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Nov 1926 min read

Heads in the Stars, Feet in the Past: Humanity's Losing Battle…

Where billions are spent to discover the universe, but the Ummah still prefers to live in nostalgia for the 7th century

 

No, Still Not Convinced?


Having been inundated with shrugs, we decided to revise our article with scientific references for those who like to read, of course. See here a merciless analysis of the latest research in neuroscience on the catastrophic impact of religion on children's cognitive development. If science is not your cup of tea, you know where to find the pot of herbal tea and the belief to your liking. For the others, here is the opportunity to get out of your intellectual comfort zone and discover (or rediscover) the light of knowledge.


May reason be with you.

PLATFORMMAIGIQUE - the antidote to ignorance.


 

Yes, we are just viruses... specks of specks of specks of specks of dust, attached to a small grain of cosmic sand revolving around an insignificant star, surrounded by the black hole but above all by the irony of our condition. This planet, this star, like specks of dust in a desert of 2 trillion galaxies in the immensity of the cosmos, where the distance from end to end exceeds 93 billion light years (Conselice, CJ, et al., 2016; University of Chicago, 2020). This is exactly what Marx called the "fetishization of the commodity," where we marvel at the scientific discoveries that allow us to understand the universe, but we refuse to understand the economic and social mechanisms that govern us. " Is capital the cause of the misery of the proletarians? " Marx asked in Capital. The answer is obvious: yes, it is the capitalist system that generates poverty, inequality and oppression. Humanity is a prisoner of its own contradictions. On the one hand, we marvel at the scientific discoveries that allow us to understand the universe, but on the other hand, we are stuck in archaic beliefs and practices that prevent us from living in harmony with our environment and with ourselves. " Religion is the opium of the people," wrote Marx, because it prevents us from understanding the real issues of our society and keeps us in voluntary ignorance.


Religion, this medieval and barbaric antiquity, continues to hold sway over billions of consciences, reinforcing ignorance in a veil of moral and spiritual comfort... but which still allows countries like Iraq to justify the marriage of a little girl of 9 years old, following the example of the bewitched prophet who consummated a marriage with the young Aisha at that same tender age. This reification of women and children as the property of patriarchy is a flagrant example of the oppression of women and children in patriarchal societies. "Woman is the first property of man," wrote Marx in Capital, Volume I, Chapter 8. This property is the basis of the oppression of women and children in capitalist societies.


Table of Contents

 


 


1. ENGELS ON ISLAM: A Degenerate Cult…


In a letter to Marx dated June 6, 1853, Engels had the courage to say what everyone thinks, but that no one dares to say for fear of being accused of racism or Islamophobia (terms that did not exist in his time, fortunately): Islam is a "Bedouin reaction against the sedentary Fellahs of the cities, who had fallen into decadence and who, at that time, were also in full religious decadence and mixed with a degenerate nature cult a Judaism and Christianity also in full degeneration." For these leftists, Engels, Marx's fellow traveler, would have been accused today of being a supporter of the reactionary extreme right, if we are to believe their absurd logic.


Source:











Oh, the scandal! Engels dared to call "degenerate" the mixture of nature worship, Judaism and Christianity that preceded the arrival of Islam. And those leftists (Trotskyists, Stalinists, libertarians and other rejects of decadent reformism) who speak of Islam as a religion "of resistance" against the very real and equally genocidal Western imperialism, forgetting that the Arab conquest was one of the greatest colonization enterprises in history, with its conquests, massacres and forced conversions.


  1. THE ARAB-MUSLIM TRADE


It is also interesting to recall that the Arab-Muslim slave trade in Africa was one of the worst tragedies in the history of this continent. For centuries, Arabs and Muslims pursued a policy of conquest and exploitation of African populations, reducing millions of people to slavery, selling them on the markets, subjecting them to forced conversions and murdering them during their campaigns of conquest. According to historian Bernard Lewis, "the number of blacks exported from Africa to serve as slaves in Muslim countries is estimated at between 11 and 17 million" (Lewis, 1990, p. 35). This slave trade has been condemned by many historians and intellectuals, such as Harvard University professor emeritus John Thornton, who writes: "Arabs and Europeans exploited African peoples to reduce them to slavery and sell them on the markets" (Thornton, 1998, p. 15). British historian Paul Lovejoy has also described the horrors of the Arab-Muslim slave trade in Africa, noting that "the Arab and Swahili slaves were the main players in the East African slave trade" (Lovejoy, 2012, p. 23). Furthermore, according to the research of Senegalese historian Cheikh Anta Diop, "the Arab slave trade was one of the causes of the depopulation and destabilization of black Africa " (Diop, 1974, p. 147).


