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 An exhibit of Rodin's "The Thinker."
April 27th, 2012
04:01 PM ET
Study: Analytic thinking can decrease religious beliefBy Becky Perlow, CNN (CNN) - When was the last time you sat down and questioned your decision to believe in God? According to a new study, that simple act could decrease your religious conviction – even if you’re a devout believer. In the study, published Friday in the journal Science, researchers from Canada’s University of British Columbia used subtle stimuli to encourage analytical thinking. Results from the study found that analytical thinking could decrease religious belief. “Religious belief is intuitive - and analytical thinking can undermine intuitive thinking,” said Ara Norenzayan, co-author of the study. “So when people are encouraged to think analytically, it can block intuitive thinking.” CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories Some of the more than 650 Canadian and American participants in the study were shown images of artwork that encouraged analytic thinking, while another group was shown images that were not intended to produce such thinking. One of the images used to trigger analytic thinking was of Rodin’s statue “The Thinker.” A previous study showed that such images improved performance on tests that indicate analytic thinking. In addition to the artwork images, the religion study used other stimuli to promote analytical thinking. After exposure to such stimuli, researchers gauged participants’ religious beliefs through a series of questions. Subjects who had performed analytical tasks were more likely to experience a decrease in religious belief than those who were not involved in such tasks. That included devout believers. “There’s much more instability to religious belief than we recognize,” said Norenzayan, noting that life’s circumstances and experiences, from traumatic events to joyous occasions, can lead people to become more or less religious. “Religion is such an important part of the world and we have so little understanding of it,” he added. “So regardless of what you think about religion, it’s important to understand it because it’s so important in the world.” Norenzayan is quick to mention that the experiments did not turn devout believers into total atheists. But he speculated that if people habitually think analytically, like scientists or lawyers do, it would lead to less religious belief in the long run. Robert McCauley, director of the Center for Mind, Brain and Culture at Emory University, and author of "Why religion is natural and science is not," found the study particularly interesting because he thought it was difficult to make even a minimal change in religious belief. “It’s not likely you would argue someone out of a religious belief very often because they don’t hold those beliefs on argumentative or reflective grounds in the first place,” said McCauley, who believes religious beliefs rely primarily on intuitive thinking. Analytical thinking alone does not necessarily lead to a decrease in religious belief, emphasized Norenzayan. “There’s a combination of factors [as to] why people become believers or nonbelievers - this is only one piece of the puzzle,” Norenzayan said, explaining that his team doesn’t think analytical thinking is superior to intuitive thinking. “It makes the story we need to tell about religion and religious belief all the more complicated,” said McCauley. “That’s what great scientific research does – ask more interesting questions.” soundoff (3,468 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Next »
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Abraham and Sarah couldn't have kids, so Sarah sent her handmaiden, Hagar in to her husband. The had a kid, Ishmael.
Later on though, God decides that he's going to let Sarah have a kid. Changed his mind. He's God, after all. But now, Hagar and Sarah have a little tiff, and they get sent away, both Hagar and Ishmael. Eventually, 600 or a thousand years later, the Islamic faith comes into being.
So if God is all knowing, why did he purposely have a hand in the creation of Islam, knowing that Islam and Christianity would be at odds with one another a couple hundred centuries later? He's all knowing! All he had to do was let Sarah have a kid.
To me, this is the flaw in the christian faith that says that they are as crazy as the muslims, and that's not saying much, is it? It says that God set us up for armageddon and there's no way out if we do 'his will'. Maybe Satan isn't such a bad guy... he's gotten a bad rap from the original war monger himself. It's one of the deepest flaws in biblical logic.
Perhaps you can take that up with God someday. You would probably be better off trying to understand the gospel message before you start questioning God.
Are you sure about all that? lol!
oops–that was to mr pipe dreamer lol!
MEN CREATED GOD(S) FROM THEIR OWN IMAGINATIONS
Evidence? Just curious.
@uncouth:
Either that, or there are over 2,000 gods in existence.
