Imagine humankind as a tree with two main branches. One limb is called believers, the other unbelievers. Learning how believers contrast with unbelievers stance on spirituality is important. It provides clarity. The contrasts in perspectives lead us to greater intellectual and spiritual understanding.
Navigating cultural differences requires sensitivity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand other worldviews. The spiritual beliefs of unbelievers and believers represent two opposing ideologies. This gap contrasting unbelievers with believers is not insurmountable. Worldview differences touch our sacred ground of values, practices, and beliefs.
Reconciling opposing opinions is a part of modern life. It is stressful and scary. There are plenty of opportunities in the modern world to encounter new ideas.
Navigating Cultural Differences
It’s important to realize the beliefs of unbelievers are just as important to them as are believers’ faith. When dealing with beliefs, you are walking on sacred ground.
Use an open-minded approach. Begin with an open mind and a willingness to understand and learn. Get everyone involved in the discussion to agree to this platform before you start. That way, you won’t come up with the goal of winning the argument.
Use Active listening skills. Listen fully and ask questions for clarifications if appropriate, but don’t interrupt. Only redirect if the conversation gets off-topic. If you seek to understand, you avoid misunderstanding.
Acknowledge the contrasts in perspectives. Show respect when presenting differing opinions to avoid belittling their perspective. Stay away from name-calling.
Look for common ground. One of my favorites is that we are all going to hell in someone else’s religion. Another favorite is everyone who believes in one god is an unbeliever in someone else’s religion. In other words, we are all unbelievers and going to hell in someone else’s religion.
Recognize personal boundaries. Discussions about spiritual and religious beliefs and values can be highly personal. Stay on topic as much as possible. Many religious topics are intertwined and hard to separate. For example, if the topic is afterlife beliefs, be aware that they link closely to other religious beliefs. If a side topic comes up, make sure everyone agrees it’s okay to bring it into the discussion.
Understanding How Believers Contrast with Unbelievers
Our worldview is the lens through which we see reality. It houses our personality and instincts, along with the programming of the cultural narrative. Contrasting unbelievers with believers starts and ends with our worldview. Here’s a breakdown of the elements that highlight their differences. (1)
1. Believers Focus on God While Beliefs of Unbelievers is on Science
The belief in a higher power is the major distinction of believers. The worldview of the believer hinges on their faith in a supernatural being.
Most believers adhere to a framework that includes belief in a deity (or deities), an afterlife, and some form of divine guidance or revelation. They see the world as created and governed by a higher power, with purpose and order beyond what is observable.
The beliefs of unbelievers center on scientific explanations. Everyone who does not believe in an imaginary friend is considered an unbeliever. We call those who have this mindset atheists, agnostics, or secular individuals. They reject belief in deities or supernatural forces. They seek expiations through science, reason, and empirical evidence rather than divine intervention.
People use the word “Atheist” to describe those who don’t have an imaginary friend. The word “atheist” is Greek ἄθεος (atheos), which means without God (s). “A” is short for anti, meaning to oppose or the opposite. The word atheist is a derogatory reference for those who do not believe in an imaginary friend.
Interestingly, we only use this kind of terminology when talking about God. We don’t attach the Greek word “anti” to other terms. People do not call you an anti-bigfooter if you don’t believe in bigfoot. It’s the same for aliens and vampires. We don’t label people as “anti-alien” or “anti-vampire.” That shows the power of religion in language.
2. The Source of Morality for Believers Contrast with Unbelievers
Understanding the source of our morality is important because it helps us understand the motives behind our beliefs. A consistent framework is necessary for making accurate decisions. Our morality is influenced by several factors. Religious teachings, philosophical principles, and cultural norms are combined to create our worldview.
The moral frameworks of believers compared to unbelievers can differ significantly. For believers, moral principles come from their leaders and divinely inspired holy texts. These beliefs shape their views on what is right or wrong. It is common to see morality as absolute and grounded in divine authority.