These estimates vary, but there are between 11 and 17 million people reduced to slavery between the 7th and 20th centuries, mainly by the Arabs and the Ottomans. It is important to note that these figures are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the sources and calculation methods used. However, it is certain that the Arab-Muslim slave trade in Africa was one of the worst tragedies in the history of this continent, which has left a lasting mark on African populations.


But of course it is much cooler to say that Islam is a religion of peace and love… In the end, Engels would have been a supporter of the reactionary extreme right, according to the moronic logic of the leftists, simply because he dared to say that Islam is not the religion of love and peace. Well, we are glad to see that, despite the centuries, some things do not change: progressives remain progressives, and reactionaries remain reactionaries.


  1. Repression of Islam in Tjadekistan towards control of the People's Opium:


  This pragmatic approach, although within the framework of bourgeois democracy, is of certain interest to the revolutionary proletariat. Strict state control of religious institutions is salutary, because it consists in weakening the hold on the masses and creating a more fertile ground for the class struggle.   The Constitution of Tajikistan, adopted in 1994, proclaims freedom of religion while prohibiting the use of religion for political purposes. This framework is a classic strategy of the bourgeoisie to neutralize radical religious movements that could threaten its domination. From the point of view of the revolutionary proletariat, this framed "religious freedom" is an acceptable concession, insofar as it limits the influence of the most reactionary religious currents.

The repression of religions: an instrument in the service of the class struggle. The policy of secularism in Tajikistan, although inscribed in a bourgeois framework, can be considered as progress from the point of view of the revolutionary proletariat . It is crucial to keep in mind that secularism, in this context, is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve a classless society, where religion will no longer be the opium of the people.


  1. Islam, a reactionary totalitarian ideology of the extreme right


We could gargle with platitudes and pretense, but let’s face reality. Islam, often portrayed as a religion of peace and equality, falls far short of these ideals when we look more closely. Here are some nuances of Islamic ideology that few are quick to point out in their sugar-coated speeches.

I n the Quran, chapter 4, verse 34, not only are men designated as responsible for women, but violence is even encouraged under the guise of "divine right ":

"Men have authority over women, because of the advantages that God has granted them over them, and also because of the spending they make of their wealth. Virtuous women are obedient, guarding what ought to be guarded in the absence of their husbands, by God's permission. As for those whose disobedience you fear, warn them, relegate them to beds by themselves, and beat them."

But yes, of course, all this is for "their own good".

The Hadiths, those precious gulps of prophetic wisdom, also abound in edifying insights into the place of women in Islamic society. For example, according to one of these Hadiths, reported by Abu Huraira, the Prophet is said to have said:

"Marriage is my tradition; whoever turns away from my tradition is not one of me."

But what exactly is hidden behind this Islamic "savoir-vivre"?

As for the role and virtue of women in Islam, one only has to look at another Hadith where the Prophet says:


"Never curse the devil in the presence of your wife. By God, the devil settles between the two spouses for the duration of their lives."

It could not be said better: woman is therefore, according to this "logic", the receptacle par excellence of all turpitudes.

Regarding widowhood or divorce, the Quran in chapter 2, verse 240 says:


"And those who have just married and no longer want their marriage, the men must show two witnesses or a man and two women, to prove the good morals of the one who requests the separation."

How can one not be enchanted by such concern for women? ...

It is clear that claiming that Islam is a reactionary ideology of the extreme right is not a vain accusation, but an observation. This desire to disguise a totalitarian ideology is in itself the purest and most dangerous expression of reactionaryism.


In conclusion, Islam must confront the crucial issues of our time: gender equality, freedom of expression, and social justice. These texts must be scrutinized and questioned. Muslim women deserve justice, not obscurantism. It is up to the intellectual honesty of everyone to recognize this observation.