Analytic thinking brings me closer to God.
When it all comes down to how did it all begin, I have to go with God.
Analytically it may seem that one thing developed from another, but when you get down to : how did it all begin, there is nothing. The “Big Bang” and other theories beg the question: Where did all the elements come from to cause the “Big Bang”. Answer: We don't know.
Men may think they are very intelligent, but I think there must be a superior being that is far more intelligent than man.
Evolutionist have many questions to answer, deists have only one: where did God come from. Answer: We don't know.
So, neither evolutionist or deists have a leg to stand on. I'll choose God.
What an idiotic piece of drivel. From the usual source.
I think Bo should stop trying to think and take up some other pastime. Maybe origami or the banjo?
To Tom Tom the P Son – and what shall we call your comment?
Hey Bo – you must be my son! Bday: 9/28?
Frank – and your comment has value?
Call it whatever your retarded little heart desires.
Instead of criticizing why don' you try to answer the question: How did it all begin, where did the elements come from. To me, your replies are only to boost your own ego.
Aw c'mon Tom, no need to get mean spirited.
This is how he gets his kicks. He throws around some stale arguments and when they don't work for him he begins throwing around insults. Then he changes usernames, gives his other alter ego some support.
Which God Bo?
Flood the Middle East and the Southern US with those pictures 🙂
Here we go with the "only stupid, nonthinking people are Christians" garbage.
I have an IQ of 142, an MS and an MBA, six-figure job, and I am a Christian. I HAVE looked at the evidence, and I HAVE thought critically about the arguments made by both sides, and the INTELLECTUAL conclusion I have drawn is that God simply MUST exist. It is not even an emotional issue with me, but a rational one. I am about as emotional in concluding God exists as I am concluding that the sun exists. It just does no matter what I think of it.
It seems to me that the Athiests and the anti-Christians are far more emotional about this issue than most Christians. Oh, and the thought of evolution in humans? Bwahhhahhhahhh!!!!!!!!!! What a simple-minded theory designed for rubes.
None of that changes the recent poll/test that showed that the average atheist and average agnostic know more about the Bible than the average Christian.
Somehow I doubt your claim of having a 142 IQ, because everything you've just said is completely intellectually bankrupt. Please show me your proof that a god "must" exist. Please show me how evolution is a "simple minded" theory.
No, you are not who you claim you are. You are some hick at worst, or average Joe at best, sitting on CNN trying to justify your unreasonable and illogical beliefs.
Well, I guess that last statement shoots holes in your IQ.
Paleoconservative,,,,,,,,,,,, ,.,.,,..
1Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.
LOL. That's hilarious! The majority of people already believe in one god or another! Give the other ones a chance! What are you? part pig?
Plain Ol' Dreamer: What the heck are you saying? Bla bla bla. Total Nonsense.
Iq, ms, mba, and six figure job, do not make you a thinker...lol... if you were a thinker, you would realize it...
people who quote their IQ like their shoe size are rarely as intelligent as they claim.
Idiots like you drink and type, and think you are clever. No, you are not a member of Mensa, nor is your IQ anywhere near north of 110. Believe in God, Jesus, Buddha, Easter Bunny, IronMan and the Incredible Hulk for all I care. Just don't pass laws saying I have to believe in whatever nonsense you waste your life on.
I'd like to quote *frank* here:
"at least 30 christians will lie and say they're physicists or mega genius biologists and that their knowledge of science has only strengthened their certainty there's a god–thus continuing the unbroken chain of lies that constltutes the entire history and substance of the christian religion."
Congratulations on your foresight, *frank* – one down, 29 to go!
Paleoconservative
Judgmentalisms run rampant within many carrion in today's fields of anal-olomanies! Such carrion needs to be hoisted upon the yardarms and flogged mercilessly until they are ripe for the birds to make their follies with!
Even Darwin admitted there were a lot of holes in his theories.
