Right, but religion is only one example (admittedly a big one) where we might suspend critical thinking. All kinds of cultural indoctrination tend to go unexamined, and yet we will accept them as logical Truths. I was reminded of this when I spent an exchange student year abroad.

@MikeInBatonRouge maybe you accept it as logical, i don't, it's imposed forced brainwashing and it makes me sick

@Mofo1953 you misunderstand my point. I am not saying it IS logical, but only that we are indoctrinated in many ways, some of which we don't think to question. We have to recognize indoctrination to question it, an all of us have been indoctrinated in various ways. And even you and I, unless experience clues us in to alternative options, will tend to tolerate the status quo. Obviously if we are on this site as freethinkers, we have rejected some religious indoctrination, but your claim that you have thoughly and rationally and objectively evaluated everything you have ever been taught is just not true.

@MikeInBatonRouge. Wow "but your claim that you have thoroughly and rationally and objectively evaluated everything you have ever been taught is just not true." So now you know more about what I think and even what Ive been taught? And that all of it is false? Incredible, what other things do you know more than I think? Do you know how pretentious and ridiculous you sound?

@Mofo1953 we are having two separate discussions, apparently. I am talking about what research tells us about human brains and thought process in general, which applies to you, too. In no way have I implied anything about YOUR specific thoughts. You appear to be saying it doesn't apply to you, and yet you are accusing me of being pretentious. Hmm...

@Mofo1953 you also just jumped to a false conclusion that I am claiming superiority and that I have rationally and objectively evaluated all I have been taught. I never claimed that. Nor did I claim every critical evaluation and conclusion you have done is wrong. I never said that either. I also acknowledged I believe your statement of being very sure why you don't believe. I did so by saying "Right,..." then went on to point out we are all indocrinated in various ways, not only regarding religion. Perhaps you thought I was still talking about religion specifically?

@MikeInBatonRougethe language I use is clear in expressing that i opine based on my experience not on research or studies. Try to express yourself better if you don't want to be misconstrued ot misinterpreted.

Yes, there is always more than one reason, it is always more complex than any one thing.