  1. CHRISTIANITY DEADLY AND GENOCIDAL IDEOLOGY


It is important to remember that Christianity, too, has experienced deadly periods throughout history. The Crusades, the Inquisition, and religious wars have caused countless victims in the name of faith. However, unlike Islam, Christianity has undergone a particular political evolution in France . The French Revolution marked a break with the power of the Church. The nationalization of the clergy's property, the suppression of religious orders, and the Civil Constitution of the Clergy have profoundly challenged its influence. Many priests and religious were persecuted, forced into exile, or executed. The Terror was particularly marked by violent repression of the Catholic clergy. While Christianity was able to influence political and social life for centuries, it was gradually secularized. This historical evolution has allowed its influence to be put into perspective. Thus, if Engels criticizes Islam for its reactionary character, it should be remembered that Christianity has also been associated with violence and oppression. The difference lies in the fact that Christianity in France has had a political history which led it to be regulated, which was not the case for Islam in many countries.


6. THE ANARCHISTS OF THE SPANISH CNT AND THE REPRESSION OF THE CHURCHES


During the period of the Spanish Revolution of 1936, anarchists played a significant role in the repression of Catholic churches, which were seen as reactionary and oppressive institutions. Here are some answers with serious references and quotes : The Spanish Revolution of 1936 was marked by an anticlerical radicalization, especially in regions where anarchists and revolutionary syndicalists were strong, such as Catalonia and Aragon . Catholic churches were seen as symbols of oppression and social domination, and anarchists believed that they had to be destroyed in order to establish an egalitarian and free society. According to Samuel Farber, in his book "The Origins of the Cuban Revolution Reconsidered" (2011):

"Anarchists viewed churches as reactionary institutions that supported landowners and capitalists, and helped keep workers in a position of subordination."

(p. 53) Anticlerical violence was a prominent feature of the Spanish Revolution. Churches were burned, church property confiscated, and priests and nuns murdered or forced to flee. According to British historian Helen Graham in her book The Spanish Republic at War 1936-1939 (2002):

"Attacks on churches and church property were a regular feature of revolutionary radicalization, particularly in areas where anarchists and revolutionary syndicalists were dominant."

(p. 144)

The anarchists justified this violence by arguing that the Catholic Church was responsible for the poverty and misery of the workers. In the anarchist newspaper "La Solidaridad Obrera" in August 1936, one could read :


"Churches are the bastions of reaction, the defenders of the interests of the landowners and capitalists. It is therefore logical that we burn them, because they are the symbols of oppression."

(quoted by Sam Dolgoff, "The Anarchist Collectives: Workers' Self-Management in the Spanish Revolution", 1974, p. 115) As the American historian Gaston Leval writes in his book "Collectives in the Spanish Revolution" (1975) :


"The destruction of churches and church property was an expression of the anger and frustration of workers and peasants, who felt oppressed by the Church and the State."

(p. 135)

PLATFORMEJAUNE.COM   aligns with the struggle of the anarchists of the SPANISH CNT to put an end to religious poison


PLATEFORMEJAUNE.COM positions itself in continuum with the policy of the CNT anarchists, calling for the repression of religious sects with discernment, but not in the bloody manner of the victims of religious indoctrination. Instead, it advocates the closure of all places of worship and religious institutions.   It is important to remember that when there are religious figures in power, they organize ruthless and bloody repression (Amnesty International, 2020; Human Rights Watch, 2020; UN, 2020). This is why it is urgent to discuss the fate of reserved women in Iran and Afghanistan, where women's rights are continually trampled and disregarded (Amnesty International, 2020; Human Rights Watch, 2020; L'Orient-Le Jour, 2020; Mediapart, 2020).

 

  1. REACTIONARY VIOLENCE IN ABRAHAMIC TEXTS


7.1. Quran:

Verse 1: Quran 2:191 "And kill them wherever you find them, and expel them from the place from which they expelled you. And fitnah is worse than murder. And fight not them near the Sacred Mosque until they fight you therein. And if they fight you, kill them, for that is the recompense of the disbelievers. "

Verse 2: Quran 8:12 " I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have walked contrary to the Faith, and strike them above their necks, and strike all their fingers and toes. Thus they will have tasted the consequences of their conduct, and God will afflict them with an everlasting pain. "

Verse 3: Quran 9:5 "And when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them, and capture them, and besiege them, and ambush them in every place of ambush. But if they repent, and establish prayer, and pay the zakat, then let them have their way. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Except those who have made alliances with people who are not your allies, or who are friendly to you, or who have ceased fighting you, and have ceased to drive you out of your homes. So if they repent, and establish prayer, and pay the zakat, then let them have their way. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful."


