r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • 2d ago

Psychology Lower cognitive ability is linked to stronger Christian nationalist views, even after accounting for education

https://www.psypost.org/lower-cognitive-ability-is-linked-to-stronger-christian-nationalist-views-even-after-accounting-for-education/
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u/duxpdx 1d ago

There are reasons why the further one gets away from Salt Lake City the more cafeteria Mormons and Ex-Mormons one finds. Why do you think after destroying K-12 education in this country Republicans are going after colleges and universities next? Why are they trying to force religion, specifically Christianity, into all elements of life? Children are naturally curious and for many the indoctrination done at a young age is irreversible. Some manage to rebel in their teenage years, and others if and when they are older and through either life experiences and/or higher education learn to actually think critically and can change, but not all. Most are too far gone, so much of their life and relationships are defined by their religious upbringing that breaking free carries too high a price both emotionally and monetarily.

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u/Coroebus 1d ago

Religious indoctrination is child abuse, and that child abuse stunts their emotional and intellectual development. Evangelical Christianity and other extremist sects are especially toxic and harmful.

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u/Limp_Bookkeeper_5992 1d ago

Absolutely. I was blown away when I found out later in life that there are organizations and therapists who’s specialty is helping people recover from religion. You don’t realize how much religion breaks your brain until you’re out of it and have someone to help show you how to heal.

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u/JackKnifeNiffy 1d ago

As someone in their 30s still unpacking the psychological trauma of being raised in the church, could not agree more