I recently got into a discussion with a good friend over the importance of attending a college or university. That's a topic for another time, but we had to confess that every argument brought forth on either side was driven by our experiences. I told her, "You're just saying these things because that's what you've been taught and raised in. You've been brainwashed." (paraphrased) I was teasing. I've also had many discussions with people about my faith in God, His Son Jesus, and the Bible that ended with the other person saying in more or less words, "Dale, you're just saying that because you're brainwashed into thinking it."
I think I have to go on record to say, yes, I'm brainwashed, but that I did it intentionally. And I think that's a good thing, but may require an explanation.
I think every experience or learning point that we encounter shapes our thinking in small or large ways. It is a shame to stop learning. It's foolish to avoid anything that may prove our beliefs or thoughts wrong. For example, in grade school I really like math. I told myself that I would seek out opportunities to learn what I could about it. In the same way, my faith in the God of the Bible, Jesus as described in the Bible, and the Bible itself are things I once knew a little about and then intentionally chose to seek out opportunities to learn what I could about them. In doing so, I've intentionally guided my worldview and perspective in a certain direction.
Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
The biggest objection to this is that it makes me close-minded. Frankly, I don't think it make me less open to ideas, it simply filters those that I have found to be categorically empty, false, or a waste of time. Some people say that they will try anything once; I believe there are somethings that I just don't need to experience and those things can generally be seen quite a ways off and avoided. Going back to the math example, sometimes I would learn something that made me change the way I looked at certain problems; adjustments had to be made. Other times I would come to an unexpected conclusion and realize that somewhere I had broken a math rule. If I had compared my calculations with the unchangeable rules of math, I would have avoided going down that mathmatical road.
On the other hand, it can bee seen both way. Those that believe being a Christian causes close-mindedness are being awfully close-minded toward the possibility of one faith being right and every other faith being wrong. I think the search for truth has to be conducted more objectively than that if the truth will ever be found.
I think it is also foolish to not chose a direction of focus. The quote comes to mind: "If you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything." Perhaps in the same way, if I'm not about anything specific, I'm about nothing significant.
Proverbs 2:1-6, " My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;"
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;"