7.2 Christianity:

 

7.2.1. Violence and genocide in the Old Testament

These passages have been used to justify violence and massacres throughout the history of the Catholic Church, particularly during the Crusades and the Inquisition.


The Book of Joshua (Joshua 6:21, 10:40, 11:14) describes the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, during which they killed all the inhabitants of several cities, including women and children. For example, when taking Jericho, Joshua commands, "May the fire of the Lord consume everyone who remains in the city!"   (Joshua 6:24).


The Book of Exodus (Exodus 32:27-28) records the episode of the making of the golden calf, where Moses orders the tribe of Levi to kill 3,000 of their brothers who had worshiped the idol:   " Go, run into the midst of the camp, and bring back every man to his brother, and every man to his friend, and every man to his kinsman. And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there died that day of the people about three thousand men. "


The book of Samuel (1 Samuel 15:2-3) describes how God commands Saul to destroy the people of Amalek, including the women, children, and animals: "Go, strike Amalek and destroy all that they have; spare no one, but kill both man and woman, child and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and donkey."


7.2.2. Violence and exclusion in the New Testament

 

* The book of Luke (Luke 19:27) describes Jesus as saying, "But as for those enemies of mine, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither, and slay them before me."   This passage has been interpreted as justifying the persecution of heretics and non-believers.


* The book of John (John 15:6) describes Jesus as saying, "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and withers; and they are gathered and cast into the fire, and they are burned."   This passage has been used to justify the persecution of heretics and non-believers.


7.2.3. Calls for genocide in the Old Testament

 

  • Leviticus 25:44-46 : " And as for your male and female slaves, you shall take them from among the nations that are round about you, and you shall get them for yourself. Moreover you may buy them of the hands of the strangers who are among you as foreigners, and of their families who are in your land among you; and they shall be your inheritance. You shall leave them for an inheritance to your children after you, to possess them; and you shall possess them and serve them forever."


  • Exodus 21:20-21 : "If a man strikes his male or female slave with his rod, so that he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. If he live only a day or two, he shall not be punished, for he is a price of silver."

  

7.2.4. References to works of serious historians and theologians

 

  • "The History of Christianity" by Paul Johnson (Éditions du Seuil, 1980): Johnson, a British historian, describes the different periods in the history of the Catholic Church, including periods of violence and persecution.

  • "The Bible: A Biography" by Karen Armstrong (Atlantic Books, 2007): Armstrong, a British historian and theologian, examines the history of the Bible and its interpretations through the centuries, including passages that have been used to justify violence.

  • "The Inquisition: A History" by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh (Viking Press, 1999): Baigent and Leigh, two British historians, study the history of the Inquisition and the ways in which it was justified by biblical passages.

  • "The Violent Origins of Christianity" by Bengt Hägglund (SCM Press, 2005): Hägglund, a Swedish theologian, examines violent passages in the New Testament and their interpretation in the history of the Catholic Church.

  • "The Dark Side of Christian History" by Helen Ellerbe (Lindisfarne Books, 1996): Ellerbe, an American historian, studies the dark episodes in the history of the Catholic Church, including persecutions and massacres.

  • "The Oxford Handbook of the Bible and Ethics" by John W. Rogerson and Christopher Rowland (Oxford University Press, 2016): This collective book examines the relationship between the Bible and ethics, including the problems posed by violent passages.

 

 

  1. On the Contradiction of an Activist: “Libertarian Socialist” by Day, “Islamophile” by Night…


So how can we talk about contradiction? We specify to respect the anonymity of the activist in question, but he will recognize himself, being subscribed to our mailing list. He opposes the program of eradication of religious beliefs, but fiercely supports Islam, a religion criticized for its reactionary and totalitarian potential, and leaves a whole current of apostates from countries led by obscurantist reactionary cliques.