Tell me, since you athiests worship the scientific teachings of an 19th century scientist with a religious-like fervor, do you also believe that blood-letting by leeches will release the poisons from the body? That was the science of Darwin's day...yet you believe his theories are completely valid.
I have read the arguments put forth by St. Thomas Aquinas "Summa Theologica", Greenleaf's "The testimony of the Evangelists: The Gospels Examined by the Rules of Evidence", and numerous others, and the evidence of God's existence is simply much more compelling than the alternative argument.
Now tell me, what critical thinking have you done to argue that God does not exists....other than the standard "why don't we live in utopia if there is a God" argument that shows a complete lack of a basic understanding of religious theory?
Dude, if you are going to tout your intellect, at least try to post something resembling a coherent, well thought out argument. And unless you started out with IQ of 35,000 or so, you cannot have had an IQ anywhere near 140 by the time you finished typing. It's been empirically established that typing consequent exclamation points exponentially drop the IQ.
I'm sure you do, Paleodimwit. I myself am the possessor of a vast store of emeralds, own 50 islands, and am the Queen of Botswana. I also possess a doctorate in theology, another in English, and a third in medicine. I am the head of the largest hospital in the UK and I perform s3x-change operations on pygmies.
I do not believe a bit what you say, including the tons of diplomas and intelligence factors you say to have. Sorry, to me you are an idiot. You do not mention a word, which could support what you think. To say just for saying something 'i am sure God must exist' is garbage. It demonstrates a weak mind, ignorance, and lack of a minimum intelligence to reason something. Because you do not have an IQ 142, neither a Master, nor a PhD (I think you forgot this) your words do not make sense at all. I bet you do not have a clue what is faith, soul, heaven, atheism, religion, and many others. I get the impression that you are one of those believers who just say that for fear of dying, for a natural and innate lack of courage to get to the point that rationally states that the only world for the human being is this one, and that no spiritual world exists for simply logic, and that God is part of a fairy tale, and that the cosmos was not created in six days, and that this was created just by chance in an infinite space and time, yes without beginning without ending, and that we were dust before we were born and that we will be dust after we die, and too bad for you, but there will not be a last judgement, not heaven with virgin women, with juice fountains, and that those angels you love so much are part of your poor mind.
As I suspected, no mature, intellectual responses from the athiest crowd. Just insults, name calling, and general immaturity. They are not to be taken seriously.
As if you are, Paleodingus.
@Paleoconservative –
While it may be true that you have an "MS and an MBA, six-figure job, and [are] a Christian", I'm calling shenanigans on the "IQ of 142". I don't intend to be mean, but you can't spew B.S. in a forum and not expect to be called-out.
Really-O....why the hatret and anger? What are you scared of?
@Paleoconservative – regarding: "As I suspected, no mature, intellectual responses from the athiest crowd."
If you want "intellectual responses", you have to provide something worthy. You have not.
...and it's spelled "atheist", Paleo. Just sayin'.
Paleodork is still in high school. Who else uses exclamation points in multiples to reinforce a point while being unable to spell simple words?
@paleoconservative: "since you athiests worship the scientific teachings of an 19th century scientist with a religious-like fervor"
Anyone with the intellect you claim to have would understand that modern evolutionary theory has been updated (and confirmed) for 150 yrs since Darwin – evolution is no more "Darwinism" than gravity is "Newtonism." You're a fraud.
All he can do is insult people and imply that he so mart and uthers r dumb.
@Paleoconservative – regarding: "why the hatret and anger"
No hatred or anger and no fear. I'm just pointing out that, if you wish to be taken seriously, you need play-by-the-rules and bring-something-to-the-table (sorry, I have an affinity for hackneyed phrases).
Awww. Guess I hit a nerve. So sad for you, sweet cheeks.
I sorry you hate yourselves and have a need to project that hate outward onto others. Find God. Release the self-loathing that is consuming you.
I sorry you speak no English. I sad for you. You no have education. So tragic for you. Too bad for you. Is failing on you part. You no learn. You no understand. I no listen to you ignoramus.
