Suspending critical thought for religion stems from authoritarian submission

Evidence

But when it came to “evidence” connected to Highs’ religious beliefs, their critical thinking took a hike. They might have been as skeptical as others about ghosts, the Bermuda Triangle and ESP, but to their minds common legends about a big flood proved the story of Noah. If one finds a fallen wall at Jericho, that proves Joshua’s horns brought it down. ‘“‘Near-death experiences” prove the teachings of Christianity. And scientific analysis be damned, High RWAs know the Shroud of Turin was miraculously created by God. — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 1339 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

In September 1995 I gave my introductory psychology students two optional extra credit assignments: to critique the account of Noah and the flood in the Bible, and to criticize Darwin’s theory of evolution. Contrary to my expectation, Highs proved as willing as Lows to find fault with the story of Noah (and the theory of evolution, too, of course). Moreover, they made as many valid criticisms of the biblical account as Lows did—at least in my judgment. These results indicate that authoritarians can criticize their religious beliefs, if motivated. — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 4120 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Enlightenment critique exposes tradition-based authority as authoritarian — Mark Fisher (edited by Darren Ambrose), K-Punk: The Collected and Unpublished…, 1925; Authoritarianism correlates with orthodox religious belief in every religion studied.; Authoritarians suspend critical thinking specifically for claims tied to their religious beliefs — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 1339 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• Authoritarians suspend critical thinking specifically for claims tied to their religious beliefs #corroborates (0.92) — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 1339
• Authoritarians criticize their religious beliefs as capably as others when motivated #complicates (0.78) — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 4120