How do I know I’m not brainwashing myself?

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Struggling1

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One worry I’ve always had as I’m walking down this journey is how to be sure I’m not brainwashing myself to believe. At first I don’t know if I felt God or believed and as I am growing to belief how do I know it’s not me brainwashing myself with daily prayer and regular sacraments. After all I man becomes what he thinks about all day. It’s a really stupid question and I’m sorry but figured you all have guided me tremendously so far and I am extremely appreciative!
 
I’m not saying religion is brainwashing it’s a dumb fear of mine and I need some rational logic.
 
I’m not sure you can brainwash your own self. Someone else could attempt to brainwash you… but if you are choosing to learn about something, youre not brainwashing you are learning and thinking. Your thoughts are simply your thoughts. By that logic convincing yourself that showering at the end of the day is brainwashing. In all kindness, my friend you make things very complicated 🙂 But don’t worry keep posting and keep learning and addressing your worries.
 
Lol it is absolutely difficult! And I’m not trying to be tricky just trying to be sure I find actual truth and not just settling for that which i most desire. Thank you for reassuring me!
 
Struggling1 said:
trying to be sure I find actual truth and not just settling for that which i most desire.
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Well, idk if this is reassuring, but if hypothetically none of religion is true, but you follow it anyway because it is what you ‘most desire’ it won’t be settling or a waste of time because you’ll live a good life trying to be a selfless loving person. And when you die and find out it is true, then all the better because you lived a holy life and God will be pleased
 
Pascal’s wager is amazing but if religion and God do not exist should be not be frantically trying to solve the death problem? Maybe it’s only cause I’m struggling I see it this way. God bless you dearly for helping me.
 
Everybody is brainwashed to a certain extent. We’re brainwashed. We’re brainwashed by the education system. We’re brainwashed by the media. The antidote to this brainwashing is the Faith.
 
Isn’t that an issue though if God exists then theoretically you should be able to arrive at the conclusion of his existence without requiring brainwashing? I know water is good for me because my body needs it not because I need to convince myself that it is good for me and then I need it.
 
Struggling1 said:
Isn’t that an issue though if God exists then theoretically you should be able to arrive at the conclusion of his existence without requiring brainwashing?
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The existence of God can be known through reason. The evidence of God is the beauty and order of his creation.

In my previous post, I was referring to Divine Revelation. The antidote to the brainwashing that we all experience in modern culture is the truth that has been revealed by God to the Catholic Church.
 
But how do we know that what we believe we have a foundation for and it’s not just cause others believed and convinced us to believe. I get worried about religious apiritions being suggestion of the mind or that it relies on shared human desire.
 
But if the existence of God can only be proven through reason couldn’t we be convincing ourselves of the base logic? Since philosophy is essentially extended logical thought processes? How do we ensure that philosophy foundations are correct if they are all human reason and humans are fallible?
 
Struggling1 said:
But how do we know that what we believe we have a foundation for and it’s not just cause others believed and convinced us to believe. I get worried about religious apiritions being suggestion of the mind or that it relies on shared human desire.
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There’s a new movie called “The Case for Christ.” You should watch it. I think it’s on Netflix. It’s excellent and I think it’ll answer a lot of your questions about Faith.
 
Me too I’m not trying to annoy anyone around here you all have just been absolutely amazing and friendly and welcoming. Thank you.
 
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,… By this you know the Spirit of God.” 1 John 4
The bible calls us to test the spirits in order to truly know God. Asking questions about the faith or doubting once in a while is natural and shows that faith is something we chose. Doubt is a necessary part of faith and helps us to prevent being brainwashed. People who blindly follow the Bible without question are brainwashed.
 
And yet I swear my skepticism will be my damnation. I read and do not understand or it doesn’t change how I feel. I pray but I haven’t changed. I guess I have to keep going.
 
You need to work together faith and hope.

Faith, so you can pacifically submit your intellect to the truths revealed by God. And hope, so you can put your all your trust in Him and His teachings.
 
Pray for help. Our Lady and many saints will happily intercede. Remember: we can never do this only by ourselves.

Also, read classic Catholic literature, study, meditate.

Finally, the Rosary is a must. The 15 misteries will show you that the respective graces you ask for is all you need to live a decent and respectful life in the eyes of God.
 
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