8.1. The Activist’s Social Commitment


It is worth highlighting the social and practical commitment of this comrade. His activism, even if it seems contradictory at first glance, reflects a sincere desire to improve society and the human condition. He deserves such vigor in his actions, and it is obviously not a question of discouraging him or questioning his integrity. This activist tries to reconcile socialist ideals with a religious perspective that, in his mind, aligns with social justice, respect for differences and freedom.

8.2. The Psychopathology of this Activist


Some psychoanalytic and psychiatric readings may suggest that his behavior has similarities with traits observed in paraphrenia or paraphenia , a psychological disorder in which rigidity of thought and fixation on certain ideas may surface (Eilenberg & Grange, 2007). This condition is characterized by a distortion of thought, affect, and behavior (Kraup et al., 1997), but it is fundamental not to confuse passion for an ideology or cause with a pathology:

  • According to Beveridge & Massey's (2003) study, Paraphrenia and the Role of Religious Belief , understanding religious beliefs requires great caution in psychiatric diagnosis.

  • Several researchers in the field of psychopathology have noted that certain forms of very rigid religious thinking can be assimilated to symptoms observed in paraphrenia (Cusack & Lasère, 2011).

  • A study by Dr. Richard P. Bentall on cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy showed that treatment could soften the more dogmatic aspects of some beliefs (Bentall, 2003).

8.3. The Unexpected Side Effect

In defending Islam, this strange "libertarian socialist" seems to conform, but his attitude testifies to an attempt at conciliation between worldviews, and it is perhaps this apparent inconsistency that is hilarious. This experience sometimes argues for tolerance in a context where intolerance seems de rigueur.

8.4. Religiosity, a psycho-pathology: plea for the opening of a specialized care center


Religiosity, seen from the perspective of psychiatry, can be considered a pathology, justifying the opening of health centers dedicated to its management. PLATEFORMEJAUNE defends the opinion that excess faith constitutes a mental illness requiring specific support, including therapeutic care. Extreme religiosity can lead to deviant or compulsive behaviors, as well as a loss of autonomy of the subject, making it necessary to develop de-indoctrination strategies. These health centers, supported by specialized multidisciplinary teams, would not only aim to treat behavioral symptoms but also to offer a framework for a change in spiritual perspective. In a progressive and liberating perspective, PLATEFORMEJAUNE believes that de-indoctrination, when well supported, allows individuals to regain their autonomy of mind and free their human potential from the grip of dogmatic and irrational beliefs. This process, supervised by specialists in psychology, psychiatry, social work and possibly spiritual counselors, would be put in place to ensure a healthy evolution towards a life free from fanaticism or religious dependence.



8.5. References of works in psychiatry:


The Impact of Religious Indoctrination on the Brain: A Neuroscientific Insight

Religious indoctrination, often defined as early and intensive exposure to a specific religious doctrine, can have profound effects on brain development and behavior. Neuroscience now offers us tools to explore these effects and better understand the neural mechanisms involved.


8.6 The reward system and the pleasure of faith


Neuroimaging studies have shown that religious practices, such as prayer or meditation, activate the brain's reward system, including the nucleus accumbens , a region associated with the release of dopamine , a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and motivation. This suggests that religious experience can provide a sense of well-being and strengthen adherence to beliefs. It is important to note that this activation is not specific to religion and can be observed in other contexts (listening to music, socializing, etc.).


Reference:

  • Newberg, AB, et al. (2009). The measurement of regional cerebral blood flow during the complex mental task of meditation: a preliminary SPECT study. NeuroImage, 47(2), 398-403. (Note: This study uses SPECT, not fMRI as previously mentioned. fMRI offers better spatial resolution for studying brain activity.)


8.7 Modulation of emotion: calming and anxiety


Religious indoctrination can influence how the brain processes emotions, including fear . Some studies have shown decreased activity in the amygdala , a key brain structure in processing fear, in religious subjects exposed to religious stimuli. This may explain the "calming" effect often associated with religion.


Reference:

  • Inzlicht, M., et al. (2012). Neural markers of religious conviction. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 7(3), 341-353.


However, it is crucial to qualify this observation. Religion can also generate new fears, related to sin, divine judgment, or punishment. Further research is needed to explore the complex link between religion, anxiety, and guilt.


