Do atheists understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is?

Question

Because I don't think you do. I was raised in an evangelical home. I was told that Jesus saves that life is worthless without him.

It took years for me to formulate my own thoughts with fear of a lake of fire, as bad as that sounds, but religious indoctrination takes something from you. There is a piece of your mind that makes you an individual and religion will exploit that. It pains me to even think about it.

I get it, it's easy to make fun of religious people but you have to understand that it's at no fault of their own that they were raised in a household that worships Islam or Christ.

Most people will never free themselves of religion, so please be kind to those that are trapped.

Thank you.

Answer 1

1

Answer 2

Most atheists that I know are very aware of how strong religious indoctrination is.



After all, many atheists, myself included, were indoctrinated at a very early age.

I was a member of the LDS/Mormon church for over 30 years. Eventually my

religious belief evaporated as I realised that everything that I had been taught

was all about what my denomination expected of me.

Now on the outside of religion, I can still be moral, not steal, respect my fellow

humans and so forth. Truly we can live a good life without the brainwashing

of the world religions.

My disbelief does not make me an Atheistic missionary. I am quite happily

living alongside believers, I respect them as individuals but detest any belief

system that exists purely to control its members.

Answer 3

"Do atheists understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is?

Because I don't think you do."



Actually, I do understand how strong it is - and so did the writers of the Bible.



"Proverbs 22:6



Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.



Deuteronomy 6:6-7



And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."



What a sick, disgusting, manipulative cult. These people knew EXACTLY what they were doing and EXACTLY how much emotional pain they were causing... but they also knew there was no other way such NONSENSE would survive more than a generation without childhood indoctrination.



Why do you think people who abuse children go to jail? Not just because of the PHYSICAL pain they cause, but because of the EMOTIONAl pain. We all know the terrible effects child abuse has on children, and the PAIN they carry with them... childhood indoctrination is startlingly, disgustingly and unforgivably similar.

Answer 4

While that may be the case with many religious persons, it is NOT the case with me. Here s why:



The term "indoctrination" is defined as "the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically."



The term "uncritically" is a definite disqualifier because I was very critical and questioned EVERYTHING, and continue to do so. If what is being said cannot be found or supported by the Bible (which I have read and continue to read daily cover to cover), than I reject it. Otherwise, I would be rightly considered having not faith, but credulity.



Further, I did Not (and still do not) choose to be religious of of fear of punishment. Besides, hellfire/eternal torment is NOT a Bible teaching. (Read Ecclesiates 9:5,6)



I choose to be religious because I love and appreciate Jehovah God, who by the way is a God of love. (See 1 John 4:8) I am NOT TRAPPED nor do I feel that way and neither should anyone else...



Next, the reverse could be said about atheists being "indoctrinated" into believing God does not exist. It begins in school where this indoctrination is taught (evolution, cave men, and other scientific theories) as fact. TV is also used to subtly reinforce atheist agenda. I believe this is why some rightfully refer to atheism as a religion in itself. Before you object consider this definition of religion...



"Religion is a cultural system of behaviors and practices, world views, ethics, and social organisation that relate humanity to an order of existhence."



So, I guess patience is need, likewise, with atheist who have unwittingly been indoctrinated. Most will never free themselves from this man-made trap...



...a JW

Answer 5

I do not think you have grasped what many of us say. I do not ridicule individuals. It is the belief system that I am opposed to and there is a big difference between the two. I do appreciate the depth to which some people are indoctrinated. I don't think you are aware of the responses made. For some it is to be effectively trapped within the mind-forged shackles of their indoctrination for life. Others go in an opposite direction and live very hedonistic lives. I was brought up as a Catholic but with no real rigour. We didn't go to church every Sunday and many of the Catholic Church's rules weren't enforced. My parents also sent me to secular schools. I know I don't have the experience you have had but I empathise with it. As I said at the start it is religion I am opposed to and not individuals believers. For that reason I prefer the 'label' antitheist as opposed to atheist.

Answer 6

Do atheists understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is?



- Yes, since most of us have been through it.



Because I don't think you do.



- Obviously you don't think. Most of us have been through it.



I was raised in an evangelical home.



- There is a difference between religious indoctrination and psychopathic indoctrination.



but religious indoctrination takes something from you



- Yes, we know.

Answer 7

Yes, I know. I was raised Roman Catholic as a child in a heavily religious environment, and later gave it up.



The indoctrination I received had a hard grip on me. I remember my parents forcing me to read the Bible when I was younger, and grounding me until I stopped refusing to read it. They also enforced the literal threat of Hell in me, and at one point, made me swear to never do another bad thing again, and if I did, then have God punish me.



Because of this, there were nights where I literally missed sleep because I was too in fear to stop thinking about not wanting to go to Hell, and trying to be as perfect as I possibly could, because I knew because I'm not perfect, that I'd make a mistake in my life eventually.



I began to question it in my teens, and realized how full of bullshit it is, and just completely gave up the faith and became an atheist.



Yes, religious indoctrination is a HUGE thing, and has a powerful impact. It also made me mad knowing that I lived so much of my life completely ignorant to these facts as well because of how I was raised.

Answer 8

No, a lot of us get it. I too was raised in a Pentecostal church. Hell fire never sat right with me, and the teachings did take a part of me with it when I left it. Sometimes the fear of death is still there because of the indoctrination. A lot of atheists come from these homes. I do realize how indoctrinated they are, that's why I try to remind myself to go easy on some, because they're so brainwashed.

