Category: Critical Thinking

In our recent life classes, we explored religion, faith and God in a very meaningful and inspiring way. These sessions helped us think deeply, reflect peacefully and celebrate the diversity of beliefs around us. Instead of giving fixed answers, our facilitators created a safe and respectful space where we could express our thoughts freely, understand new perspectives and strengthen our inner clarity. When I think about my earlier beliefs, I realise that most of them were shaped by what I saw and learned while growing up. But now, I understand that faith actually becomes more powerful when we question it with an open mind. Asking questions is not to break belief, but to make it stronger, deeper and more conscious. Today, I believe that religion should create peace and love. God, for me, is a beautiful feeling of goodness, positivity and universal energy. Every person may have a different belief, and that is the beauty of the world. Our differences do not divide us -they help us learn from each other. I still have questions, and I feel happy about that because questions keep our thinking alive and growing. When we ask “why”, we move closer towards truth, meaning and clarity. Questions are like bridges that help us understand traditions and rituals in a more mindful way. During these sessions, we also understood that people react differently when it comes to religious beliefs. Some feel emotional, some curious, some protective. This showed us how deeply religion touches the human heart. This is why conversations about religion should always be handled with sensitivity, love and respect. These two days taught me that critical thinking does not challenge faith negatively – it enriches it. It makes our belief system more aware, more positive and more meaningful. Religion can be personal, but humanity must always remain universal.

Today’s live class on critical thinking opened up a deeply thought-provoking conversation about religion, belief systems, and the existence of man. The session encouraged us to look beyond what we have been told and examine our beliefs through the lens of evidence, reasoning, and open-mindedness. We began by exploring how religion and critical thinking can both coexist and, at times, clash. Religion is often rooted in faith, tradition, and collective belief, while critical thinking relies on logic, inquiry, and evidence. The question we discussed, Can religion and critical thinking go hand in hand? , made me reflect on how our perspectives evolve with time and experience.

During the discussion, we also delved into the existence of man, a question that continues to intrigue philosophers, scientists, and theologians alike. In today’s world, where almost everything is backed by scientific evidence, faith still remains an essential part of many people’s identities. The session emphasized the importance of being curious yet respectful, questioning without dismissing, and reasoning without arrogance. When I think about what I believed about God and religion earlier, I realize that much of it came from my upbringing and community. I accepted certain beliefs without questioning them. Over time, I began to have doubts and questions ,not necessarily about the existence of God, but about the nature of belief itself. Why do people follow different religions? How do we know which one holds the “truth”? And is faith less valid if it cannot be proven scientifically?

Today, my beliefs have matured into a blend of faith and logic. I see religion as a way of finding meaning and moral grounding, while also recognizing that critical thinking allows me to understand these beliefs in a broader, more inclusive context. I’ve learned that questioning does not mean disbelief, it simply means seeking understanding. I still have questions about the nature of divinity and why humanity needs structured religion to connect with something greater. I often notice that people struggle with reconciling faith and reason—trying to balance spiritual beliefs with modern scientific understanding. This struggle, however, also reflects our shared desire to find purpose and truth. To truly find common ground, I believe we must approach discussions on religion with empathy and openness. Instead of debating who is right or wrong, we should focus on understanding why people believe what they do. Critical thinking doesn’t reject faith,it refines it, helping us to separate inherited assumptions from genuine conviction. In conclusion, today’s session was not just an academic discussion; it was a journey inward, a reminder that belief, doubt, evidence, and reason all coexist within us. As we continue to think critically, we also continue to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.

I believe in a positive energy that keeps people motivated, offers strength during difficult times, and helps them overcome challenges. I choose to call this energy God. However, I also recognize that every person defines “God” or “a higher power” differently—some see it as a divine being, others as the universe, nature, or even the power of human consciousness.

From a critical thinking perspective, this belief isn’t about accepting ideas blindly, but about reflecting on personal experiences and understanding what gives meaning, comfort, and moral grounding in life. Religion, for me, serves as a framework that helps me connect with this energy—it offers symbols, rituals, and stories that make abstract ideas about hope and purpose more tangible.

At the same time, I understand that religion is interpreted differently across cultures and individuals. What matters most is not rigid adherence to doctrine, but the ability to question, interpret, and find personal significance in these beliefs. In that sense, faith becomes not just a matter of following tradition, but of conscious choice and inner understanding.

During the critical thinking life class which I attended encouraged participants to question assumptions, analyze perspectives, and make reasoned judgments. One of the most enlightening parts of the session was discussing how critical thinking can be applied to religion. As a follower of Hinduism, I found it valuable to reflect on how my faith encourages inquiry. When we explore spirituality with an open yet discerning mind, we come closer to genuine understanding rather than blind belief.Coming to a common ground among different religions begins with respect. When we recognize that all faiths seek truth, harmony, and compassion and humanity in their own way, dialogue becomes possible. The life class reminded me that common ground is not about making everyone believe the same thing, but about creating space where diverse beliefs can coexist peacefully.Today, I see many people grappling with how to balance tradition and modern reasoning. Some feel that questioning religious ideas means disrespecting them, while others reject faith altogether in favor of logic. The challenge is not to choose between faith and reason, but to let them inform each other.The workshop helped me see that critical thinking is not about criticism—it’s about clarity. When applied with humility and curiosity, it can help us live our beliefs more consciously and connect across differences with greater understanding.

I used to believe that God was a powerful being who controlled everything that happened in life and that religion was a guide to living rightly. Over time, I started having doubts about why there are so many different religions and why people interpret God in so many ways. Today, I still believe there is a higher power or spiritual force, but I think faith should be more about kindness, understanding, and living truthfully rather than strict rituals. I still question why suffering exists if God is loving and why people use religion to divide rather than unite. I notice that many people struggle to balance their personal beliefs with what society or their families expect of them. I think we can find common ground by focusing on shared values like compassion, honesty, and respect instead of arguing over whose beliefs are right.

When I was younger, I believed that God was like a powerful being who controlled everything in life from what happens to us every day to what our future would be. Religion, to me, was a set of rules and rituals that we had to follow to stay close to God and to be good people. I followed what I was taught at home and in my community without really questioning it.

As I grew older, I started having some doubts. I wondered why there were so many religions if God is one. I also questioned why bad things happen to good people and why some prayers seem unanswered. These doubts made me curious rather than less faithful they pushed me to understand spirituality in a deeper way.

Today, I believe that God is more like a universal energy or a presence that connects all living things. I think religion is a path to reach that divine truth, but it’s not the only one. Every religion has wisdom and beauty in it. What matters most is kindness, compassion, and how we treat others.

I still have questions like what happens after death, or how much of our life is destiny versus free will. I don’t think anyone has all the answers, and maybe that’s okay. Faith, to me, is about continuing to seek truth even when everything isn’t clear.

When I look around, I see many people struggling to balance faith with modern life. Some find it hard to believe in something they can’t see, while others are hurt by how religion is sometimes used to divide people. But I also see hope many are trying to find spirituality beyond labels.

To come on common ground, I think we need to focus on values that all religions teach love, peace, respect, and service. Instead of arguing about who is right, we can listen to each other’s beliefs and learn. In the end, we all seek meaning, purpose, and connection and that’s where we are all one.