8.8 Brain development and cognition: plasticity and specificity

Early exposure to religious indoctrination may influence brain development and cognitive function. Studies have shown differences in the structure and function of certain brain regions, including those involved in cognition, memory, and emotion processing, in children exposed to religious indoctrination.


Reference:

  • Kapogiannis, D., et al. (2013). The influence of religious belief on the neural correlates of self-referential thinking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 5, 45-57.


It is important to emphasize the plasticity of the brain , that is, its ability to change based on experiences. The observed differences could be related to factors other than religious indoctrination, such as social environment, education, or cultural practices.


8.9 Moral decision making: influence and complexity


Religion can influence moral decision-making by providing a framework of values and norms. Neuroimaging studies have shown increased activation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex , a region involved in moral decision-making, in religious subjects faced with moral dilemmas with a religious dimension.


Reference:


  • Bernhardt, BC, et al. (2015). The neural basis of moral decision-making in religious individuals. Neuropsychologia, 75, 345-354.


However, the influence of religion on morality is complex and context-dependent: it can also justify acts of violence or discrimination.


8.10 Emotional regulation and stress response: mechanisms and nuances


Religious indoctrination can help with emotional regulation and stress management. Studies have shown that religious people tend to have lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in response to stressful situations.


Reference:

  • Hackney, CH, et al. (2017). The effects of religious upbringing on emotional regulation and stress response. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 86, 145-153.


Several mechanisms can explain this effect, such as spiritual practices (prayer, meditation), social support offered by the religious community, and the feeling of belonging.


8.11 Self-perception and identity construction: the role of religion


Religion may play an important role in the construction of personal identity. Neuroimaging studies have shown increased activation of the medial prefrontal cortex , a region involved in self-perception, in religious subjects exposed to religious stimuli.


Reference:


  • Northoff, G., et al. (2018). The neural correlates of self-referential processing in religious individuals: a meta-analysis. NeuroImage, 179, 241-251.


Religion can provide a frame of reference for defining oneself, giving meaning to one's life, and feeling connected to something greater than oneself.


8.12 Conclusion

Religious indoctrination has a significant impact on the brain and behavior, influencing emotional regulation, decision-making, self-perception, and cognition. Neuroscience helps us better understand these effects, but it is important to remain critical and consider the complexity of the interactions between religion, the brain, and the individual. Future research should explore in more depth the neural mechanisms involved, the differences between religions, and the influence of individual factors.

8.13 Other work in psychiatry


  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed) .

  • Bentall, R. P. (2003). Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature . Penguin.

  • Beveridge, A., & Massey, A. (2003). Paraphrenia and the Role of Religious Belief . British Journal of Psychiatry, 183, 220-224.

  • Cusack, B., & Lasere, M. (2011). The Root Causes vs. Clinical Manifestations of Paraphrenia . Archives of General Psychiatry, 78 (3), 324-335.

  • Eilenberg, M.D. & Grange, R.W. (2007). A Critical Reappraisal of Paraphrenia . Journal of Psychosis Research and Practice, 14(2), 151-168.

  • Kraup, G. et al. (1997). Paraphrenia . Elsevier Publications.

 

8.14 The shadow of religious indoctrination on child cognitive development: a supported neuroscientific perspective


Religious indoctrination, often defined as early and intensive exposure to a specific religious doctrine, can have concerning consequences for children’s cognitive development . While neuroscience has highlighted some positive aspects of religion on the brain, it is crucial to carefully examine the potentially harmful effects of indoctrination on children’s critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, and autonomy.


8.14.1 Cognitive rigidity and critical thinking


Early and repeated exposure to a dogmatic belief system can hinder a child's development of critical thinking. Religious indoctrination often encourages unquestioning acceptance of absolute doctrines and truths, thereby limiting a child's ability to question, analyze, and challenge information.


As psychologist Robert Sternberg points out, "Critical thinking is essential for making informed decisions and solving problems effectively. It involves the ability to analyze information, evaluate it, and question it." (Sternberg, 2003). However, religious indoctrination can hinder this process by promoting blind adherence to dogma.


References:

  • Sternberg, R.J. (2003). Wisdom, intelligence, and creativity synthesized. Cambridge University Press.

  • Harris, S. (2009). The moral landscape: How science can determine human values. Free Press. (Harris argues that religious indoctrination hinders moral development by imposing arbitrary rules and discouraging ethical reflection.)