Answer 9

No, I don't. I was not raised in a particularly religious household. By the time I was about eight years old I was an atheist. I've never really been indoctrinated in anything so I cannot say from firsthand experience what it is like. I have of course engaged with the indoctrinated and their mindset strikes me as both somewhat comical and profoundly disturbing.

Answer 10

I know that you were raised in a religious home when you were young.



But did you ever stop to consider that there are former atheists who said they were indoctrinated as athiests when they were young? I recall that Joseph Stalin's daughter became a Christian. I also know that Madaylyn Murray O'Hair an atheist had a son who converted to Christianity.



I have both links below.

Answer 11

Yes I think they do. I am fortunate I grew up with parents who didn't force religion down my throat. Both my parents believe in god, but I struggle with it at times. But mostly I don't believe in organized religion. Using fear to control others and then call it love. When people are afraid, they are easily manipulated. Just because you are taught something growing up, doesn't it make it true. If you look at most congregations nowadays, they are filled with families with children and elderly. The young adult population has a lot of distrust. They can think for themselves now. Some will go back, most won't. Question your religion as much as possible, especially where things don't make sense. If the church leaders or even your parents try to shut you up, that's a good sign something is not right.

Answer 12

You make a very good, and very important point, and that is that religious belief is not a choice or a decision, it's something that happens TO YOU, as a result of indoctrination (as you described), or as a means of dealing with trauma (drug addiction, abuse, etc). There is new evidence that there is often a genetic pre-disposition for religious belief as well, making it even easier for the individual to succumb to the programming. I will say however, that since you managed to overcome this indoctrination and emerge as a sane, rational, critical thinker, it's possible for others to do that as well.

Answer 13

No matter what you believe in (whether a Christian or an atheist...or anywhere in that spectrum) you will be hated for it (or bugged about it). It's always survival of the fittest ...and religion is a big one, people always fighting over it saying they are right and the other is wrong. This has been happening since the beginning of time and it's littered in our history books about wars over religion. It doesn't matter what faith you have or if you have no faith. What matters is believing in what makes you happy and fulfilled as a person. What matters is doing good things for the people who want to be in your life or ask for guidance. Ignore the haters. There will always be haters. You can try to help a hater until you are blue in the face and your soul is sucked right out of you....don't, just be kind. Ultimately only they can decide what they want to believe or not believe.

Answer 14

I hate to be the one to tell you but Atheists do not care about religious indoctrination. I know many who come from very strongly religious families how have chosen to leave those religions, when they were old enough to realize that religion was created by men. They also do not care if their children follow a religion as long as it is not thrown in their face.

Answer 15

I feel for you but you are not trapped. Surely your faith teaches freedom of will and that means you just have a choice. If you want to break free from religion then all you have to do is make that decision. You will find that life continues just the same except you do not have to check your every action in case god wouldn't approve.



In the end and if the Bible is true, as long as you live a virtuous life then you do not have to be religious to be accepted into heaven should such a place exist. God will apparently accept everyone who has been good to the best of their ability.



Do not let your upbringing dictate your life. You need to break free and if letting the church go gives you freedom then believe me life will be so much better for you.

Answer 16

There is a reason indoctrination occurs when you are a child and you are unable to really think for yourself. A person who has already formed his own thoights couldn't buy all that bs. I was raised in the catholic church and I know how hard the bibke and the religion was poinded into my head. Ot took years to finally realize that like danta and the easter bunny, it was a good story but hardly to be taken seriously let alone literally. I have grown into a person who questions everything even atheists views although I consider myself to be one. I find religion to be quite fascinating. I was taught that I needed to just have faith. I realized later that faith was really just gullibilty.

Answer 17

Your post seems to be meant in a kind way. But what if this religious indoctrination is correct? Personally, I am kind of glad my parents indoctrinated me to stop and look both ways before crossing the street.

Answer 18

i don't know, for i am not an atheist. and if it is truly as strong as you think it is, then why there are atheists when the Muslims/Jews/Catholics/Hindus/Buddhist/Taoist have almost covered the world in thousand and thousand of years? somehow you know that what your family believe is not for you and you rejected it, is that right?



one thing i sure do believe is at least everyone in this world, at one point in their lives (especially during the teenage years) have questioned everything they believed in and it goes from there. i questioned mine in high school and thought atheism was cool. but later in life, as i read more and more, i realized that being a Christian is way much better philosophically. (at least for me)



then it came to a point that i truly believed in Christianity. i do have an option before, but i chose Jesus. so it's really up to you, not to religious indoctrination or anything...

Answer 19

I am an atheist and I am fully aware of how strong (and dangerous) religious indoctrination truly is.

Answer 20

I know you mean well, but your self-styled viewpoint is a product of the upbringing that you imagine was a universal opt-out excuse for the rest of humanity. Nothing could be further from the truth.



Your stance is YOUR excuse not to consider, perhaps, that the example you rejected was local, under your family roof, and not universal. I assure you, it's flawed logic.



I was never "indoctrinated" by anyone in my non-religious upbringing .. God revealed His presence to me when I was over 30 years of age, and in remarkable ways that ruled out anyone else but Him, and since then I have witnessed the power of His Spirit in action, answered prayers, and the genuine love in people who know the true living God.



I'm not "exploited" or held by fear or coercion. The God I know is better than the false version you had shoved down your throat. It's not me who is "trapped".

Answer 21

Yes it's very sad that most people are religious only because they've been indoctrinated as children. This is a form of child abuse.

Answer 22

Everyone filters information. So we have to work on it.



