Faith without evidence is detrimental

Cognitive dissonance is based on contradictory thoughts, or thoughts that turn into contradictory actions. One, Mormon's don't believe that their underwear is supernatural. Mormon underwear is basically the same as a "WWJD" bracelet. It is a reminder of one's Faith and devotion to Christ, to prevent one from sinning. Two, teaching a child to wear Mormon underwear has no effect on critical thinking. It's only cognitive dissonance if they were to wear the underwear, then take them off to have sex out of wedlock. It also applies if they change their beliefs of Mormonism to allow for sex out of wedlock. "The most religious countries in the world are the world's poorest. Critical thinking is a resource a country needs to develop both economically and technologically." First off, being religious is not cognitive dissonance, and does not prevent critical thinking by any means. This country, the United States of America, was founded and built on Christianity and has become the most powerful nation in the world, and is only 240 years old; 409 years if you account for the first English settlers arriving here. The wealthiest countries, also have the most immigration. This diversifies the country with other religions, along with atheist and agnostics. Also, as we can see in America, technology in wealthy countries also plays a part in atheism because science, through technology, because of wealth, has caused many people to believe otherwise. Poor countries, all they have is their religion. We are not at risk of overpopulation. Yes, the population has boomed since the late 19th century as the world took its first steps into the modern ear. However, because of birth control, the birthrate has declined tremendously. To the extent that there is now going to an expected population implosion. A population boom can be shown as an upright triangle. Well, because of contraceptives and abortion, that upright triangle is now becoming an upside down triangle. They believe by 2050, the population could start declining by almost 70+ million people a decade. The Bible says nothing about seeking medical attention. The two main Christians denominations (Christian science and Jehovah's Witness) that deny medical were both created during the 1800's. Both deny Biblical scripture in many aspects, and almost Christianity itself. These would not pertain to Faith, but false teachings, where the person is not only accountable, but the teacher also. This also applies to Islam in a sense. The Quran, like the Bible, is clear on murder and suicide. Though the Quran does speak of a martyr, this deals with the act of war, not terrorism. It is through false teaching, that people believe the improper meaning of the word "jihad." The Quran also mentions nothing of 72 virgins in the after life. This is another example of false teaching, but one to inspire people to become a terrorist "jihad" as the western world has come to know them. These can also be contributed by what society, or family, around them believe. The study that secular children treat other children with more kindness than religious children. This argument has no basis for truth. There are more than two billion children in the world, and this study only looked at 1170, from six different countries. There is not one single control with religion or lack thereof, region that they were born, house hold income, color or ethnicity, moral teachings of parents, or anything. All of this comes into play, but none of this was taken into consideration. It was just a scientific way of taking a stab at religion. Christianity is a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Besides God, Jesus Christ spoke of love more than anything. Love thy neighbor, as thyself. Through this, every Christian "should" be the kindest people you ever meet. However, this is not the case. It's through many hypocritical Christian views, and lack of self accountability, that love doesn't seem to be the main teaching of Christ. This isn't religion, this is people. To mention religion being divisive, without mentioning how mean atheist can be to those of religion. Calling religious folks stupid, ignorant, etc.. What about all of the atheist sites devoted to denouncing the name of God and Christians. Or the secular movement events that not only throw God under the bus, but stupid religious followers. You shouldn't say religion is divisive, but radical beliefs, even that of atheism, is divisive. Atheist sure treat us like we are brothers and sisters. Again, your fallacy Faith issue. You have faith that God doesn't exist. "I am taking the PRO position that faith without evidence is harmful. I believe it promotes habits of inaccurate thought and is detrimental to the individual and to society as a whole." You are saying that faith in God, with no proof is harmful to the individual and society. This is a sugar coated way of saying God doesn't exist. You can say it isn't, but it is. Your argument is still fallacy because you do not know. it's FAITH. "Parents in all religions teach their children the habit of believing what others tell them even if there is no evidence and discourage critical thinking. They call this faith." How can you even make that claim? That is completely biased by your view on things, and not fact. You are trying to discourage someone else's critical thinking here. Religion is not cognitive dissonance, nor does it neither promote or nor downgrade the ability to critical think.