From believing that a particular stereotype is always true, to a belief that God is punishing the U.S. for allowing Jews and gays to exist, can become a fundamental basis from which all other beliefs of the individual must be gauged. In this way fundamentalism can inhibit growth both, emotionally and intellectually, and interfere with an individual’s capacity seek new experiences or to gain knowledge from experience.

Regardless of the belief (religious or otherwise), I have to admit that fundamentalism can limit intellectual capacity. In ‘some’ cases individuals find a niche, such as a social group, in which their fundamentalist positions are reinforced and even further developed. This will prohibit many from ever exploring or seeking experiences outside the safety and protection of their peer group.

HOWEVER, very often when we see the kind of comments listed in the OP, we are not witnessing the type of fundamentalism I have described, as much as we are witnessing ignorance (as in simply not having a broad and varied knowledge base), or a person who has not yet had to the kind opportunities that lead to growth from broader life experience.

Humans grow and develop through experience and as long as we remain open to new knowledge our views and values can change. But the more we limit our exposure and the less we seek life broadening experiences the greater the chances are that we will remain intellectually challenged by our fundamental beliefs.

I'm not agreeing with the OP, I'm not disagreeing, I'm simply offering another perspective.

lol, look up above at my reply, I think I have that one covered pretty well.



*edit*
Oh yeah, I love it when someone corrects others' gramatical and spelling errors and then can't even spell "Christian" or "thought".

so anyone that doesn't agree with you is an idiot? you must not be able to see in your mirrors very well... i have noticed whenever someone that thinks everyone else is an idiot is usually the idiot themselves, but too stupid to know it...

From believing that a particular stereotype is always true, to a belief that God is punishing the U.S. for allowing Jews and gays to exist, can become a fundamental basis from which all other beliefs of the individual must be gauged. In this way fundamentalism can inhibit growth both, emotionally and intellectually, and interfere with an individual’s capacity seek new experiences or to gain knowledge from experience.

Regardless of the belief (religious or otherwise), I have to admit that fundamentalism can limit intellectual capacity. In ‘some’ cases individuals find a niche, such as a social group, in which their fundamentalist positions are reinforced and even further developed. This will prohibit many from ever exploring or seeking experiences outside the safety and protection of their peer group.

HOWEVER, very often when we see the kind of comments listed in the OP, we are not witnessing the type of fundamentalism I have described, as much as we are witnessing ignorance (as in simply not having a broad and varied knowledge base), or a person who has not yet had to the kind opportunities that lead to growth from broader life experience.

Humans grow and develop through experience and as long as we remain open to new knowledge our views and values can change. But the more we limit our exposure and the less we seek life broadening experiences the greater the chances are that we will remain intellectually challenged by our fundamental beliefs.

I'm not agreeing with the OP, I'm not disagreeing, I'm simply offering another perspective.

Nice post Redy....

~~~

Sure it's their right as well is it's my right to call them out on the carpet about their insanities. I am not calling for banning religious...just pointing out the obvious...that it's a moron's morphine and it's got our country high when it should be THINKING instead. Why do Thumpers continually vote GOP? Explain that!!!

These people's leaders are corrupted, they're theives and war mongers...liars. The GOP only use the Thumpers...just like Hitler did...remember?...er....remember or to relive it...remember that?

~~~

Okay....so you're okay with them installing prayer in schools huh? How about abstinence only continued? For evey year science and rational thought grows forward too large a population of Americans want to drag it back...deny and pretend. Example GW, the GOP and their liars have about half the country disbelieving it...so here again Thumpers vote for people who will let the planet rust for short-term corporate profit. Screw this...what Thumper would care to or be able to make this distinction? LOL.

I think public ridicule is called for...haven't enough suffered to prove their god's existance? When will it end? Oh yeah...they all got that story to tell to keep the fear alive...egads.

There's a difference between a typo and stupidity.

Christianity like most religions are for people who can't think for themselves...


Am I right or wrong?

Deists are smarter than both!

"Atheist Wiccan"

Yes, "a" typo....

What about 2 in one word? Stupidity?

Christians

Christianity like most religions are for people who can't think for themselves...


Am I right or wrong?

Statements like that are for those who have an inferiority complex.
I don't need validation, so ha!

Or proof. Or reason. Or logic. Or knowledge. Or brains. Or kindness. Or empathy. ect ect ect..


Oh...that was too easy...sorry sorry....it's just so hard to not knock 'em down when they set 'em up so well...