The human errors of religion don't tell us anything one way or the other.

-> Students in a class making math errors wouldn't tell us if Math is true.



I was amazed when I read for myself an entire gospel. Christ was truly radical. That's why churches try to bend and ignore much of what He said.



But you could find out the other things He said -- the full passages, and full meanings. Amazing stuff.



He gave us the *only* way to lasting peace on Earth. No other way works in the long run, not military power, not ideology, nothing else, but only what Christ said works for lasting peace. That was an eye opener.

Answer 23

I personally know many people who have been indoctrinated into atheistic thought. It is happening more and more frequently in our current culture. The bottom line is that being raised with a certain thought pattern does not make it true...but it does not automatically make it false either. Atheists have just as much, if not more, indoctrination to overcome as people raised in religious households.

Answer 24

Do god freak ******* understand that EVERYTHING is explained with science!

If God made humans, why do you study science to understand the body?...wouldn't we study religion? When there was nothing, how did God create something? Cause he wasn't there either....

how would a book survive thousands of years when Chinese whispers can't even survive 100 people?

I'm done with this ****. If God is real, wake me up fully refreshed and not more tired than when I went to sleep....will let you know in the morning if he exists LOL!

Answer 25

I do...the tentacles of Religion started winding themselves round humanity long, long ago. Now we are becoming better educated and are no longer forced to attend church as we were in UK for centuries, they are loosening. The trouble is it will leave a vacuum....a lot of people derive a feeling of comfort and security from the fellowship of their churches. This will need to be replaced...but by what?



Mo University Lecturer Atheist with degrees in Theology Comparitive Religious Studies and Philosophy of Religion Eng Lit

Answer 26

Yes, of course we do. Many atheists were raised in Christian households and brought up with all the traditions of Christianity. Those of us who learned how to think realised there was no evidence for any gods and stopped believing thus immediately becoming atheists. If you don't believe in gods you are an atheist even if you go to church every Sunday.

Answer 27

Perhaps yes and perhaps no. But you are right, religious indoctrination is quite strong indeed.



Hannah J Paul

Answer 28

Yes. Most American atheists who identify as atheist are formerly religious. Sometimes you have to just say, "the emperor has no clothes" instead of coddling an adult with an imaginary friend. They may not be open to it right then, but they might think about it later.

For me, the biggest impediment to critical thinking was I trained myself to put uncomfortable questions (religiously) in the back of my mind instead of addressing them directly. When prodded, by others, I finally let myself ask myself, "how does one tell the difference between an imaginary god and a real god?"

Answer 29

yes i really do understand. I was raised in a pentecostal family in the bible belt. That is why i debate theists so often and do whatever i can to encourage critical thinking and intellectual honesty. I know it's too late for many of them but with every generation, humanity is leaving behind more and more harmful behaviors linked to superstitions like religion

Answer 30

I was raised by a fundie evangelical parent, who punished us for not memorizing our bible verses, for squirming in church an any of the 5 days we were required to attend and for daring to have any thought that contradicted the daily lessons of hypocrisy bigotry hatred and absolute infallibility of the bible and related church doctrine et al.



Patting someone on the back for a failure to rise above their religious indoctrination is not the way to help them rise above their religious indoctrination. The only way to help is by pointing out that they're slurping rancid smelling pig swill from a nasty trough and not actually sipping the nectar of the gods. Rolls eyes

Answer 31

yes indoctrination is very strong its a kin to being brainwashed

Answer 32

I believe in God and know he is vary real,but indoctrination is nothing more then pear pressure from Mom or Dad people at school or Church . Jesus will give you peace not indoctrination.

Answer 33

That is exactly why some atheists get so vociferous.

Answer 34

Some atheists condemn Christian indoctrination, but when it's atheistic indoctrination to children, it's ok to them.

Answer 35

As being prisoner of a sect or some such. Not very healthy.

Answer 36

Do you understand how much pressure we put on our young children to believe in Santa Claus? So what? We all grow up. In this time, when so much information is at our fingertips, there is no excuse for religious faith. None.

Answer 37

Yes. We have learned to be stronger. We refuse to let our minds be controlled by someone else other than ourselves.

Answer 38

They do

Answer 39

I just like it because it is better than the way I used to be on. I like myself lot's more. You go ahead and go about your way. I chose this way more for myself than anything.

Answer 40

Yes, I do... as a therapist and counsellor, I have seen and heard its effects daily

Answer 41

As most of them have fallen for the most insidious religion....it materialism...they ought to know

Answer 42

While I understand that my parents were also victims of the same indoctrination, I do criticize them in order to break them away from that curse, as I broke out myself.

Answer 43

We all understand religious indoctrination and it's a really sad thing. The truth is no one can be trained or otherwise made to have faith in Christ because faith is a gift from God.



FAITH IS A GIFT FROM GOD:



Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:



Since faith is a gift from God, it is impossible for persons to be scared or groomed into having faith. Some kids are born with faith and some people receive it later. To know faith is to have it, and if you haven't received faith, you need to sincerely seek God.



Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.



Hebrews:11-6

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.



The truth about Jesus Christ can be found only in the Holy Bible. Three days after the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins, He resurrected from the dead (Luke 24:1-8; Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4) and 40 days later, He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:3; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11).