Unbelievers base their morality on human reason, ethical and philosophical standards. Experience and cultural norms also play a part in establishing standards of conduct. Those who do not believe in the divine source for morality subscribe to ethical systems such as humanism and rationalism. These sources emphasize human welfare and compassion without reference to the divine. Their view of morality may be seen as relative or context-dependent.
3. Contrasts in Perspectives on Purpose and Meaning of Life
Contrasting unbelievers with believers shows us the range of perspectives on the purpose and meaning of life. Many believers find purpose and meaning through their faith in a higher power or divine plan. Believers may rely on religious texts, doctrines, and teachings to understand their purpose. Religious communities and traditions play a significant role in shaping purpose.
For believers, rituals, ceremonies, and communal activities reinforce a shared sense of meaning. These sources provide guidelines that shape people’s understanding of life’s meaning. Some believe that their lives have a specific purpose designed by a deity or spiritual force. This purpose may include service, worship, or preparation for an afterlife.
Unbelievers find purpose and meaning through personal fulfillment. Pursuing passions, goals, and relationships brings them joy and satisfaction. Life’s meaning is created by the individual rather than dictated by a divine plan. Without reliance on a higher power, unbelievers emphasize autonomy and the freedom to create meaning and purpose in life.
Unbelievers focus on living fully in the present rather than the afterlife. They turn to philosophy, science, and reason to derive purpose and meaning. They may adopt existential, humanistic, or secular perspectives. Unbelievers adopt ethical frameworks based on human well-being and rational principles. It is easy to see the contrasts in perspectives between believers and unbelievers.
4. Navigating Cultural Differences in Death and the Afterlife
The beliefs of believers emphasize afterlife rewards and punishments. The concepts of divine judgement, heaven and hell, are fear-based motivators for compliance. Death is seen as a transition to another phase of existence, where one’s actions in life have eternal consequences.
In contrasts, the beliefs of unbelievers hold that death simply means life ends. Death is a natural process which marks the end of conscious existence in our bodies. There isn’t an collective belief about what happens when we die. Everyone has their own beliefs.
This outlook leads unbelievers to an emphasis on making the most of this life, as it is seen as finite. However, many unbelievers also believe that our consciousness is energy. Energy cannot be destroyed, only transitioned into a different state. Therefore, our consciousness continues on or perhaps returns to the universal consciousness.
5. Contrasting Unbelievers with Believers Between Faith and Reason
Many believers place great importance on faith. They trust in divine authority, religious teachings, and spiritual experiences. These beliefs take precedence even if they contradict reason or science.
On the opposite side, unbelievers prioritize reason, science, and empirical evidence. They are skeptical of claims that cannot be tested or proven. Instead, they rely on rational inquiry and scientific methods to understand the world.
Unbelievers view faith as a slippery slope that promotes sectarianism and religious superiority. These ideologies lead to narcissistic thinking. Unfortunately, society makes this personality disorder an acceptable mindset. We see it manifest in paranoia and a lack of empathy. This mindset can disintegrate into more destructive thinking, leading to violence.
No society is immune to the cancer of mistaking faith for facts. We see countries reverting to a “dark age” mentality. In the USA, we see how human rights are being eroded instead of being championed. We live in scary times. Navigating cultural differences can be a life or death proposition.
6. How Believers Contrast with Unbelievers Stance on Spirituality
Contrasting unbelievers and believers on the subject of spirituality reveals differences and similarities. Believers view spirituality through the lens of their faith. They might see it as a connection to a higher power, divine presence, or religious teachings. For believers, spirituality means practices like prayer, meditation, and participation in religious rituals. It provides a sense of purpose, community, and moral guidance.
Unbelievers, on the other hand, might approach spirituality in a more secular way. They may find spiritual experiences in nature, art, music, or personal reflection. Instead of a connection to a deity, their spirituality might focus on mindfulness, inner peace, and a sense of wonder about the universe. They derive meaning from personal growth, relationships, and the beauty of the world around them.
The spiritual beliefs of unbelievers are more about living out positive values like compassion and empathy. The Unbeliever’s stance on spirituality deals with processes rather than doctrine. They find spiritual experiences with meditation, yoga, nature, art, or music. Instead of a connection to a deity, their spirituality might focus on consciousness and awareness. They derive meaning from personal growth, relationships, and the beauty of the world around them.
