Why Do You Think the Way You Do?

I have had many discussions lately with some uber-liberal folks.  It's strange to talk to them because they seem to be really sincere.  And I listen to them and think to myself that their logic is so messed up that they have to try to be pulling my chain.  But, I don't think they are.  I really do think most of them are sincere (and I think some are simply puppets.)

But that leads me to my point.  Why do people think the way the do? Is it their upbringing?  Is it the need for validation with the groups that they hang out with? Or do they hang out with the groups that validate their thoughts and feelings and beliefs?

And I'm not just talking politics.  I think this applies to religion as well.  For example, one of my friends is Catholic. He is devoted and sincere.  But the story about he ended up being Catholic is interesting.  When my friends parents were married, on their honeymoon night, his mother was fully dressed and in bed.  His father asked what was going on.  His mother stated that he was going to swear to her that he would become Catholic and switch religions from his Baptist upbringing or the marriage would not be consummated.  So today my friend is Catholic.

I read a blog recently that summed it up this way.  "Not long ago, a psychology class played a trick on their professor. Every time he walked to the left side of the room, the class would tune out, look away or just look down at their notes. When he walked to the right side of the room the class would look at him, pay attention and nod their heads to affirm his ideas. By the end of the class, the professor was literally standing so far to the right of the class he was teaching from the doorway. No kidding."


So it makes me wonder how much of the things that we believe in are “us” or are really just a subconscious reaction to validation. Do we engage our theological or political positions because we’ve come upon them objectively, or did we find ourselves in a community that embraced those positions and rewarded us with affirmation when we came to the conclusions of the community?

So why do you believe what you believe and why do you think the way you do?  Is it because you are going along with your "community" or have you tested your thoughts and beliefs?  And do you really know why you believe what you believe?