Without God, the spiritual part of the human being is dead (Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:13). The sin of our first parents (Adam and Eve) caused the separation between God and man. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Sin causes us to be separated from God which results in spiritual death. Christ, the 2nd Person of the Triune Godhead was made flesh (through the immaculate conception) and paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross so we could through faith in Christ as our Saviour be instantly redeemed and united to God and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who teaches us, comforts us and grants us fruits to live in righteousness and gifts to help and edify the Church. There is no redemption or unity to God apart from receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Saviour and Lord.



A person becomes a Christian through faith. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as one's Saviour grants the believer God's forgiveness, redemption, adoption by God, salvation and the infilling of the Holy Spirit ( the 3rd person of the Triune Godhead).





REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH



Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.



If you sincerely say this prayer, your sins will be washed away, you will be redeemed to God, be saved from eternal torment and inherit the Kingdom of God:



"Dear Jesus, I am a sinner. I repent of my sins. Please forgive me and save me by your shed blood. Come into my heart. I want to receive you as my own personal Lord and Savior. Amen"





Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible by Dr. Hugh Ross http://www.believers.org/hughross.htm



Proof That God Is Real..Miracle Testimony

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PskctKms-Y



https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/

Answer 44

Yeah - most of us lived through it.

Answer 45

Yes. I was Catholic for 20+ years. I didn't become an atheist overnight.

Answer 46

Yes we do.



Part of what makes severe indoctrination so scary is the fact that it can hinder a child’s abilities to think critically and draw her own conclusions about the world, independent from her parents. And those are skills that relate directly to her level of self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth — the same attributes that will enable her to resist peer pressure in adolescence and beyond. -

Answer 47

I try to have respect for people's beliefs - so long as they aren't hurting anyone, forcing them on anyone else, or attempting to insert them into legislation or high school classrooms.



If they step over that line, they deserve every bit of mockery they get.

Answer 48

You may think whatever you like, but the reality is most atheists were raised in theist homes.



But being "trapped" is a choice, learning the facts is a choice.

A difficult one of course, but accepting dogma because that is what they were forced to learn as children is not a valid excuse for not learning as adults.

Answer 49

I do. It cost me my (first) girlfriend, whoes eyes I had opened but who slipped out of my fingers again - I still live with the sorrow of that what feels like personal failure every day - 17-year old, from Netherlands. She was from America... Online relationship with serious plans to meet irl once we had saved up enough money.

Answer 50

Of course we do. Why else have hundreds of sites to help people leave religion?

Answer 51

They do not know the difference bwt religion,cults and Christianity,just as apparently you do not going by just what you have written!

Answer 52

Great question. The strong and the educated get out and survive in reality. Atheism is steadily rising, even in morally backward USA. Certainly in more enlightened parts of the developed world such as Europe, Japan and Australasia, Atheists account for 60-70% of their populations.

Answer 53

Er, yes, because most of us had the same indoctrination except I had education and I read many different versions of the bible, and I studied history and followed science and came to the conclusion that it's all BS :)

Answer 54

A lot of times, religionists get upset if you just ask a difficult question, and they perceive that as abuse. Is it really god who is offended, or their own ego? I don't religion should be privileged above political views or artistic taste. It should not be taboo to criticize religion.

Answer 55

It is not about religious indoctrination - it is about the nature of humans. We need God, our Creator, to guide us. It isn't God's fault that the world is in such a mess. It is because humans in their attempt to make their own decisions, are in the process of bringing the world to ruin.



People know this, but many don't want to accept it. We NEED God, because humans cannot direct his own step Jeremiah 10:23



People who reject this simple truth are fooling themselves.

Answer 56

Do atheists understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is?



Because I don't think you do.





I do understand how strong it is. Especially after I learned exactly how malleable the mind is at the age of 4-5, when these kids start having it shoved down their throats. I get it. I was one of them, and it took a long time for me to finally examine religion in a critical light.



However, that does NOT excuse them from being mocked. I understand that they didn't choose this, but they are certainly abusing it. Some of these people want to indoctrinate others SO badly, that they'll try infesting schools with their bronze age bullshit mythology. We can't just give these people a free ride when they're acting this obnoxious, and are contributing to the problem. More than one person has been made to examine their beliefs after getting thoroughly defeated in a 'debate' about a god.



In my case at least, I'm not mocking them to try and make them feel bad, or ashamed. Those feelings only make their brand of BS stronger. I'm trying to get them to THINK by reminding them of the science that cuts through their nonsense with ease. As strong as indoctrination can be, there Are cracks. All we have to do is get them to question just enough to do some actual research, and mocking is one of the most effective ways it gets done.



Plus, there's always the genuises like Ham, Kirk Cameron, and Josh Fuerstein to reinforce just how absurd their cult is.

Answer 57

"Do atheists understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is? Because I don't think you do. I was raised in an evangelical home. I was told that Jesus saves that life is worthless without him."



I actually do -- not because of personal/first-hand experience, but because of my education (advanced degrees in psychology) and in one of my professional careers (as a police officer) I actually had to deal with many people who were marred/brainwashed as younger people by christian parents. I was actually the chief investigator in my city for people who were victims of catholic priest sexual abuse and rape. We had over 30 cases in my city - but that is a whole different topic of religious abuse and terrorism entirely.



It's really quite amazing. The level of child abuse, BuyBull-cult brainwashing and mental terrorism that christian parents inculcate their children with is beyond horrific. It's is the last vestige of child abuse and mental terrorism that we as a society allow people to do their children legally. And, because it's under the "auspices" of "religious upbringing" -- it's allowed. But, it's horrific.