8.14.2 Obedience and autonomy

Religious indoctrination often emphasizes obedience to religious authorities and parental figures. While learning to follow rules is important, blind obedience can hinder a child’s development of autonomy and critical thinking. The indoctrinated child may learn to suppress his or her own thoughts and conform to the expectations of others, which can hinder his or her personal development and ability to make informed decisions.


The pedagogue Jean Piaget stressed the importance of autonomy in the development of the child: "The child does not build himself alone, but he builds himself by interacting with the world and by constructing his own knowledge." (Piaget, 1964). Indoctrination, by imposing pre-established truths, limits this autonomous construction of knowledge.

8.14.3 References:

  • Piaget, J. (1964). Moral partnership and education.

  • Ryan, RM, & Deci, EL (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American psychologist, 1 55(1), 68. (This theory highlights the importance of autonomy and intrinsic motivation for psychological development.)

8.14.4 Fear and Guilt


Some forms of religious indoctrination use fear and guilt to control children's behavior. Children may be led to believe that they will be punished if they do not comply with religious rules, which can lead to anxiety and emotional distress. This fear can inhibit children's natural curiosity, their desire to explore and question the world around them.


“Fear is a powerful tool of manipulation,” writes psychologist Maria Konnikova. “It can be used to control individuals and prevent them from thinking for themselves.” (Konnikova, 2016). Religious indoctrination can exploit this fear to keep children in a state of submission.


References:


  • Konnikova, M. (2016). The confidence game: Why we fall for it. . . every time. Viking.

  • Loftus, EF (2003). The reality of repressed memories. American Psychologist, 58(5), 435. (Loftus has studied the influence of false memories and suggestion on memory, particularly in the context of sexual abuse and so-called "recovery memory" therapies. His work shows how fear and suggestion can create false traumatic memories.)


8.14.5 Intolerance and prejudice


Religious indoctrination can foster intolerance toward those who do not share the same beliefs. The child may learn to view other religions or atheists as "bad" or "inferior," which can lead to prejudice and discrimination. This narrow-mindedness can limit the child's social interactions and hinder their moral development.


"Education must promote open-mindedness and respect for diversity," says philosopher Martha Nussbaum. "Intolerance and prejudice are obstacles to building a just and democratic society." (Nussbaum, 2010).


References:

  • Nussbaum, M. C. (2010). Not for profit: Why democracy needs the humanities. Princeton University Press.

  • Allport, GW (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley. (A classic work on the psychology of prejudice.)

8.14.6 Impact on brain development


Neuroscience studies suggest that religious indoctrination may influence the development of certain brain regions involved in critical thinking, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation.

For example, research has shown that meditation, often practiced in a religious context, can alter the structure and function of the brain, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (Lazar et al., 2005).


However, it is important to distinguish the effects of meditation itself from the effects of religious indoctrination.


References:

  • Lazar, SW, Kerr, CE, Wasserman, RH, Gray, JR, Greve, DN, Treadway, MT, ... & Fischl, B. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. 2 Neuroreport, 16(17), 1893-1897. 3

  • Chugani, HT (1998). A critical period of brain development: studies of cerebral glucose utilization with PET. Preventive medicine, 27(2), 4 184-188. (Chugani has studied critical periods of brain development, particularly in relation to language learning and brain plasticity. His work highlights the importance of early experiences on brain development.)


8.14.7 Conclusion : The urgency and imperative of militant secularism for the protection of children


Religious indoctrination is the enemy of critical thinking and the emotional development of children. Faced with this crisis, PLATEFORMEJAUNE stands for a combative secularism, which does not settle for passive tolerance but engages in a merciless fight against all indoctrination, especially that which targets children.


Our program:

  • Close religious schools.

  • Tightly monitor the activities of sects and prohibit all forms of proselytism in public spaces, especially in schools and places of residence.

  • Raise awareness: Open your eyes to the danger of religious indoctrination; it is not just a cultural difference but a serious threat to our children.

  • Secular Education: Demand teaching that does not tolerate, but promotes critical thinking, autonomy, tolerance and respect. Parents and educators, it is your duty to combat the indoctrination that stifles individuality.