Actually, I think I hit a nerve. Why else would you feel the need to throw out some passive-aggressive tripe? Maybe you finally moved up a grade.
If it is necessary for your ego to believe that, be my guest.
I don't have a thing to lose.
@Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son – "I sorry you speak no English..."
Tom, that's just wrong!
...but, oh so funny.
Of course you don't. You threw all your credibility out ther door a long time ago. Losers usually never have anything to lose.
the more advances we make in technology, the more distant i find myself from the judeo-christian belief system. we have brought people back from the dead, (and THEY had some interesting things to say!). we can "create" life, sort of. we can fly around in space. make blind people see, make the deaf hear. so sooner or later we will be able to do all the "miracles" that jesus did. so.....does that make US "gods" or does it make jesus a scientist? how's that for analytical thinking?
Ha I clould never doubt that theres a God! Doubting God is probably the most foolish thing you can do.
Sure. I'll give your comment all the consideration is warrants. *tosses RebelDummy's comment in circular file*
Its "its" not "is" brother Tom. Please pay attention.
I would if I gave a ripe fuck.
Tom Tom, you sure better hope you are right.
Oh brother Tom, you think others care when you break out your spiffy grammar gestapo uniform. You should say thank you when others help you with your mistakes; which can be many.
Anyway, you're welcome.
Hey, bozo, at least I know how to use a semicolon. A typo is hardly comparable to your complete ignorance, moron.
Why had I "better hope I am right", Paleodumbazz? Because your God will send me to the lake of fire for doubting in his existence?
Really, is that how you live your life? You're pathetic.
Doubt is necessary to be certain of anything. If you can't bring yourself to doubt something and think about it from a neutral standpoint, then all you're doing is believing it blindly. Of course, this should be done regardless of your faith. Whether you're an atheist, a devout Christian, etc, one who aims to be a rational should try to understand all perspectives.
Oh brother Tom, it might not be the most common use of the semicolon but it is still grammatically
valid. Now go on and get back to your little ad hominem attacks on the people you disagree with.
Nope. It's wrong. You are a dolt.
Go ahead and prove that your usage is correct, dearie. This should be fun.
It is fun because it is valid. If you don't believe it, it hardly matters to me brother dear.
Rebel4Christ, actually at one time you not only doubted the existence of your god but didn't believe it.
You were born agnostic
Your use of a semicolon was incorrect.
Don't believe it? Check it and get back to me with evidence that proves otherwise, you brain-dead muttonhead.
The cells of Life are the Kingdom Domains of God and we are but God's buildings as are are things living are so to be! We labour together with God by our dealing with all mannerisms of the diseased! We are fast becoming the triunphant benefisciaries of thought progressives that implore us in our ongoing searches throughout all Life's architectures! The Godly have given up to us all our needs and means to abate our ongoing manifestations for living our lives in as free as possible styles for living an abundant lifestyled way!
1Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.
Of all scriptures please remember this one verse above all other verses! May God enlighten His followers and all others, onward into the foreverness of celestialized spaces
Ok, cut out the spam.
When you can tell us that you believe and follow everything in Corinthians, then you will BEGIN to have credibility.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............
May you be enlightened and may you learn how to write intelligently.
Oh gawd. Jeez "Dreamer" go open a science book or something!
"...Norenzayan said, explaining that his team doesn’t think analytical thinking is superior to intuitive thinking."
That's a cowardly stance if ever I heard one. Grow a pair, man!!
The cells of Life are the Kingdom Domains of God and we are but God's buildings as are all things living are so to be! We labour together with God by our dealing with all mannerisms of the diseased! We are fast becoming the triunphant benefisciaries of thought progressives that implore us in our ongoing searches throughout all Life's architectures! The Godly have given up to us all our needs and means to abate our ongoing manifestations for living our lives in as free as possible styles for living an abundant lifestyled way!
1Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.
