forth (without professional help) shows that brainwashing (as defined above) is not in play, but free-will certainly isThere was a gallop poll (in 1978) which claimed that of those who left religion for atheism, about 80% returned back to religion, later in life. So, since history is known to repeat itself, the small rise in atheism today, surely could be a thing of the past, in the future. Of course, not many atheists want to accept this reality.

The bible and almost all religious groups are governed by a free-will concept to preaching. The techniques introduced above are not used by mainstream Christianity. However, when children are considered, their parents have a right and duty to introduce to them the way to go, according to their beliefs. Then, when they (the children) reach a certain age it would be their choice to decide, if the path their traveling is the one for them. It would seem that most of the anti-religious could fall into this category.

Yet, there is an interesting addition to the mindset of certain individuals, where StuartJ stated: "We (referring to atheists) are far too fond of wallowing in our sin." (Post 4). This is quite telling about ones' mindset, even if it's only sarcasm. But, it also shows how brainwashing works.

So, there is a big difference between being "brainwashed" and having faith/beliefs. Yet, they are not interchangeable! But, there are some interesting statistics related to the opposite side of the introduced topic:

In Pre 1928 (U.S.) there were 2% who claimed to be atheist, 1% who claimed to be agnostic and 3% who claimed that religion wasn't important.
From 1928-1945: there were 1% atheist, 2% agnostic and 4% indifferent.
From 1945-1964: there were 2% atheist, 2% agnostic and 7% indifferent.
From 1965-1980: there were 3% atheist, 4% agnostic and 9% indifferent.
From 1980-Present: 5% atheist, 7% agnostic and 13% indifferent.
(Source: New York Times)

So, what does all this mean? Well, from 1945-present (73 yrs.) atheism (in the U.S.) has only risen about 3%, agnosticism 5% and the largest group, those who claimed that religion wasn't important in their lives, rose 6%.

But, this isn't what is being claimed on social and regular media! The claims are ranging from 11%-25% of Americans don't believe that God exists...So, it's no wonder that the internet is filled with articles that claim Americans are leaving religion in huge numbers.
However, this doesn't relay the real truthWhat seems to be happening is that there is a "brainwashing" campaign being pushing to control the minds of Americans through certain psychological techniques, so as to, alter one's ability to receive the truth. Thus, preventing "susceptible individuals" from thinking logically and independently about God and His Son.

So, realistically there are only about 3%-5% of Americans who claim to be atheists. Agnosticism (in its simplest form) is the view of an individual who claims to be one who cannot conclude "one way or the other" if God exists. And, the individual who claims religion isn't important to them is not denying God, they are only rejecting organized religion. It seems to them that God and religion can be separated.

Hence, agnostics (by definition) and those who reject religion cannot be included with those who claim that God doesn't existYet, many are trying to do just that and this is where the real brainwashing is happening

[StuartJ]

Many of us recognise brainwashing techniuqes in Christianity ...

Now, I know that religions become popular because they have the most control over their followers. They use several brainwashing techniques to keep their flock in line. Im sure that many religious people have doubts about their religion, but their faith blocks them from questioning it. I remember that there were certain points where I seriously questioned the Catholic faith, but I was trapped by delusion. http://churchandstate.org.uk/2016/07/ho ... ontrolled/

And ...

Not Christians! They just keep posting the same tired, easily disproved arguments over and over again in spite of the fact that they have been soundly refuted. They refuse to learn. Why?

The reasons are simple but very important to be aware of and understand " BRAINWASHING and FEAR. The Christian church uses several known brainwashing techniques to gain and then keep converts. https://dangerouschristianity.wordpress ... he-church/

And Christian groups will tell you of brainwashing by OTHER Christian groups ..

So what do you do if you feel that you are afraid to speak up in your church? Are your pastors and church leaders discouraging discussion of hot topics, shutting down new ideas, or shunning those who do not share the same beliefs as them? If so, your church may be having more problems than you think. These are signs that the church is brainwashing its congregation into groupthink. This is where members of a group are fearful of questioning leaders, assume the majority is always right, or feel vulnerable when they want to speak up. Instead, members are assumed to already agree with everything the church says and does.
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christ ... lbVImok.99

Individuals will recognise brainwashing:

Brainwashing people into Christianity is a very simple task. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and move on to the next step at the right time. It is very vital that you begin brainwashing your target recruit at a very young age. If you wait too long and your target recruit has grown past the age of reason, you will need solid tangible evidence, which does not exist. Please note that the standard Christian brainwashing method does not have a 100% success rate. There are a few here and there where it failed and the target remained or returned to being atheist like at birth. https://www.news24.com/MyNews24/Brainwa ... n-20130221

If you'd like to see a revivalist preacher at work, there are probably several in your city. Go to the church or tent early and sit in the rear, about three-quarters of the way back. Most likely repetitive music will be played while the people come in for the service. A repetitive beat, ideally ranging from 45 to 72 beats per minute (a rhythm close to the beat of the human heart), is very hypnotic and can generate an eyes-open altered state of consciousness in a very high percentage of people. And, once you are in an alpha state, you are at least 25 times as suggestible as you would be in full beta consciousness. The music is probably the same for every service, or incorporates the same beat, and many of the people will go into an altered state almost immediately upon entering the sanctuary. Subconsciously, they recall their state of mind from previous services and respond according to the post-hypnotic programming. https://www.nairaland.com/292746/born-a ... iques-must

It's the tricks and techniques that capture and keep the believers ...

Because there is zero evidence offered for the reality of the version of "God" being peddled ...

And zero evidence that the "scriptures" offered as "proof" came from the biblical deity in any way at all.

[StuartJ]

[Replying to post 48 by FWI]

Yet, there is an interesting addition to the mindset of certain individuals, where StuartJ stated: "We (referring to atheists) are far too fond of wallowing in our sin." (Post 4). This is quite telling about ones' mindset, even if it's only sarcasm.

Well ...

This is intriguing ...!

Gotta stay away from the personal (and I promise NOT to take it personally - well, yes I will really, but I double promise not to squeal to the moderators about it because I love turning the other cheek and getting slapped around with the meek love of people of faith) but let's go all hypothetical about a guy called, say, Snikwad.

Pray tell us what you can tell about the telling mindset of the hypothetical Snikwad and his sin-wallowing sarcasm ....

Looking forward to this one ...!

And don't forget ... there are NOMINATIONS up for grabs at the moment