Support the show:br br br Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts:br br br Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:br Paperback: Kindle: Support the show:br br br Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts:br br br Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:br Paperback: Kindle: br John invites Bob Scott to discuss critical thinking in the context of religious history and authority. They reflect on how movements like the Reformation emerged from challenges to restrictive beliefs and the ways authoritarian structures, past and present, discourage independent thought. Bob shares personal experiences, including the pressure to conform within religious communities and the fear that often prevents people from exploring alternate perspectives. Together, they explore the significance of historical context and how science, authority, and critical thinking intersect within various religious frameworks.br br They delve into concepts of deconstruction and disillusionment, likening it to a refining fire that leads to deeper understanding and self-discovery. John and Bob discuss modern views of spirituality, contrasting these with traditional beliefs. They examine societal tendencies to accept inherited beliefs without questioning and share personal insights into the journey of reconstructing faith through questioning and critical analysis. This open conversation encourages listeners to embrace their own paths of self-discovery and understanding.