Posted on May 19, 2015
Do you ever catch yourself making excuses to hold on to a belief instead of rationally examining evidence presented?
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The problem with ideological commitment is that it looks like we become so invested in them that we simply cannot process evidence to the contrary and will often become more fanatical in our defense of our position. This is categorically not limited to any political side.
I've caught myself doing this more than once and have had to force myself to carefully consider what I'm seeing instead of dismissing it as BS, propaganda or worse. At times, I've caught myself entrenching into a spot I'm increasingly recognizing as wrong and it's only by that constant demand of neutral consideration on myself that I don't end up lost in crazy land.
How about you?
I've caught myself doing this more than once and have had to force myself to carefully consider what I'm seeing instead of dismissing it as BS, propaganda or worse. At times, I've caught myself entrenching into a spot I'm increasingly recognizing as wrong and it's only by that constant demand of neutral consideration on myself that I don't end up lost in crazy land.
How about you?
Posted in these groups: 
Politics
Psychology
Politics Psychology
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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This used to be a problem that I had to endure. I am a work in progress meaning if it doesn't pass the gut test I look for evidence, use optimism or take other perspectives to help with my decision or idea.
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I often ponder over my religious beliefs. Do I believe because it's what my parents told me to or should I seek out more? When I do question and search for answers, I'm not sure I can like the answers or be comfortable with the results. I find science explains too much of what faith alone can not and that can get scary.
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SGT Jeremiah B.
I went through much the same thing. I think science and faith are completely compatible when we stop trying to let one step into the realm of the other. Religion often provides the why while science should endeavor to explain the how. The problem I have sometimes is that I go too far into skepticism, which doesn't make for a fun-to-be-around Jeremy. heh
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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca
Same here SGT Jeremiah B. It's like walking a tightrope sometimes, though the thought process behind it interesting to examine!
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1LT Nick Kidwell
SGT Jeremiah B.
As a science teacher, that has always been my personal approach.
I've taught in faith-based private schools, and part of the job description is to be able to show how science helps us understand God's Creation.
I've also taught in the public schools, and in that realm, never the twain shall meet.
I'm able to walk that line without compromising my faith. I've seen others who have walked that line poorly, and it didn't end well.
As a science teacher, that has always been my personal approach.
I've taught in faith-based private schools, and part of the job description is to be able to show how science helps us understand God's Creation.
I've also taught in the public schools, and in that realm, never the twain shall meet.
I'm able to walk that line without compromising my faith. I've seen others who have walked that line poorly, and it didn't end well.
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I think we all do this, especially in our younger years. We are generally more insecure and still seeking after ourselves. Some grow out of it, some don't.
I think there needs to be a balance in sticking to our guns and not letting others dictate what we should believe, but at the same time understand that learning can strengthen our beliefs. If we believed the earth is flat and learn it isn't, move on!
That is the only way we can grow and advance!
I think there needs to be a balance in sticking to our guns and not letting others dictate what we should believe, but at the same time understand that learning can strengthen our beliefs. If we believed the earth is flat and learn it isn't, move on!
That is the only way we can grow and advance!
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SGT Jeremiah B.
In this case, I'm not sure it's limited to the young. It's a neurological reaction that goes deeper than the brashness of youth or the stubbornness of old age. I included an article that I then wrote completely around. It's worth the read.
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