Children are told at very young, developmental ages, that they will suffer and be tortured forever unless they love this mythical jesus creature and believe in him. the sage-old "love me and believe in me, OR ELSE!" They try to say it's a "choice" -- but it's like being given a choice with a gun to your head. They are threatened with eternal suffering and torture, lakes of fire and pain and eternal anguish...little children are terrorized and brainwashed with this crap from Day 1 - some before they can ever talk themselves, are terrorized with this.



The parents don't care about the emotional terrorism they inflict, or the level of abuse they terrorize their kids with -- all they want is younger, mouth-breathing, nose-picking, mindless, brainwashed duplicates of themselves running around. They don't want kids who think differently from them, or think critically -- or think on their own much at all. They want little cult believers just like mommy and daddy. And "who cares" about how much mental terrorism is required to accomplish that!!

Answer 58

Meh, I believe in God and had no religious upbringing and never went to Church. So, "meh" to your indoctrination theory. All I can say is, "sucks to be you", but I'm fine thanks, lol.

Answer 59

Yes. I was brainwashed by a fundamentalist Christian denomination that is considered even by OTHER DENOMINATIONS to be a cult (Assemblies of God).



I was literally in my twenties before I clearly realized the sun that shines on the Earth is just another star in the universe. I literally thought it was the only "sun" in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE because of the Earth-centric nature of my Biblical indoctrination.

Answer 60

"Most people will never free themselves of religion, so please be kind to those that are trapped."



Though it should also be understood that atheists understandably will have only so much patience with being expected to be polite and kind toward people who see us and treat us the way many of them do. In a way it's like telling people who are 'minorities' to be kind and understanding of racist whites because it's "not their fault" they were raised in a raciest environment that brainwashed them to hate other people.



Those who break away from that stuff, be it extreme levels of religion, racism, or what ever, should recognize and be proud of the strength that was required and they had in order to leave it.

Answer 61

I think that is why most atheists, or agnostics are what they are. They don't agree with indoctrination. I don;t fault people for believing, just do the same for me, let me alone in doubting God, and I will let you believe whatever you want to

Answer 62

It helps if your source material is based on reality and isn't always contradicting itself. You can't really take the Bible all that seriously when within a few paragraphs it says animal AND man was created first. We aren't like they were back then when many people simply couldn't read and were forced to be told what was in the book they were holding.

Answer 63

You should not be fearing the lake of fire since anyone who is in Christ is no longer a slave to fear and has passed from death to life. You should listen to Bethel's song 'No Longer Slaves' which has the lyrics, "I'm no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God".

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1



True freedom is found in Jesus. Have you ever truly experienced His love? This is not about religion.



Religion can't save anyone but the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ can and does save. He loves you so much, don't let any thoughts from the enemy tell you anything else. God is for you, He is not against you.

Answer 64

Do "ATHEIST" understand how "STRONG" religious indoctrination truly is ?



Which "Atheist " is this question addressing and what is the questions Understanding of Who most "atheist " are or from What back ground do MOST Atheist come from ?



I can answer from personal evaluation that 90% of the Atheist I have encountered were once "THEIST" Also not all religions are "THEISTIC" there are "Atheist religions some forms of Buddhism are classified as Atheistic religions



.I would think the question would have more relevance if one asked " Do Theist understand how strong religious indoctrination truly is so if they read the question it might stimulate those who would address the question to question their experience in religion because MOST Atheist already have because that is WHY they are ATHEIST



Most religious theist shy away from the term "INDOCTRINATION" I referenced a dictionary since its the accepted standard for meaning of words



. Indoctrination one definition was Forcefully inculcating ( to implant by the method of repetition-and persistence to FIX into ones mind or thinking ) IDEAS attitudes cognitive strategies a specific methodology usually a doctrine to be the one to accept without question



. It is based on Authority most religion make a pronouncement of 'Special Knowledge " and will then sight the "Source" of that special knowledge a person or persons who presents it usually in written form occasionally oral in all religions and in theistic religions will claim that person had a direct contact or was Inspired by a Deity /god or gods



.I read the question several times and came away finding it was not a question but a PLEA for Atheist to self evaluate their experiences because the question is already aware 90% were once theist to show "COMPASSION & UNDERSTANDING" and to treat ALL Theist as "VICTIMS"



..Ones point is taken Does ONE Strategy work on ALL people ? One might find it beneficial if one explores HUMAN especially Child psychology and how people form "beliefs how they rationalize and how victims will start to identify with their controllers sometime "SHOCK" therapy works on those people



i was a practicing Theist for 30 years and an Atheist for the last 33 years I am aware of what people find "comforting " about religion its based on ACCEPTANCE and "Tribalism " we are social animals so the "group " and acceptance is the attraction and the FEAR of being "Ostracized " is another TOOL religion uses for compliance



I am also a Nurse of 40 years hand on experience specializing in Brain trauma & Psychiatry behaviors and how human mind works .How religion uses aspects of Child development to their advantage .



.Stats will tell you that one is more likely to start to question Religion when they are separated from the "ENVIRONMENT" of religion that persistent reinforcement that is why theist and religious groups encourage sending ones child to a religious school or college and why the Christian right strongly tries to impose prayer in pubic school and teaching of creationism so they can regulate public schools and class curriculum its the persistence and repetition that is their effective tool Islam EXTREMIST do the same practice to impose on its societies Sharia Law



. My response is I hear ones PLEA and just like each atheist is a individual each theist is an individual some need comforting . some need gentle encouragement and some need a JOLT ...



