To challenge centuries of religious teaching is very difficult. Since we have no substantiated alternative theory as to how life really began, all we have to go on is that there is a God and “he” started it all.
Accepting evolution doesn’t negate God. Even evolution can’t explain the first cell that became a molecule that EVOLVED into a human being. So what are we supposed to think?
Theory has it that maybe there was always “something”, that maybe that first cell didn’t need to be created, it was always there. But that’s not logical from the standpoint of how most of our minds work.
Europeans are more likely to be atheists, because they lived through the perils of World War II and god didn’t do much to help them or their loved ones. “He has his reasons”, just didn’t work when your wife or children were murdered by Nazis and your possessions were taken to supply the dwindling fascist coffers.
Since the easiest way to explain creation is by the existence of god, and for centuries, that’s been the explanation, questioning that truth engenders a lot of passionate feeling. Most evangelicals, whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish become extremely defensive when their beliefs are questioned.
But, it is only Muslim extremists who are willing to kill others if their doctrine is challenged.
Why aren’t moderate Muslims speaking out more? Why is there a general belief that Muslims are trying to inundate us with their strict religious concepts? Why do women accept Sharia law? It is a law that places men in charge of them, a law that allows the husband to have multiple wives, and a law that allows the husband to unilaterally divorce his wife. (Sharia law is quite inclusive of all aspects of life, and I’m just limiting my comments to a very small part of it.)
Why? Centuries of indoctrination and fear have created a belief that it is a sin to think differently. The word of God should never be questioned. The fear, in terms of Muslim women, is real. If you are a woman in Saudi Arabia, your life is in danger if you actually think for yourself and express those thoughts publicly.
But what about here in the US? Our country was founded on free thinkers. Let’s hear more from them. Not only will you be respected, you will be praised by those of us who believe in fairness, women’s rights, and democracy.
If you enjoy being Inside the Mind of a Psychiatrist, you might also enjoy, The Man with a Microphone in his Ear. On his 1st day of psychiatric training, a clueless resident is assigned to treat a dangerous paranoid man. It’s now available in paperback and as an eBook.
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Inside The Mind of a Psychiatrist 