Despite these differences, the shared quest for meaning is one area that brings both groups together. Both mindsets seek to understand their place in the world and strive for fulfillment and peace.
7. Contrasting Unbelievers with Believers in Culture and Society
Cultures and societies can be dominated by secular reason, religion or a combination. The battle for control is ongoing. The dominance of each fluctuates with the changing hierarchy of leaders and issues. Both Religious beliefs and rational thinking can have profound effects on cultures. Here’s a look at how these effects manifest in both types of cultures:
When Culture is Dominated By Religion. Cultures dominated by religion often promote matriarchal hierarchies. These structures have strict gender roles and sexual orientation. These social structures are heavily influenced by sectarian ideology. When religion dominates a culture, it installs regressive and oppressive sectarian laws.
Education systems in cultures dominated by religion are an extension of religious indoctrination. These systems are religious boot camps that program sectarian bias and prejudice. Festivals and rituals are central to cultural life, providing a sense of community and continuity. These events can mark important life stages and seasonal changes. Moral and Ethical Norms come from religious beliefs, which dictate values, ethics, and behavior.
When Culture is Dominated by Reason. Where religion does not dominate the cultural narrative, there is a greater diversity of beliefs. This includes different religious, secular, agnostic, and atheist perspectives. This diversity creates a more pluralistic society. The laws and governance in these cultures are based on fairness. They emphasize principles of equality and the separation of religion and state. This can lead to more inclusive policies that cater to a diverse population.
Education systems in secular cultures focus on critical thinking skills, not religious teachings. This environment encourages independent thought and inquiry. While religious festivals may be celebrated, they are seen as cultural rather than religious events. So, celebrations are ways for people of different beliefs to learn about one another. Moral and ethical norms in secular cultures focus on humanistic and rational principles. They emphasize individual rights and social justice.
Are Reason and Religion Compatible? Despite these differences, both types of cultures can coexist in harmony. For example, secular cultures may adopt certain religious holidays as public holidays. While religious cultures may incorporate secular ideas into their practices. It is possible to have personal beliefs that differ from the dominant cultural norms. This kind of diversity is the foundation for creative problem-solving.
Let’s look at how religious indoctrination affects the psyche and then delve into the three levels of indoctrination.
Psychological Effects of Increasing Levels of Indoctrination
As the level of indoctrination intensifies, the psychological effects become more pronounced.
Loss of Personal Identity. With increasing indoctrination, individuals derive more of their identity from their religious beliefs. This can provide a strong sense of belonging but also limit personal growth and exploration of other aspects of identity.
Increased Cognitive Rigidity. Higher levels of indoctrination lead to cognitive rigidity. At this stage, individuals find it difficult to consider different points of view. This can result in a black-and-white thinking pattern.
Emotional Dependence. As individuals become more indoctrinated, they develop an emotional dependence. This can provide emotional support but also make them vulnerable to manipulation.
Susceptible to Behavioral Manipulation. Extremists are more likely to engage in radical behaviors justified by their beliefs. This can include social isolation, aggressive proselytizing, or even violent actions.
If you can spot them, you can minimize their effect on your psyche. As you are navigating cultural differences, you are likely to encounter people who fall into these categories.
Levels of Religious Indoctrination
Let’s look at the levels of indoctrination. This will help us see how believers contrast with unbelievers stance on spirituality. We’ve identified three levels of indoctrination: fringe, moderate, and extremist.
It’s important to understand how religious beliefs shape culture. Even if you aren’t a believer, the social mass of religion affects society in subtle ways. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism account for about 40% of the world’s population, and Hinduism accounts for another 14%. So, at least half of the world has some level of indoctrination.
When religion dominates the cultural narrative, they install their religious prejudice through laws. Their goal is to take over governmental control outright. Saudi Arabia is a culture where religion controls society.
