I might be the only one who feels this way, but there seems to be a great amount of pressure to make up your mind about extremely complex things.  And to do this FAST.

Are you Democrat or Republican? Etc.

Are you Christian or an Atheist?  Etc.

I can’t even begin to unlock my brain and consider all of the facets/subtopics of religion and politics–I would probably grow an ulcer if I tried to.

Here are a some questions to consider:  How many of you, the last time you voted, felt informed of everything you checked off on your ballot?  Knew the background of what/who you voted for or against?  Knew the economic implications?  The social implications?  Knew the possible ripple effects of the decision you were making?  Were you really confident in what you were voting for?

I am guessing that many people would not be able to honestly answer “yes” to all of those questions.  You did your best on the ballot, and that is all you could do at the time.  This is because you are aware of what you know and what you don’t know: you are being honest about your uncertainties which is okay.  

Then, there are people who would quickly answer “yes” to these questions.  People who act like they know everything.  They have chosen their side.  They will back up their side with anything they can find–concrete and statistically significant data followed by lies, biases, altered data, and their own personal angst.  They have researched and found the majority of their arguments in a one-sided manner.

Well, that’s better than not having made a decision yet, right?  Heck no, it’s not. How would this be the best way of seeking the truth and obtaining knowledge?  Instead of 1) choosing your side and then 2) learning, how about your 1) learn first and 2) choose your side later.  Don’t let the pressure of making a decision force you to make an unknowledgeable decision.

Being uncertain does not necessarily make you stupid, it just means you aren’t buying into everything that you have heard; that you are forming your opinions; that you are opening yourself up to the truth.  Asking questions.  Evaluating the answers.  Repeating.  Some of us just haven’t been able to properly do this yet.  Give some time and understanding to those who are thinking for themselves, shall we?