The first two sessions of critical thinking were based on ‘System 1’ and ‘System 2
System 1 – This is based on thinking quickly, and intuitively. It’s something that is automatic and requires little to no effort. It’s mostly done based on similar patterns or experiences.
System 2 – This is based on slow and conscious thinking and requires effort. It’s used for complex problem-solving and other tasks that need critical attention.
I have always been a devoted believer in God, growing up in a spiritual family. My faith in God is the foundation of my life, and I truly believe that everything that happens to us is part of God’s divine plan. Religion, for me, represents a community that guides its members along a spiritual path, helping them follow the customs and traditions that lead them closer to the divine. After yesterday’s session, I’ve come to realize that for those who truly believe in God, there’s no need for external evidence of His existence. For them, their belief is rooted in personal experience—the feeling of God’s presence in their lives is evidence enough. Their faith is not based on intellectual proof but on a deep, personal connection that they have felt, experienced, and lived. People often struggle with doubt in their faith, especially when facing tough times or suffering, wondering why things happen the way they do. There’s also a conflict between old religious traditions and modern ideas, as younger generations may find it hard to match their faith with issues like gender equality or science. Living in a world with many different religions, some people question if their own beliefs are the right ones. Many also feel guilty or struggle with how to live up to religious expectations, or whether to trust religious institutions. Some are torn between believing in God’s plan and feeling they have free will to make choices. Finally, some people worry about the actions of religious extremists or fear being judged for their faith. Overall, these struggles reflect a deeper search for meaning, identity, and connection. I feel that those who don’t believe in God can trust themselves and live their lives according to their own understanding. Similarly, those who believe can continue worshipping and following their religious rituals and customs, as these practices bring them peace and a sense of purpose. Both paths can coexist, with each person finding their own way to navigate life, guided by what they believe to be true. #criticalthinking
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.
As a follower of Jainism, I am deeply connected to my faith and its teachings. Jainism, with its profound understanding of life, karma, and the soul, offers a spiritual path that I feel privileged to walk. For me, being a Jain is not only about heritage but a conscious journey of understanding life and the cycle of birth and rebirth.
In Jainism, we believe that the soul, or aatma, is eternal. It moves through lifetimes, shaped by the karmas we accumulate. Our actions, intentions, and thoughts influence the journey of our soul, guiding it through cycles until we attain moksha, the ultimate liberation. Attaining moksha is not a simple task; it requires awareness of our karmas and a dedication to live consciously, aligning our actions with principles that minimize harm and attachment.
Jain practices focus more on self-reflection than rituals. We don’t center on elaborate ceremonies or worship but instead focus on dhyan (meditation) and reciting shloks (sacred verses) to calm the mind. This spiritual discipline allows us to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and a detachment from worldly desires. It is through these practices that we aim to purify our karmas, bringing us closer to liberation.
Though I am still growing in my understanding of Jainism, I am constantly striving to deepen my knowledge. Jainism is incredibly rich and intricate, offering perspectives on every aspect of life. For me, Jainism is more than a belief system; it’s a way of seeing life with compassion and self-awareness. It is a challenging path, but deeply meaningful, and I’m honored to be part of this tradition that guides me toward a compassionate, purposeful life.
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.
For me, religion goes beyond rituals. It’s about humanity at its core. I believe that the essence of true religion is found in how we treat one another, in the compassion, empathy, and understanding we share as human beings. God, to me, exists as both a creator and a destroyer—a boundless force responsible for the beauty of life and also the cycles of transformation and renewal that shape the world. This reminds me that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, essential for growth and balance in life. I don’t see God as confined to a single form or place; instead, I believe God is the energy that flows through everything, connecting all of existence. Living with integrity, kindness, and respect for all forms of life is, to me, the highest form of devotion, a way of honoring both the humanity we share and the divine rhythm of creation that surrounds us.
The doubt that stayed with me throughout the session was that how can we not believe that there is a force/energy that is driving us through?? Its a question to ponder on…
I often seem to notice that many people still struggle with finding the true meaning of religious beliefs beyond rituals and rules. They often question how religion fits into modern life, especially when balancing tradition with personal spirituality. People also grapple with seeing God as both a loving creator and a force that allows suffering and change. There’s often tension between following organized religion and pursuing a personal, inner faith journey. And in today’s diverse world, many find it challenging to respect their own beliefs while being open to those of others.
I believe that we can find common ground in religious beliefs by focusing on shared values like compassion, respect, and kindness. These values connect us all, no matter our specific beliefs. Let’s start with working toward common goals, such as helping others or protecting the environment which will eventually bring us together. By focusing on actions and shared purposes, our differences become less important and maybe someday we shall be “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
#criticalthinking #lifeclass@fs
I used to believe that God and religion were tightly connected, with specific rituals needed to truly connect with a higher power. Today, I see God as a compassionate presence that doesn’t always need rituals. Spirituality, to me, is about finding peace within, whether it’s through religion or personal beliefs. Nowadays, people seem to struggle with keeping traditional beliefs while adapting to modern values. Many want their faith to be relevant in today’s world, and some feel torn between their spirituality and social expectations. To find common ground, we could focus on values that unite us, like kindness, love, and respect. By understanding our shared human experiences, we can bring our beliefs closer together.
In my recent critical thinking sessions, I explored some fundamental questions about religion, God, and the values they carry. Through these discussions, my perspective and beliefs about these topics have evolved.I came to see God as an energy beyond human form, and religion as a guide that teaches us to live ethically. Religion provides values and helps us distinguish between right and wrong. Traditions and rituals can serve as meaningful reminders, but over time, I’ve noticed how religion has often been manipulated for agendas, impacting how individuals and society function. In these sessions I also got the opportunity to ponder about the origins of religions. And why are religious beliefs followed so unquestioningly, often without understanding their original intent?This helped to view religion as a guide rather than a fixed identity. It shouldn’t be used for personal or political agendas. I believe that humanity and kindness should be our primary guiding forces, transcending any religious differences.I still wonder If more people paused to reflect on the reasons behind their beliefs, would it bring us closer? Perhaps, how to find common ground and move toward a more understanding society.These sessions helped me see that humanity and the peaceful coexistence of religions should be our primary focus. While religion can offer valuable guidance, it’s important not to follow certain practices blindly. By understanding the reasons behind our beliefs and focusing on universal values, we can foster a world where people coexist harmoniously, valuing each other as humans first.
Days 3 and 4 of the critical thinking class deepened my understanding of objective analysis and the need to go beyond surface judgments. A key exercise was critically evaluating a beloved brand, challenging personal attachments and highlighting the importance of unbiased perspectives. Another activity involved neutral discussions on controversial topics, revealing how easily biases can impact decision-making. These sessions underscored that critical thinking isn’t just for complex issues; it’s a mindset for fair, reflective, and balanced choices. I’m excited to continue honing this skill for clearer, fairer decision-making.