We’ve known for several decades that organized religion is the source of all the ongoing conflicts around the world. The belief in an imaginary friend is a slippery slope that leads to delusional thinking. (2)
If you’re going to war over religion, now you’re just getting into a fight over who has the better imaginary friend. — Richard Jeni
Organized religion is a system of indoctrination. It is a tool to reprogram our core beliefs. It substitutes mythology for common sense and replaces our natural moral compass with religious dogma. This kind of thinking allows believers to justify bias, prejudice, and discrimination. It uses religious superiority to justify everything from genocide to genital mutilation. (3)
The Fringe Believer
Fringe believers are not very involved in their religion. They make up about 40 to 50% of religious groups today, but in the 15th century, they were only about 10%.
These believers come from places where religion is a part of the cultural narrative. They show their faith publicly to fit in. In some Middle Eastern cultures, they must show their faith and join in religious activities, or they might be punished, even with death.
Fringe believers spend the least time in religious services or practicing their faith in private. They don’t always agree with all the teachings of their religion. They adhere to their faith because of social pressure, not because they agree with the theology. Sometimes, their jobs depend on showing they are religious. They minimize their participation in rituals and rarely understand the history of their religion. They may not realize how their beliefs can create negative stereotypes and prejudices.
In places where religion is very important, they learn to pretend to be more religious than they really are. They know not to share their true feelings because some cultures punish non-believers harshly.
To leave their religion, they need to see the truth about it. If they do, they are the most likely to leave. They can understand how their beliefs affect themselves and the world around them.
The Moderate Believers
Moderate believers make up about 30 to 40% of religious groups. This group used to be the largest, but it has gotten smaller in the last ten years. Here are some key points about them:
Moderate believers are more committed to their faith. They regularly join in religious activities, follow the main teachings, and include their beliefs in their daily lives. However, they are still open and tolerant of other viewpoints.
This group is the financial backbone of religion. Moderates attend meetings regularly, so they are exposed to groupthink manipulation. This makes them more likely to support extremist ideas. They might support violent actions by extremists. This group prefers religious teaching over scientific evidence. Believers tend to distrust science and modern medicine. They see their beliefs as the truth, not as myths or superstitions.
Like fringe believers, many moderates are taught their religion as children. Many also join because of personal crises. When people are in crisis, they are more vulnerable to groupthink.
Religion is a big part of the identity of the moderate. This makes moderates more likely to defend their beliefs, sometimes even with violence. Depending on how deeply they are involved and how curious they are, they can become extremists or fringe believers. This group provides most of the financial support, so religions try to connect them to as many prorams as possible.
The Extremist
Extremists adopt an uncompromising approach to their faith. They interpret religious texts literally and believe in the absolute truth of their doctrines. Extremists tend to limit associations to those who share extremist beliefs and engage in radical actions.
This group only makes up 5 to 10% of the total membership, but it is the most active and violent. It is often the most influential and rises to positions of leadership. It is difficult to change an extremist worldview using logical arguments or scientific facts. The need to believe overrides logic and reason.
The psyche of extremists is heavily influenced by their indoctrination. They derive a strong sense of identity and purpose derived from their beliefs. This promotes a closed mindset, where they are resistant to new ideas and are intolerant of differing perspectives. This level of intense indoctrination can result in heightened anxiety and paranoia. Extremists have a propensity for aggressive behavior towards perceived threats to their faith.
Final Thoughts
The spiritual beliefs of unbelievers and believers are very different. However, the gap between them can be bridged. To understand each other, we need to be sensitive, open-minded, and willing to learn about other viewpoints. These differences in worldview affect our core values, practices, and beliefs.
Learning how believers contrast with unbelievers stance on spiritually increases our understanding. This knowledge can be used to make positive changes. If you are a believer, it’s not your fault. Once you are aware, you can fix your programming. You can stop the cycle of religious indoctrination.
Navigating cultural differences requires logic and reason. By contrasting unbelievers with believers, we reveal the motivations of each group. With this knowledge, you are better prepared to make an informed decision on which path to take.
References
(1) The How and Why of Consciousness. scienceopen.com
(2) Delusional Disorder. National Library of Medicine.
(3) Religious Extremist. A Fundamental Danger: SJ Quinney College of Law.