Of all scriptures please remember this one verse above all other verses! May God enlighted His followers onward into the foreverness of celestialized spaces
Ol'Dreamer diatribe is at the core of religion's problem: bla bla silliness that doesn't touch on the real problem that religion is supposed to address: building a loving and moral center and thus a happy life. I don't think anyone who reads his post will be moved to study deeper. Building faith has to be a head and heart thing.
I have a pious and unshakeable faith that in this thread, at least 30 christians will lie and say they're physicists or mega genius biologists and that their knowledge of science has only strengthened their certainty there's a god--thus continuing the unbroken chain of lies that constitutes the entire history and substance of the christian religion.
Lololol...u r definitely correct!
And I have an unshakable faith that far more than 30 will end up in hell some day and wish they had not been deceived and taken the wrong path.
Threatening anyone with hell sounds so risibly pathetic in the 21st century.
Well, the "threat" did not originate from me. Just giving fair warning. I could take the view that I don't give a darn where people end up but that would not be Christ- like at all. Hey, I'm not going to be mad at you for not agreeing. This is a forum and I respect your right to express what you want. Can you afford me the same respect?
I read about this earlier today in Scientific American. Kudos to CNN for reporting it, though they glossed over some important and interesting parts of the study.
Exactly. This isn't making the front page on most sites. . .shhhhh, it's best to keep the masses in ignorance.
I find it amusing that as society, particularly the under 30 generation, gets dumber, the more they champion their "critical thinking" skills and claim themselves to be great analytical thinkers (in their mind, FAR superior to their elders). Yet these are the same people who are up in arms because they are $50k in debt in student loans and can't land a job with their Women's studies and Creative Writing.
Perhaps they should have used that tremendous analytical ability they posess to have chosen a major that actually could land them a regular paycheck. I'm curious as to how many of these highly analytical, masterful critical-thinking athiests are posting from their childhood bedrooms at their parent's house?
Well, honey, one of those you hate is posting from her home office in Potomac, MD. Look it up, dork. Check out the average price of a house.
@Paleoconservative –
If you have a cogent point, state it clearly. Rambles only invite ridicule from other posters.
Hint – Tom, Tom will tear you apart if you're not on your game.
The article is quite silent about exactly what sort of stimuli were used to prod analytical thinking, how changes in analytical thinking were measured, or how degree of religious belief was measured. In fact, it doesn't really present any useful – let alone analytical – information that would allow a reader to gauge the study's merits.
You're right – there's a somewhat more in depth treatment in Scientific American online. Beyond that, consult the original article in Science. Popular media typically does a pretty horrible job of reporting science news.
well, duh.
once I started a bit o' thinking for myself, I stopped believing in the Easter bunny, too.
A quick study of demographics would have answered this question.
It is well known that rural less educated people are more religious.
Criticizing Religion http://youtu.be/OZUUKjumt0Q
Criticizing Religion
http://youtu.be/OZUUKjumt0Q
there is no point to ask for proof that god exists from religious people... when atheists do that, they are just contributing to an insane conversation. if you study psychology, you quickly understand why people have those needs, you understand the demons, etc... you also understand that religion is a like a drug... you cannot take it away without helping people to replace it with something...HENCE EDUCATION!!!!! Arguing with religious folks is pointless if you are offering anything to fill the void...
what is this blatantly biased gibberish?
Just because it offends your moronic belief in a supernatural fairy tale does not make this article "blatantly biased gibberish."
Most atheist on this page are not #1 Christians, #2American. So to debate with them is a waste of time.
Most posters named bitorbite are too dumb to figure out how to post in English.
The cells of Life are the Kingdom Domains of God and we are but God's buildings as are are things living are so to be! We labour together with God by our dealing with all mannerisms of the diseased! We are fast becoming the triunphant benefisciaries of thought progressives that implore us in our ongoing searches throughout all Life's architectures! The Godly have given up to us all our needs and means to abate our ongoing manifestations for living our lives in as free as possible styles for living an abundant lifestyled way!
1Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.
Of all scriptures please remember this one verse above all other verses! May God enlighted His followers onward into the foreverness of celestialized spaces!