Life Class – Critical Thinking Day 5 & 6

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.