So here it is! My very first post. Hweeel :) I decided that I would start with this video. It is a good video, just under 5 minutes long, which I share similar sentiments with its narrator and maker. I think it is best for you to watch and consider the points he made yourself but if you're in a rush (or the connection is just a bit shitty) then maybe you'll prefer the short summary I wrote underneath.

Either way, do enjoy!




SUMMARY: If you ask a believer why they believe what they believe in, they will give you a rational answer as to why they do. It is worth noting however that religion does not only constitute a believer's way of life but it encompasses everything else; it is his identity, community, security and it gives his life meaning. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that an irrational and emotional attachment is involved. This is as true in atheists or free-thinkers as it is in theists. The narrator shares his experience of increasingly noticing flaws in Islam while he was losing his Islamic faith. He was astonished that he never noticed these flaws before and concluded that this was because his emotional attachment had made him selective - he favoured information that confirmed his preconceptions and rejected others which are contradictory. He further suggested that this emotional attachment is also the reason believers are 'immune to logic' and would take any criticisms as hostile and personal. Because after all, to the believer, it is personal. When you question his religion, you are threatening his identity, community, security and meaning in life. The situation is not hopeless. The first step to, at least having a rational discussion with them, is to acknowledge the existence of this emotional attachment. Then it is up to them whether they choose to allow doubt to occur; for doubt is the road to rational analysis, not faith. If things don't go the way you want then remember that this emotional attachment requires a lot of courage to let go. 

Be patient and even when they hate, do try to love.

Have a think yourself. Anyway, thinking for yourself is never a bad thing :)