.. as forest Gump said about life ..life is a box of Chocolates you never know what your going to get its the same for theist some are victims and need understanding and some bask in the power of it and embrace it and use it for superiority



so you can have one extreme to the other the meek mild victim or the power grubbing narcissist should i approach the extremest the same as the mild mannered weekly adherent ? That would not be very effective It is after you get them to the point of awareness and questioning then you provide them with compassion and a new social group of acceptance "norms"



If you don't crack the shell of the NUT first how do you ever get to the meat ?

Answer 65

What you are suggesting may apply to a lot of people! It does Not apply to myself neither does it apply to many who were not raised Christian Muslim etc, I questioned my parent in their beliefs constantly (Christians, so named anyway!) and their answers were hardly ever satisfying to any degree, however I became a strong believing Christian in my own right despite this early disappointment, Only now I don't just believe I know that there is a God in heaven and he is also Tangible to us as Christ in the Flesh, therefore my beliefs are despite my parents weak beliefs and upon their own examples and testimonies alone I would have become Atheist.

Answer 66

I know a friend who was raised in a VERY Roman Catholic home. I'd had to do a report on religion for school once, so I went to Mass with her. EVERYONE was acting VERY resolute in their faith, and from having known my friend since 1st grade, I knew what kinds of schooling they were had outside of city school.



Now we are grown, and she has seen secular ways. I'm not sure what was going through her mind, but she has left the RC faith.

Answer 67

look at a House, it was made of bricks, now look at them bricks, they where made by cement now whatever cement comes from it came from something made from something else and then that leads to the dust and sand or something which was all created from god (All_ah) now atheists believe that it was created by two colliding atoms (the big bang theory) if so then tell me where did the atoms come from or where did the cause of the atoms and action of colliding come from?



Second example:

look at a building who made this building a builder where did this builder come from humans where do humans come from now atheists may say monkeys or apes now are you trying to call our great great great and so on grandfather Adam an ape or monkey you are fools to say that Adam was over 19 foot tall have you ever seen a mokey or ape near as tall as this and humans are way taller than monkeys and apes now back to my point now where did the first human come from? god (All_ah) CREATED Adam from clay, clay was CREATED by god (All_ah) and not atoms



and the proof is all in the QURAN not the English translated Quran as many Arabic words can have two different meanings.



Islam has been going on When Adam was around and Islam still is going on, atheism

Answer 68

Certainly.



That is why they stress the importance of early prevention against childhood infection, inoculation through education and scientific literacy, raising awareness through open challenge and criticism of religious dogma, and resist religious attempts to abuse the democratic process and erode civil liberties.



That is the only way to ensure organized religion does not claim more victims than it could otherwise.

Answer 69

Religion is a mental condition. It is like brainwashing that is forced on you from birth. My parents gave me the Church of England brainwashing treatment. I grew up realising that they had an answer for every evil known to man and a glib childish answer for every misfortune you could have. I cant understand a modern civilisation still adhering to such BS.

Answer 70

Stop making it seem like the word is synonymous with religion, ik plenty of indoctrinated atheist sheep and free-thinking theists

Answer 71

Your absolutely right. Anyone that serves God out of fear is trapped in a negative scenario that will eventually destroy them. The Fundamental Religious position on God is very damaging.



God is love and those who serve Him from fear do not know God. They will also miss their final reward. Hebrews 2:15 and Revelation 21:8 both clearly say that cowards will not make it to Heaven, the New Jerusalem.



You were taught to serve a false God and never met the one true God who loves you and will make you fearless. I wish you well in your continued attempts to find the real God.

Answer 72

He save me

Answer 73

It seems not to have an effect on them.

Answer 74

Yea

Answer 75

So why are you trying to indoctrinate religious people into your atheist beliefs?

You are a dumb bum.

Answer 76

idk

Answer 77

they know from first hand experience because they were indoctrinated in Atheism

Answer 78

Yes it is, Truth is very persuasive.

Answer 79

Read up on the federal gov making kansas schools teach evolution and stop teaching creationism then u will understand why religion always try to butt in life.

Answer 80

What is sad is little kids who claim to have been indoctrinated into a religion and now suddenly they came to some grand epiphany that made them so smart and have NO CLUE to what serving God is all about



First most of you were raised in going to a MAN MADE Building you called "Church" and it is there you were taught mans assumptions and ideology of what God said, did and was or is...NONE or Very Little which were True.



98% of you have NEVER studied the Bible for yourself, researched the truth of what IT states and have went about searching to learn the facts...No you followed some man/woman normally in your man made place and you listened and followed what their interpretation was/is......



and News Flash Sherlocks,,,,10 out of 10 DIE and the soul that sins IT SHALL Die.....the difference and ONLY Difference is Jesus Christ...Not your ideology, your wishes, your indoctrination, or your own selfish desires...



Jesus Christ is your ONLY Hope and Your ONLY way to miss Hell



and please read, "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." and that Fire shall NEVER be quenched



IF you wanted to LEARN the Truth it is as easy as reading and studying the matter for yourselves.......



most of these on this forum who claim to be atheist have no clue what a real atheist does, same as many who claim to be Christian have no clue what a REAL Christian is about



BOTH follow their own idea of what THEY THINK is correct and neither will stop and do the research and study to learn the truth.



and the excuse " My mommy made me" blah blah Lie is just that a Lie...they may have growing up made you go to a building they called church,,,BUT no one stopped you from learning and researching the truth and READING the BOOK for yourself to see and KNOW that truth.



the only indoctrination has been yourself brainwashing the whining in your own mind blaming everyone else for your own lack of resolve !!!

