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The Dangers of Dogmatic Thinking

Dogmatism is the tendency to hold one's beliefs as incontrovertibly true, and to resist any attempts to change or challenge them. It is a form of closed-mindedness that can lead to a number of dangers, both for individuals and for society as a whole.

In the context of religion, dogmatism can lead to a number of problems. It can make people intolerant of other religious beliefs, and it can lead to conflict and violence. It can also make people less open to new ideas and experiences, and it can stifle creativity and innovation.

For example, dogmatic religious beliefs have been used to justify violence against people of other faiths. In recent years, we have seen this in the rise of religious extremism, such as ISIS and Boko Haram. These groups have used dogmatic interpretations of religious texts to justify violence against Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities.

I was going to make a relevant image, but this happened and I thought it was hilarious, so here it is: Dogmatism by DavidJohn via Midjourney.

Dogmatism can also lead to conflict and division within religious communities. For example, the Catholic Church has been divided over the issue of abortion for many years. Dogmatic Catholics on both sides of the issue have been unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints, and this has led to a great deal of anger and division within the Church.

Dogmatism is not limited to religion. It can also be found in politics, business, and other areas of life. In any context, dogmatism can lead to problems. It can make people less open to new ideas, it can stifle creativity, and it can lead to conflict and division.

What can we do to combat dogmatism? One important step is to encourage people to be open-minded and to consider alternative viewpoints. We also need to teach people how to think critically and to evaluate evidence. Finally, it is important to create a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity of thought.

If we can do these things, we can help to reduce the dangers of dogmatic thinking and create a more open and tolerant world.

Tips for Dealing with Dogmatic People

If you find yourself dealing with a dogmatic person, here are a few tips:

  • Listen to them with an open mind. Even if you don't agree with their beliefs, try to understand where they're coming from.

  • Ask them questions. This will help you to understand their beliefs better, and it may also help them to see things from a different perspective.

  • Avoid arguing. This will only make things worse. Instead, try to find common ground and focus on the things that you do agree on.

  • Respect their right to their beliefs. Even if you don't agree with them, they have the right to believe what they want.

If you can follow these tips, you may be able to have a productive conversation with a dogmatic person. However, it is important to remember that you cannot change someone's mind overnight. It may take time and patience to help them see things from a different perspective.

Do you suffer from Dogmatic Thinking?

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Image by DavidJohn, via Midjourney