The old saw “What you don’t know, can’t hurt you” is wrong. What you don’t know can hurt you.
We are all raised in a specific culture, and in a certain part of that specific culture. I was raised in the United States in a fundamental Christian culture. Because of my early training I came to believe as true what I was taught. This is the same for everyone no matter what culture they grow up in.
I was taught the Bible was the living word of God. I was told belief not works was the way to heaven, and if I didn’t believe Jesus was God, that He died for my sins, I would go to hell. I would be burned forever in a lake of fire full of devils and demons. That scared me beyond belief. I was never sure I was properly “saved”, so I would answer the call to the altar frequently trying to lessen my fear of God, and hell.
Much later in life, after I started to read, and learn about the world I lived in, I discovered the value of knowledge.
Reading Bible history I discovered what I was taught as the living word of God was really a Biblical interpretation by Martin Luther during the reformation. An interpretation not held by many Christians.
The more I read the more discoveries I made. I used religion as an example, but science is not any better. Many things found in science books are only theories and not reality. History differs from country to country. Also the teachings of public schools and colleges are subject to change with time.
The purpose of this article is to get you to read outside your comfort zone. If you are religious, read science, and vice versa. Read the history of religion and science, don’t be reluctant to learn.
New knowledge will not change who you are, or what you believe in, only you can change yourself. So don’t be afraid to read material you disagree with, it will help you gain insight into the beliefs of others, and help you better understand your own beliefs.
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