Answer 81

Yes

Answer 82

No.

Answer 83

while it is interesting, the idea that says we have to belong; ignores the meanings which i think are valuable, like the peace of the country (USA).

it is all about membership and having to believe in the dogma presented, it does ignore the value of our own relationships, and the need to actually achieve the peace of the country.



to each their own.

Answer 84

You're right, of course. Most atheists used to be christians so they understand where you're coming from.

I think that most of the atheists on here know that christians are deluded and are trying to help them overcome their delusion.

Answer 85

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6iHe0ra_UM

Answer 86

Yep it is a trap, raised Catholic, ***** with your mind like nothing else. I reject the God of the Bible by and large, Jesus, well, who knows.

Answer 87

Science is A FAILURE,





ur existence still needs an answer, who created u or how u came to be, so far u can't refute anything only BASH A GOD U DON'T BELIEVE IN





U EITHER EVOLVED OR SOMEONE CREATED U< NO IN BETWEEN.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69H1eqzPG5s&list=PL1apxtY1qLG5AKbJ-qvA6Xws5yWwMA3Ce



I can tell u GOD ANSWERD MY PRAYER U WON’T BELIEVE . I DON’T BELIEVE SCIENCE CAUSE JESUS IS ALivE , SO, A SIDE OF SCIENCE SAID WE EVoLveED OTHER NOT.

u can’t have them both. Someone is lying to u.WHOM SHALL WE TRUST

ALso u fail to reason. as much as u deny God. All He said in Bible fulfiled

u believe what u want truth is truth. someone lies because it said we evolved but wait we didn’t. ur science is not so sure of itslf



Red Sea Crossing - Found! The Bible tells us that around 3500 years ago, Moses parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of Egypt across to the other side. As the Egyptian chariots crossed after them in pursuit, God caused the wheels to come off the chariots and the waters to recede upon them, drowning all Pharaoh’s army. The location of the crossing has been discovered, with chariot wheels, horse and human remains found scattered on the seabed. Find out more.

Mt Sinai - Found! The Bible tells us that after Moses brought the Israelites across the Red Sea, the Angel of God led them to a mountain named Mt. Sinai (aka Mt. Nebo) where God descended on the mountain “in fire”. Exodus says, “the smoke billowed up from the mountain like smoke from a furnace”. Sounds pretty hot, so if this really happened we should be able to find a mountain in that area with a burnt and blackened top. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul tells us Mt. Sinai is in Arabia. Mt. Sinai has definitely been discovered in modern day Saudi Arabia (see it on Google Earth!). Find out more.

Dinosaurs and humans co-existed. There is a large body of evidence that man has seen living dinosaurs even up to recent times. Find out more.

5 different people groups trace their ancestry back to Noah or his sons. Find out more.

Molecule-to-Man Evolution is impossible. Modern biology proves beyond doubt that Darwinian evolution is simply not possible. Find out more.

Giant Sequoia trees are one of the oldest living trees on earth - and they never die. See how they are living proof of the Great Flood 4500 years ago. Find out more.

354 Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Christ

“Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me” (Psalm 40:7).

“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).

“…all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Jesus Christ, Luke 24:44).

“For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.”(Jesus Christ, John 5:46).

“To Him give all the prophets witness” (Acts 10:43).

According to the Scriptures “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel… By which also ye are saved… unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

http://www.6000years.org/frame.php?page=home

#jesus rules over the repentent heart

Evolution HOAX debunked

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz93Io7Zt0s



https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010800606597&sk=photos&collection_token=100010800606597%3A2305272732%3A69&set=a.112443035792383.1073741837.100010800606597&type=3

Answer 88

Yes it is strong ,especially if fear-mongering is involved.

Answer 89

Muslims don't worship "Islam" - thats the name of their religion. They worship God and view Mohamed as his final prophet.

Answer 90

No they don't. Im spiritual not religious. Only the ones with spiritual gifts like the gift of discernment get saved bcz they know how to understand the Bible naturally.

Answer 91

It is not a patch on the Evolution indoctrination, whatever your experience.

Answer 92

Yes, I assume most atheists do know. It is the religious people who don't fully understand that.

Answer 93

why give up salvation for a promised death?

Answer 94

Atheistic indoctrination says you know everything there is to know. There is no need to study seek or learn anything else about the world around you or the people in it .They know that God cant exist because they already know everything. They know there is nothing to know. Brilliant.

Answer 95

You must mean harmful.

Answer 96

and what exactly are your own thoughts? do you believe Jesus is Lord or not? ... that is not RELIGIOUS indoctrination however your upbringing may have had "erroneous religious (not true Christianity) jammed down your throat ... rather imbedded in your soul and... talk about strong??? satan loves to imprison people with unbiblical crap... you can be free... read the bible for yourself and ask God to reveal the truth to you.

Answer 97

People of religious beliefs cannot possible understand what you are saying. You are most certainly are correct that religion is about control, but a person who is brainwashed cannot possibly know that he is brainwashed.

Answer 98

When religion(s) are based on conspiracies, lies, beguilement, disobedience,partial truth, that religion is weak and hasn't substance.

Answer 99

Jesus Christ is the truth. Jesus loves you. Read Romans chapter 1 and 5 and 8 and 10. Read John chapter 1 and 3. "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."- the Word of God.

Answer 100

Yes you're right, when a Christian tells me I will burn in the firy pit of hell, they're not saying it to be mean they truly believe that and they want me to accept Jesus as my savior.

