I was a closet New Age Ninny, when i was in my 20's.
I think it all started for me when i read Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain, and i just went from there.
The impetus behind it for me, was the search for Truth, Meaning, Understanding, and just trying to figure out how the Universe works, and what is the nature of Reality.
That was the driver for me.
What is the Nature of Reality?
Also, another big driver in this is personal Grandiousity, and Wishful Thinking.
I always had certain doubts about the truth of what was being said, and EVENTUALLY my common sense and BS detectors kicked in, and my mind switched over to the Skeptical side.
She is correct about James Randi and others. They are quite vicious in their methods, and that just entrenches the other side in their beliefs.
One person she doesn't mention is Carl Sagan.
His book, "The Demon Haunted World" put the final nail in my NewAgey beliefs.
Carl Sagan also commented that guys like Randi, and their approach was not very helpful.
Sagan put forward ideas on how to teach Critical Thinking, but to do it in a non-threatening way.
For instance, his books do this.
They are always respectful of the "other side", and express respect for others beliefs, AND he offers a HOPEFUL vision for the future as well, as many other things.
I think the approach of Carl Sagan is the most effective, and its a shame he died, as he would have been the #1 voice for reason in this New Dark Age. Maybe i should try and Channel Carl Sagan?
:wink:
Probably the key is to listen, and be respectful, and to introduce ideas in a non-threatening way.
I am guilty of just attacking the idea directly. This is easier, but far less effective.
Carl Sagan put out an entire program of how to do this, and part of it was his Baloney Detection Kit.
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It takes enormous patience, and Character to be able to deal with irrationality in a respectful way. Belief change is a slow process.
By the way, my NewAgey beliefs changed, but the drivers are still the same. The search to understand how the world/universe/mind/brain works.
The difference now are the METHODS to go about doing this.
In my view, this problem starts with our education system, which teaches kids to OBEY and listen to Pronouncements from Authority, and not think for themselves.
Also, Catholic Schools, and other religious schools, just teach there are a priori TRUTHS that cannot be questioned.
I see no difference in believing in Virgin Births, and Miracles, then i do with Aliens, Channelling, and reaching Christ Consciousness.
There i go being provocative again....but its too much fun!
If you get a chance, read this book, you can get a used paperback for a few bucks. It will change your life.
Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World : Science As a Candle in the Dark.
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Coz