I think many here have similar experiences. In my case, I tried to think like my Mormon parents did, but it jus tnever took, even though I tried, rationality won out.

Brain washing is just one piece of ht3e puzzling solution to understanding.

There is a great reluctance for people to admit they are wrong, een when they have doubts themselves. They lived and based their lives on their beliefs and to admti they were mistaken means all the effort and work they put into their beliefs was for nothing. That is hard to accept for many people.

Also, I have stated several times that giving up the beliefs is easier than giving up the sense of community and the sense of belonging. If you are religious and give up the beliefs you go from beign a part of a community to standing alone. As animals humans evolved as "herd" animals. gathering in groups makes up feel safer, because that is how we survived as we evolved. Most people feel safer in a group, even if they have doubts about shared beliefs, than they do by themselves. The one positive thing religion gives people is a sense of community and belonging., and when a person feels they have a place in a group they feel safe.

@snytiger6 Very good comment - Although I was happy when I realized the truth - it made me sad because I could no longer be a part of my church.