Is a good education the answer to religious intolerance and fanaticism? (apparitions, quote)

[learningCA]

Most people would agree that adequate grammar and language skills are a function of a good education.

As I go through threads on this forum I cannot help noticing that most aggressive, judgmental, intolerant of descent and infused with a sense of self posts are written with a poorer use of grammar and language skills.

Does a good education help one obtain a larger cultural perspective on religious beliefs and thus take things less personally?

Is a good education the answer to religious intolerance and fanaticism and the violent acts that sometimes follow them?

[Chango]

Yes, a well rounded and quality education is the cure.

[Aeroman]

I was commenting to my wife a couple of days ago, that I needed to develop more tolerance for those that think they saw demons, angles, hear god or abducted by UFOs.
The reason is that these people really did “see” or “hear” those things. At least as much as one would see or hear in a very vivid dream. They truly believe its real.
And unless its treated somehow, I don’t think its going to go away.

Its associated with a sleep disorder.
I’ll have to go look it up. I forgot what it was and exactly how the disconnect to reality works.

I do think that education can help many not to believe in totally outrageous things.
But there are a few strange things in life that are yet unexplained and its often fun to speculate on them.
As long as we realize its just speculation. However it can make for some entertaining sci-fi.

[learningCA]

I like the reason for which you edited your post, Aeroman! :P

I do remember that there is some neurological explanation for visions and apparitions.
I don't see any harm in those of a religious nature, they may enforce the sense of divine presence in someone's life which in itself could be a positive occuring.

However, when religious convictions become extreme and turn into violent acts of hatred and intolerance, countless innocent people suffer the consequences.

I personally believe that a compulsory comparative religions study course in school may be beneficial to many societies. It could offer a better understanding of how much people all over the world have in common in their spiritual beliefs and aspirations.

[helios666]

Well personally, I think educated people are certainly less likely to fall victim to the trappings of any fanatical or radical religious thinking- just as the more cultured, well travelled people are far less likely to be a bigot or a racist. Though there are always exceptions to the rule, higher education and extreme religious views seldom seem to go hand in hand.

[firstborn888]

Originally Posted by helios666

Well personally, I think educated people are certainly less likely to fall victim to the trappings of any fanatical or radical religious thinking- just as the more cultured, well travelled people are far less likely to be a bigot or a racist. Though there are always exceptions to the rule, higher education and extreme religious views seldom seem to go hand in hand.

All true. Being in touch with your conscience is a big help too.

[learningCA]

Originally Posted by helios666

Well personally, I think educated people are certainly less likely to fall victim to the trappings of any fanatical or radical religious thinking- just as the more cultured, well travelled people are far less likely to be a bigot or a racist. Though there are always exceptions to the rule, higher education and extreme religious views seldom seem to go hand in hand.

I think that the exceptions to the rule, as you put it, have more to do with some educated and powerful people with a hidden agenda manipulating the less educated and thus more gullible ones.

Education does help in developing a sound mind, confidence in one's own judgment, and a sense of discernment to sort through all the nonsense out there.