Category: Critical Thinking

I find myself confused and, perhaps, agnostic. I believe in some kind of higher power—a force, an energy, something beyond what science can currently explain. Whether that power is God, however, is unclear to me. For example, did Lord Hanuman really fly across the ocean to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb, or is that just an exaggerated tale? One thought I find intriguing is the question: Did God create humans, or did humans create God?

The fact is, humans have existed for around 300,000 years, while the oldest known religion, Hinduism, only emerged about 3,000 years ago. Religion, at its core, is a set of rules followed by a community, and its primary purpose is to unite people. It seems possible that the concept of God was introduced to strengthen adherence to these rules, possibly as a tool to instill fear and ensure the community followed the leaders’ guidance. The idea that failing to follow religious tenets could result in trouble, both in this life and the next, could have been a way to enforce order.

This train of thought led me to an interesting possibility: what if, thousands of years from now, figures like the Avengers are considered gods? Imagine a post-apocalyptic world where only stories of the Avengers remain, and future generations worship them as divine beings. Thor could become analogous to Indra, Hulk to Bhima, or Hanuman. It’s not as far-fetched as it seems when you consider how religions often evolve over time.

We also can’t ignore the role religion plays in politics, with many leaders using it for personal or political gain. Yet, despite the complexities, religion and the idea of God still bind us together, encourage good deeds, and instill a sense of moral responsibility. While I’m not entirely dismissing the existence of God, I also don’t feel the need for concrete evidence to support my belief. It’s simply a matter of uncertainty—maybe it is, maybe it isn’t.

Here is my reflection. I am not able to Post on Blog for some reason. 

In our recent session, we delved into the nuances of decision-making and the psychological frameworks that guide our choices. One of the key takeaways was the idea of viewing problems through different lenses, which has fundamentally influenced how I approach daily challenges. Instead of relying solely on instinct or immediate reactions, I’ve started to pause and consider the broader implications and various angles of a situation. This shift has encouraged a more holistic approach, allowing me to navigate complexities with greater clarity and confidence.

A recent example of this was when I faced a significant decision at work regarding a project (Thesis) deadline. Initially, my System 1 thinking kicked in—I felt pressured to rush and make a quick choice. However, remembering the concepts we discussed, I took a step back to engage my System 2 thinking. I evaluated the potential impacts of my decision and considered the long-term outcomes rather than just immediate pressures. This reflection led to a more thoughtful choice that ultimately benefitted me.

Furthermore, the session opened my eyes to the subtle ways politics can influence our everyday thoughts and decisions. From media narratives to social interactions, political contexts can shape our perceptions and biases without us even realizing it. I’ve become more aware of how these influences creep into my daily life, whether it’s in conversations with friends or how I interpret news. This heightened awareness has empowered me to question my assumptions and seek a more nuanced understanding of issues, fostering more informed discussions and decisions.

In conclusion, the insights from our session have encouraged me to adopt a more reflective approach in both personal and professional contexts. By recognizing the interplay of System 1 and System 2 thinking, as well as the political undercurrents in our daily lives, I’m better equipped to navigate the complexities we face. It’s a reminder that sometimes, taking a moment to rethink can lead to more thoughtful and impactful choices.

For muchof my life , I have viewed God as the supreme power and creator, an all-knowing force that was not only omnipotent but also a friend I could turn to whenever I needed. To me, religion was a framework that guided us, distinguishing right from wrong, and helping us navigate the path of moral living.
However, after taking a critical thinking class that delved into topics like God, religion, customs, rituals, and traditions, my perspective shifted. I began to understand that, as human beings, we possess an innate sense of right and wrong. Even without religious teachings, we are capable of making ethical decisions based on empathy and our conscience. Religion, in this sense, becomes less about adhering to rigid rules and more about living in harmony with our values and morals.
I also became more aware of the dangerous intersection between religion and politics. When religion is politicized, it often leads to division and fuels animosity between different faiths. This, I believe, contradicts the true essence of religion. At its heart, every faith promotes humility, compassion, and service to others.
Rather than allowing religious differences to divide us, we should focus on what unites us as human beings. The golden rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—transcends all religious boundaries and offers a universal guide for peaceful coexistence.
Ultimately, it’s not about which religion we follow, but how we choose to live with kindness, understanding, and respect for one another.

I believe deeply in God and His presence, as I can truly feel a unique energy and positive force whenever I reach out to Him, especially during difficult moments. The sensations I experience—like goosebumps during an aarti at historic temples like Dwarka and Tirupati Balaji—are unlike anything else. While some people connect to energy in natural settings like beaches or mountains, the spiritual energy I feel in these sacred spaces is distinctly profound and incomparable.

My belief in God is something I arrived at on my own; no one told me I had to believe or forced me to pray and perform holy rituals. Despite the lack of physical evidence of His existence, I find that it’s the energy I feel that truly matters. This energy gives me a deep sense of connection and peace, and it’s so powerful that it affirms my faith in ways that can’t be shaken. For me, this bond with God is pure and profound—something beyond words and entirely my own.

People often grapple with doubts, questions about faith’s role in hardship, conflicts between science and belief, and the purpose of religious practices. They may also struggle to balance respect for diverse beliefs with staying true to their own.

On common ground, people need mutual respect and understanding for different beliefs, allowing space for diverse perspectives without judgment.

In our 5th CT Life class, the focus was on God and religion, examining concepts like religious belief, customs, traditions, and rituals. This led me to reflect on my own understanding of God and religion. Do I believe in God? Yes. Am I a strong believer? Not exactly, but I would categorize myself as agnostic—somewhere in between. To me, God is the creator of the universe and everything within it, both living and non-living. This brings up the question of Darwin’s theory of evolution, but for me, God remains the omnipresent creator of all things.

As for religion, I see it as a set of guidelines for living a better, more fulfilling life—helping us be better human beings, live happily, and care for others. Do I have doubts about God? No, because my life experiences have shown me that there is always a force protecting me from harm. Some things in life can’t be explained, and you don’t need evidence to validate what you believe or do.

So, the next question that arise is : Will God solve all your problems without you doing anything? Definitely not. If you want something in life, you must put in the effort. While external forces might help make things easier, your hard work is essential. I also see people being deceived in the name of religion, and I believe it’s important for each person to consider: Will paying 5,000 bucks for a ritual truly solve your problems, or would taking action yourself and working towards a solution bring real rewards? This is where we can use some of our critical thinking.