Why are people so close-minded

They're just looking for easy answers, and theyre too close minded to look anywhere beyond their local church or whatever the ignorant masses say is true. Its all easy matters when you stick it to a divine power.

Some religious people are too close minded to think outside their own religion and some non-religious people are too close minded to think about relgion. It sounds to me like you're the one doing the labeling. I believe in God because I spent many years being open minded and thinking about many possibilities, then I came to the conclusion after much thought, that it makes more sense for there to be a God than for us to have sprung out of nothing. There are many people who don't believe in religion because that is what they have been told and they blindly follow that without question.

Coming to moral conclusions does not make anyone close-minded, unless they have failed to consider alternatives before coming to that conclusion. Just becaus you didn't see the process of when they questioned their beliefs doesn't mean they didn't. Coming to the conclusion that most religious people are close-minded and only believe what they do because they were told is, ironically close-minded in itself. Seek to understand, rather than judge.

some people just need a 'reason' for unreasonable things...

they're not closed minded, they just are what they are, as long as it doesn't effect others, or do harm, then why does it matter?

im talking about how people just label others who dont follow the same beliefs as bad people, or lacking morals. when those same people might only be funding their churches because they are told to, and given a spot in heaven by doing so. instead of putting the money to better use. not all people are like this though. but I've met many

because they probably fear that f they don't vocalise' their faith, then they won't be heard...

none so blind, as those who won't see the truth...

as I say, as long as people arn't forcing people to believe in what they do, leave well alone. as for those who try and enforce it, they p1ss me right off! I had jahovas witness's knocking on my door at 8.45am on christmas day morning, interupting my kids opening they're gifts! I gave them what for I can tell you! how bl00dy rude!

I think that we need to be educated in questioning, thinking things through, and making our own decisions. Some churches or Christian families can be guilty of encouraging ignorance, but, as bluedrops very intelligently argues, many others have reached a position of faith through intelligent searching.

ALL (believers and unbelivers) are sinners and have fallen short - but thank goodness for the Free offer of Salvation mentioned in John 3 : 16 through Jesus !!

Some people just like having a true purpose and meaning in life. Like God for instance. This is my comfort in my affliction: for Your word has given me life. ~Psalm 119:50

you're saying its closed-minded to have certain beliefs? Rather hypocritical wouldnt you say?

Incase you were interested, I am a christian with a pretty good understanding of Buddhiam, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Shintoism and some of the Pacific Islands beliefs like those of NZ Maori and Australian Aboriginals

It is much easier to simply follow what you are taught earlier in life than to expend time and effort thinking about one's beliefs, spotting fallacies/inconsistencies, and revamping your thoughts.

Bluedrops, I am NOT trying to attack you, but you talk about ...people who don't believe in religion because that is what they have been told and they blindly follow that without question.
That is even more true on the other side of the coin, if for no other reason than atheists are much outnumbered. (And for the record, I am an atheist.)
Like most on this site, I try to lead a moral and ethical life, but my guiding principal boils down to the Golden Rule meets Enlightened Self-interest.
In short, Crackfiend, in order for a person to change his mind or belief system, they must first become dissatisfied with what they hold as TRUTH.

The labeling that keeps happening on both sides is what is blind.

Many of us closed-minded Christians came to a faith in God later on in Life. I grew up as part of a coven and I became Christian after studying LDS, Scientology, Buddhism, and Celtic paganism. I came to the conclusion that is is all one God who manifests himself in different ways to different people. After years of bible study I expanded to believe in the Trinity.

Please keep it real. A few people don't make all people.

some people just need cofort look to that. Though it is bothersome when they shove it down your throat claim it to be the 1 only truth. people need to grpw up.

Being open minded is not about what you do or don't believe, but rather, it's about the willingness to examine ideas and evidence that oppose your current position, and allow the evidence and reasoned arguments to choose your beliefs for you, rather than resisting such change for emotional reasons.

In my experience, people that don't look to a divine power aren't much more circumspect. I have debated plenty of them and it is amazing how little they question their own assumptions. The only difference between them and the religious person is that they don't like the idea of being subject to a God and so they deny one.