The Internet as a Beacon or a Maze: Does It Enable Religious Indoctrination?
The internet is often upheld as a beacon of knowledge and free information, yet some argue it has also become a maze where misguided ideologies, including religious indoctrination, can thrive. This article delves into the multifaceted role the internet plays, from empowering individual belief to providing a platform for harmful indoctrination.
Empowering Independent Belief
The transformative power of independent belief: The internet can be a powerful tool that facilitates the independent investigation and formation of belief. Many individuals, in their quest for understanding, use the vast resources available on the web to explore and test their beliefs against facts and reason. This process, often referred to as rational discourse, allows people to form their own opinions, fostering a more informed and diverse society.
Examples from Religious Leaders
From Bahá’u’lláh: In Gleaning from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, one finds a profound understanding of the nature of God: To every discerning and illuminated heart it is evident that God the Unknowable Essence the Divine Being is immensely exalted beyond every human attribute such as corporeal existence ascent and descent egress and regress. Far be it from His glory that human tongue should adequately recount His praise or that human heart comprehend His fathomless mystery. He is and hath ever been veiled in the ancient eternity of His Essence and will remain in His Reality everlastingly hidden from the sight of men. This quote highlights the idea that divine truth is beyond human comprehension, encouraging individuals to seek their own understanding and not rely solely on indoctrination.
From Abdu’l-Baha: Abdu’l-Baha, in his writings, emphasizes the importance of religious investigation: … religion is a mighty bulwark … in the world of mankind there are two safeguards that protect man from wrongdoing. One is the law which punishes the criminal but the law prevents only the manifest crime and not the concealed sin whereas the ideal safeguard namely the religion of God prevents both the manifest and the concealed crime trains man educates morals compels the adoption of virtues and is the all-inclusive power which guarantees the felicity of the world of mankind. But by religion is meant that which is ascertained by investigation and not that which is based on mere imitation the foundation of Divine Religions and not human imitations. This assertion underscores the value of independent investigation in the context of religious belief, advocating for a deeper understanding of faith through rational discourse.
Building a More Informed Society
By empowering individuals to seek out and understand the roots of their beliefs, the internet enables a society where diverse voices can be heard. This process, often referred to as personal confirmation bias, can lead to a more polarized world. However, it also means that people are more likely to challenge their beliefs and consider other perspectives, leading to a more informed and enlightened society.
The Dark Side: Religious Indoctrination
Risks of religious indoctrination: Conversely, the internet’s vast reach and anonymity can provide a fertile ground for harmful practices such as religious indoctrination. Rather than fostering independent belief, some individuals and groups use the internet to spread radical ideologies and manipulate others into following their beliefs through manipulation and control.
Characteristics of Religious Cults
Religious cults often target individuals who are disgruntled or disconnected from traditional society. They offer a sense of belonging and provide a ‘safe’ environment for indoctrination. If individuals object or rebel against the indoctrination, they may be expelled, thereby strengthening the group’s control. These cults are inward-looking, but the internet allows them to reach a broader audience and maintain a degree of control through isolation and repetition.
Conclusion
The internet can be both a powerful tool for empowering independent belief and a risk for promoting harmful indoctrination practices. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and open dialogue, we can harness the internet’s potential to enrich our understanding of religious beliefs while protecting ourselves from the pitfalls of misguided ideologies.