Answer 101

sadly.. you and atheists are in the same boat because you think that indoctrination is what molds you. you don't understand the difference between "indoctrination and true trust in God" ... VERY different! I was "indoctrinated" by a religion and walked away from it only to find that religion is not what God wants and doctrine or religion will never change you. Only "truly" knowing God is what shapes you and changes you and shows you what being a "true" Christian really is... not religion, not rituals, not learning rules and regulations you must adhere to... GOD is a GOD of GRACE.. it is His FREE gift.. nothing you do can save you... ONLY He saves you by HIS OWN FREE GRACE... There are only two ways of eternal life - God's way or Satan's counterfeit (RELIGION).

Either God gives eternal life as a free and unconditional gift, or man must perform conditions of faith or works to obtain it.

If man must do anything, then God's grace is ruined, man becomes his own saviour...and that is impossible!

Faith and obedience are the results of this gracious salvation, not conditions for it in any way whatsoever. They are the evidence of eternal life, not the means or instrument to obtain it.



update: i was raised catholic and fervently indoctrinated! enduring long rosary prayers and habitual repetitive memorization and incantations... long confessionals and even abuse from nuns in school and perverted priests...as a teen I walked away from all that,for 30 years I could not even bring my self to even try to believe or even discover the truth.

but something did not add up.. all the nonsense about coming from monkeys or outer space or even that this intricate world came from a little bit of molecular confusion.. yeah not falling for that either, i set out to discover for myself if God was what church told me or even real at all... reading the bible was boring and un-understandable.

JW's seemed off, Mormonism beyond weird, buddism- couldn't step on a bug.. it might be my aunt! Atheism was completely denying what I clearly saw in the world.. so research and praying taught me something...Only God can show us the way...if you search him, you find HIM and if you ask for understanding.. He gives it to you.. so I concluded .. no amount of "indoctrination" can bring you to God, it only leads you away... what I found is supernatural and if you don't want to believe that's your prerogative.. but at least be honest with yourself... either you find the truth or give it up and go on your merry way! quit wasting time hanging out in forums that talk about something you don't believe in... otherwise you're just a walking contradiction! :)

We believers know that really all you "atheists" are really doing is searching to find just a little bit of something that can give you proof of something to believe in, ..anything.. give you a little hope.. cause we all know .. it's in our nature to not want to die... to hopelessly believe that we have no purpose for being here and no hope for anything else... oh yeah you won't admit it but you lingering around here.. yeah.. that's the real reason... many ex-atheists have admitted that they did that also, even if they wouldn't admit it at the time... so don't be fooled.. we all know why you're here..

Answer 102

No, I do not. But I grew up in a University town.

Answer 103

Meh he don't exist

Answer 104

"As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting,- never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers." (Koran)

Answer 105

Yes.



Even after you see through it, the fear is hard to lose. Laughter is the best medicine.

Answer 106

I dont understand why you think atheists give a damn?

Answer 107

Most atheists had the same upbringing so yes they understsnd

Answer 108

go easy

Answer 109

not sure

Answer 110

Yes we do. We fear it.

Answer 111

take a look at this...

Answer 112

Well, I understand it must be strong because of the absolute nonsense it gets people to believe.

Answer 113

One of the biggest tricks the Devil used and still uses to date - make people believe God doesn't exist.



trust me, you're HALF WAY there to joining his side..lol

Answer 114

One way to avoid the problem in the first place is to NOT LEAVE YOUR KIDS IN THE CHURCH DAYCARE.

Answer 115

Babylon the Great is like an immoral harlot, one living in shameless luxury

Revelation 17:1-5 says: “‘Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters [peoples], with whom the kings [political rulers] of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’ And upon her forehead was written a name, a mystery: ‘Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.’” Revelation 18:7 adds that “she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury.”



It is true that the dominant religious organizations have made it a practice to consort with political rulers for power and material gain, though this has resulted in suffering for the common people. It is also true that their higher clergy live in luxury, even though many of the people to whom they should minister may be impoverished.



Religions that profess to be Christian can be properly viewed as a part of Babylon the Great, along with those who know nothing of the God of the Bible. James. 4:4: states“Adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.” (So, though they know what the Bible says about God, they make themselves his enemies if they choose friendship with the world by imitating its ways.)



2 Cor. 4:4; 11:14, 15: “The god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” “Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.” (Thus Jehovah’s chief adversary, Satan the Devil himself, is really being honored by all who do not worship the true God in the manner that He has appointed, even though they may claim to be Christians. ( 1 Corinthians 10:20.) Matt. 7:21-23: “Not everyone saying to me [Jesus Christ], ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”



It is urgent to get out of Babylon the Great without delay.

Rev. 18:4: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.” Rev. 18:21: “A strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: ‘Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again.’” Luke 21:36: “Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.” The Bible states what will happen to people who did not know Bible truth but lived and died in the past as part of Babylon the Great. Acts 17:30: “God has overlooked the times of such ignorance, yet now he is telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent.” Acts 24:15: “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (As to which ones of “the unrighteous” will be raised, God will decide.) Job 34:12: “For a fact, God himself does not act wickedly, and the Almighty himself does not pervert judgment.”



I'm not atheists, I do understand anyone can be mislead RE: to christendom. Jesus Christ stated at (Matthew 15:9) It is in vain that they keep worshipping me, for they teach commands of men as doctrines.’”

Answer 116

yes

Answer 117

Christians never lose rights.

Answer 118

Congratulations on both your Question and the courage it took to ask it. I dare say there will be those who may not like what you say but it is your truth and that of many others.