The persistence of old ideologies and religions, even when they seem outdated or harmful, is a deeply complex phenomenon rooted in psychology, sociology, and cultural history.
1. Psychological Reasons
Fear of Uncertainty: Ideologies and religions often provide structure, purpose, and answers to life's big questions (e.g., "Why are we here?" "What happens after death?"). Letting go of them can create existential anxiety.
Cognitive Dissonance: People are reluctant to admit they’ve been wrong, especially if the belief has shaped their identity or life choices. Rejecting an ideology might mean confronting years of perceived "mistakes."
Comfort and Familiarity: Beliefs, even harmful ones, can feel safer than the unknown. They provide a sense of stability and predictability in an unpredictable world.
2. Social and Cultural Reasons
Tradition and Identity: Religions and ideologies are often deeply tied to cultural identity. Abandoning them can feel like betraying one's heritage or community.
Group Pressure: Many fear ostracism or judgment if they reject shared beliefs. Social cohesion often relies on collective adherence to a common ideology.
Power Structures: Those in power often have a vested interest in maintaining old ideologies. Religions and ideologies have historically been tools of control, justifying social hierarchies, laws, and governance.
3. Lack of Awareness or Access to Alternatives
Education: Not everyone has access to critical thinking skills or alternative perspectives. Many are raised in environments where questioning the dominant ideology is discouraged or punished.
Echo Chambers: Social circles, media, and institutions often reinforce existing beliefs, isolating individuals from conflicting viewpoints.
4. Emotional Attachments
Hope and Meaning: For many, religions and ideologies offer hope, especially in difficult times. The promise of a better future, justice, or an afterlife can be deeply comforting.
Personal Experiences: Even when a belief system seems irrational, individuals may have had profound personal experiences tied to it (e.g., moments of solace, community, or perceived miracles).
5. Resistance to Change
Inertia: Change is hard. Replacing deeply rooted beliefs requires emotional and intellectual effort, and many prefer the status quo.
Fear of Moral Chaos: People may worry that abandoning old ideologies will lead to a loss of moral structure or societal cohesion.
6. The Role of Harmful Beliefs
Even harmful ideologies persist because:
They often serve someone's interests (e.g., maintaining power, wealth, or control).
People may not realize the harm caused, especially if it’s systemic or subtle.
The harm is justified or rationalized through narratives (e.g., "suffering has a divine purpose").
7. How Change Happens
While stubbornness exists, ideologies and religions do evolve or fade over time when:
New Narratives Arise: Ideas like humanism, science, and universal ethics offer alternative frameworks.
Education Increases: Critical thinking and access to diverse viewpoints weaken dogmatic beliefs.
Social Pressures Shift: As societies modernize, old ideologies may lose relevance (e.g., reduced religious adherence in secular countries).
However, change is often slow because it involves not just individuals but entire social systems.
Key Takeaway
People hold onto old ideologies and religions not simply out of ignorance or stubbornness, but because these systems fulfill deep psychological, emotional, and social needs. Challenging them requires addressing these needs—offering better alternatives for meaning, community, and purpose—rather than outright rejection or criticism.
Why is religion still pressed on children, even in a world full of information, science, and alternative ways of thinking?
Here are a few lenses to look through:
🧠 1. Cultural continuity
• For many families, religion isn’t just about belief — it’s identity, tradition, and community.
• Teaching religion to children is often seen as "passing on the culture", like language or food.
• Even if it’s outdated to some, it’s sacred inheritance to others.
💼 2. Control and conformity
• Religion can be a tool to shape behavior early: morals, obedience, fear of punishment (divine or otherwise).
• Some systems want to instill a worldview early, before children develop critical thinking.
• Because once you get someone’s sense of right/wrong, you often get their decisions too.
🏫 3. Institutional influence
• In some countries, religious institutions still control or influence schools, laws, and social services.
• That keeps religion in the system, regardless of what individuals want.
• And even secular states often hesitate to fully remove religion from early education for fear of backlash.
💞 4. Fear of the unknown
• Parents often teach religion because they’re afraid of what happens if they don’t.
◦ “What if my kid grows up immoral?”
◦ “What if I’m wrong, and they don’t believe?”
• In that sense, religion can be a form of emotional insurance.
🤔 But here's the question under the question:
Should kids be raised with answers — or with curiosity?
Because many would argue that pressing religion isn’t the problem — pressing anything that closes the mind too early is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCgCeoxToek - Why Intelligent People Scare Society | Schopenhauer
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