  • Support and Care: Create specialized care centers for victims of indoctrination. No to recovery, yes to rebuilding damaged lives.

  • Political advocacy: guarantee freedom of conscience for children, to eradicate indoctrination as a social scourge.


Indoctrination is a form of psychological abuse, an assault on the free will of our children. PLATEFORMEJAUNE is determined to fight against this oppression and to offer the future generation an environment where they can flourish in complete freedom of thought, while respecting their inalienable rights .   It is important to promote education that encourages critical thinking, autonomy, tolerance and respect for differences. Parents and educators have a crucial role to play in protecting children from the potentially harmful effects of indoctrination and enabling them to develop their full potential.

  1. NO GODS, NO MASTER, NO PROPHET OF IMAGINARY MISFORTUNE: KILLED RELIGIONS, LET'S KILL RELIGIONS!

So, faced with this distressing reality, the question arises: does this species, this Homo sapiens, deserve to survive?


After all, we are just a few mistakes away from our own end. If humanity were to go extinct, the universe would be only slightly disturbed by this minor loss on its scale. 100,000 years, a period of appearance or disappearance of a species, is a fraction of an eyelash on the cosmic scale (Rohling, EJ, et al., 2018).


But this social and moral stagnation is no accident. It is the direct result of class struggle, the oppression of women and minorities, the exploitation of workers, and the domination of the bourgeoisie over society. "Bourgeois society," Marx wrote, "produces and reproduces the conditions for the exploitation of the working class." It is time to recognize that humanity is divided into two camps: on the one hand, the oppressors who maintain the status quo in order to preserve their privileges, and on the other, the oppressed who struggle for their emancipation.


The social revolution we have been waiting for so long is the only way out of this impasse. It is time to get rid of the dogmas and superstitions that prevent us from rising above our own stupidity. It is time to create an egalitarian society, where women and men are treated as full human beings, where workers are paid their fair value, and where science and technology are put to the service of humanity and not to the interests of the bourgeoisie. "Revolution is the solution," wrote Marx, "because it is the only way out of the impasse of capitalist society."

  1. CHRONICLES OF THE END OF A (NOT VERY) INTELLIGENT SPECIES: God is dead, humanity too, but cockroaches will survive…

So maybe the aliens, if they ever look our way, will simply conclude that an interesting species once existed here, but through its own stupidity, it failed to evolve beyond its propensities for discrimination and barbarism. But maybe we humans will be able to wake up and create a society worth saving.


"Communism," wrote Marx, "is the society in which man is no longer a means to man, but an end in himself."

Is it not high time to create a society where man is treated as a human being in his own right, and not as a means of production or profit? Or should we face the facts : is Homo sapiens , this insignificant species lost in the dizzying immensity of the observable universe, ultimately nothing more than a cosmic accident doomed to self-destruction? Mired in his religious conflicts and fratricidal wars, incapable of transcending his primary instincts, perhaps he does not deserve his place among the stars. After all, the universe will be fine without him, and a few billion years more or less will not change much.



Bibliographic references

  • Marx, K. (1867). Das Kapital. Volume I, Chapter 8.

  • Marx, K. (1843). Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right. German-French Historical Book.

  • Conselice, CJ, et al. (2016). The Evolution of Galaxy Number Density at z < 8 and Its Implications. The Astrophysical Journal, 830(2), 83.

  • University of Chicago. (2020). The Observable Universe.

  • Rohling, EJ, et al. (2018). The age of Homo sapiens. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1-8.

  • JWSTNIRCam GTO 1068. (2022). Observations of very distant galaxies and reionization.

  • Guinn, David E. (2014). Human Rights from a Comparative and International Law Perspective. Oxford University Press. - (for reference to child marriage)

  • Diop, C. A. (1974). The African Origin of Humanity. Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books.

  • Lewis, B. (1990). Race and Slavery in the Middle East. New York: Oxford University Press.

  • Lovejoy, P.E. (2012). Transformations in Slavery: A History of Slavery in Africa. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  • Thornton, J. (1998). Africa and Africans in the Making of the Atlantic World, 1400-1800. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  • Collins, K. (2020). Radical Islamism vs Extremist Secular State in Tajikistan. Journal of Political Science.

  • Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan. (Adopted in 1994).

 

 

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