Are We Conditioned to Not Think?
Jan. 4, 2023
Are we conditioned to not think? By thinking I mean the action of analyzing facts to form a judgment for action or opinion. This is sometimes called critical thinking—an objective of university education. I submit that for much of our actions we do not think but acquiesce to culture and tradition. In stead of “questioning everything” we take the default position and action. About 40% of our actions are due to habits without really thinking about them. [i]
Being immersed in culture is like a fish swimming in water. You are not aware of how conditioned to act the way you are. “Cultural conditioning is a process through which we absorb and interpret the influences, norms, and messaging from our environment and translate them into what we believe to be acceptable behaviors.“ [ii] This conditioning comes from many angles: family, media, church, friends, and ingrained traditions.
For example, why do we eat with a knife, fork, and spoon—with the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left hand? Other items conditioned by culture are clothing, the food we eat, the sports we play, mealtimes and occasions, and attitudes of independence.
How often do we question our church actions and traditions? Do we ever ask: “Why Do We Do Church, the Way We do Church?’” As examples: Why is Preaching the Major Part of the Assembly—dated from Martin Luther and Calvin i1500’s; Why do we follow the “order of worship we do—none is given in the New Testament?” ; Why do we offer an “invitation song”?- a modification of the altar call? Why do we have multiple staff? E.g the first youth minister in a Church of Christ was in Oak Cliff in Dallas in the 1940’s. Why do we meet in church buildings and have services on a Wed. night? Why do we sing with four-part harmony? Why do we do the Lord’s Supper the way we do? –clearly in Luke and Corinthians part of a meal. None of these things are necessarily wrong within themselves. It is useful and instructive to remember these “forms of worship” have been developed over many years. Have we been conditioned to believe “being a Christian” consists of attending a correct worship on Sunday mornings?
The difference between culture and tradition is tradition has been passed down through the ages. Culture is the influence of the current time on actions. The “wisdom of the ages” of those gone before us has value in establishing stability and continuity. But tradition must not override or negate biblical principles.
A critical thinking person has the attitude of the Bereans and will examine what is done in light of scriptural principles. One should be aware of the hermeneutical principles one uses to interpret scripture. One should distinguish between the functions being taught – the principles, purpose, mission or ends and the form of implementation—the method, means, or practices to accomplish the purpose.
Do not let either culture nor tradition lead one to miss Christ’s teachings –like the learned scribes and Pharisees did. We need to distinguish between form and real purpose in what we do.
[i] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140808111931.htm
[ii] https://www.exceptionalfutures.com/cultural-conditioning/