does organized faith/religion limit free thinking?

Well from my personal experience with it, asking questions was always considered a No-no in the church for it shows a lack of faith and we are not to question God. So that alone states free thinking is out the window. I however feel questioning, pondering and analyzing is all part of God's creation. He gave us this ability not so we can be mindless droids to only repeat what the Bible said, but to be able to come up with our own answers for why it's written to begin with or if it’s really God’s will at all. Cause I tell you, there are things in there I doubt God inspired yet alone wish for mankind to follow. I think some is and some isn’t and I think I was given this ability to make my own judgments so I don’t follow that wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Because I am not perfect, and the Bible is the manual for the people, (look how the Biblical food that is the healthiest of any diets) So, if I am not perfect, I wouldn't trust my judgement on right and wrong. But I do know that religion is not good, it is bondage, I would rather have a relationship than to be under bondage. As for the laws that I follow, no different than the laws of man, they are there to protect. Just like I wouldn't go speeding through a neighborhood, I also try to not break G♥d's laws.

I agree with you 100%. As an Atheist, I became that way purely through thinking, and reading, and studying, and exploring all the major religions, and reading some of the major works relating to the subject, before I decided that I couldn't accept any of it. All the Atheists I know are the same. But most religious people seem to acept the whole thing without question, and that scares me, because I culd never accept anything without looking into it first.

Hello Fightingistheonlyway, Wow what a name! As to organized faith or religion limit free thinking, I feel that is true only if on allows it to be. Freedom in worship and our faith should come from our heart so if one is limited in their worship or how they think or feel about a matter it is because they themselves have surrendered their freedom to a organization or to their faith. Free thinking is something we should do in any thing we want to do in our life. Otherwise we are not doing whatever we do from honesty but to impress of conform. I am a free thinker and yet I belong to an organization and when and if I ever think I do not have my freedom to think for myself, I would leave it. Only a robot does not think for themselves. We each have a brain and we should have the ability to think freely and choose what we wish to choose freely. Take care, Hope12

It's so funny that you bring this up because I was just thinking about this very thing the other day. Although I was referring to it more as brain washing, but limiting free thinking is a better way of putting it. Many of us who grow up in a religion are taught from a very age what the 'book' says. Whatever book that might be. And many of us are taught that we don't question, we just believe. And it's pounded into us. But are beliefs actually free thinking? In some ways yes, in other ways no. For example, i believe in ghosts. I have no scientific data or proof to back this up. Not even a 'good book' to turn to. but my free thinking says ghosts exist. I have no rhyme or reason as to why, I just believe. On the other hand, in religion, which many are based on a book, gives us the means to free think what we are being told. However, many people who spew bible quotes don't really know what they are talking about. And they are often closed to other interpretations. Many people, and on this board, are even closed to the views of other people. I was never taught not to question. And I often do. I often ask why we do certain things. Where does it come from, the book or is it a tradition? So I suspect I'm more like you on that matter. But many people just accept it. So is it brain washing or lack of free thinking? Or is there really any difference?

In an extent, I think it does constrict an individual's ability to think beyond the boxed rules of their religion. Like, for them there's never a gray matter. It's always black and white, right or wrong, straight or bent. http://www.jerusalemexport.com is a great resource for hand crafted religious products and decorative religious items.

I was brought up in a very liberal Hindu family in the sense that my mom did all the puja (worship) at home (she still does) but never expected her daughter to follow suit. My in-laws are liberal too and though all festivals are observed in our house, I don’t participate actively for the sake of religion only. I do it as part of my duty and for fun. I don’t believe in any religion. Many will take offence but I strongly believe that Hinduism is not a religion, it’s a way of life…a way of assimilating yourself with nature. And nature knows no restriction…it’s the same breeze that blows in my land and yours, it’s the same sky we live under, it’s the same rain that drenches us, it’s the same sunshine that gives us life and energy. So my belief is only in humanity and spirituality. I dislike any and every form of organized religious preaching yet I respect all religion from a distance. I try to find my God within myself and among my fellow human beings (though I have failed miserable till now, my efforts will continue, I will never subscribe to any particular religion).

I've always viewed the Torah in the same way I view the Bible; I can't relate to the quaran because they feel that it is set in stone. The bible is so subjective. The torah is also, but not as much. At least lingusitics don't get in the way. I am a free thinker and I am a Christian. Oxymoron? Perhaps. But I was raised by a couple who are humanists. My father is a Christian minister. My mother is a recovering baptist. They both believe in the art of human thinking and belief. I personally feel that if we don't hurt one another, life is good. I believe that the Bible is a guide as to how we should treat one another, in order to live in a civilized society. all of the "laws" held herein are about how we should treat one another. My personal opinion: all good people have everlasting life. Period. Let the stones fly

True some religions try to limit free thought, but you have free will. And my religion not only doesn't limit free thought, it celebrate it. You can ask why and it may not have a traditional answer but you are not excommunicated for asking it.There is a big difference between organized religion and true faith. And you can definitely be free thinking and faithful .

To my way of thinking...Yes! Organized (man-made)religion does limit ones way of thinking. Religion, or belief, is a personal, one on one, thing with an individual's maker(Creator). In the end, even the guy trying to tell you "How it is", is going to face the same fate, or judgement...Karma..whatever!For those that believe it, the book says: Lean not on to your own understanding, but consult with the Holy Spirit. They never said anything about checking with the Priest, Minister, or any man.