Belief: A Psychological View

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

What is "Belief"?

In one sense, “belief” is the acceptance of an idea or proposition as “true”, based on examination of related evidence, but without direct experience or knowledge: the more factual the evidence, the more valid the “belief”.

When the “I” accepts an idea or concept as “true”, whether by direct knowledge or by indirect conclusion (belief), that idea or concept becomes a basis (“stable data”) for evaluation, comparison, conclusion, decision and action.

Therefore, to “believe” something is to accept it as a basis for action, whether a mental action or a physical action.

Thus, to get a fair idea of a person’s basic or core beliefs, it is well to observe that person’s actions. No matter what beliefs a person “professes”, it is what a person routinely does that describes his or her basic, core beliefs.

A person who espouses a belief in lofty ideals, but is satisfied to live a baser life, believes more in the baser life than he does the ideals he promotes. His core beliefs undermine and nullify his “stated” beliefs, even though he may be “unaware” of such core beliefs.

How much can we discern of a person’s core beliefs by simply observing that person?
It seems that much can be discerned by observation, particularly when the subject is unaware of being observed, because what people choose to do of their own free will directly reflects their thinking at that moment.
(Learn to observe people.)

What is the effect on a person, whose attempts to live up to his “stated” beliefs are thwarted by opposing core beliefs?
Conflict?
Confusion?
Frustration?
Depression?

How can these unpleasant effects be alleviated?
By identifying the core beliefs, and questioning them scientifically to determine whether to enhance them or to deconstruct them.

How are “core beliefs” de-constructed?
By examining the fundamental assumptions that contribute to the formation of the core beliefs, and then correcting those assumptions, as needed.

What are “fundamental assumptions”?
They are conclusions drawn based on past experience. They are things held to be “true”, but are often hidden from the awareness of the one holding them.
Fundamental Assumptions can distort our “view” of reality, including God and Self, to a greater or lesser degree.

How does one identify one’s own fundamental assumptions?
One way is by effective use of the question, “Why...?”

“Why do I believe...?”
“Why do I react...?”
“Why do I...?”

...and then, by being as honest as possible with the answers. It may prove more effective, however, to have a trusted second person ask these questions, i.e., "Why do YOU believe...?", so that one can be "free" to focus on the answers.

What goes into forming one’s fundamental assumptions?
I would say, how one interprets one’s experiences goes a long way toward forming one’s fundamental assumptions.

What determines, or affects, how one interprets one’s experiences?
One factor could be the “meaning” assigned to previous experiences.

So, one’s previous experiences contribute to the formation of one’s fundamental assumptions?
Yes.

And, one’s fundamental assumptions contribute to the formation of one’s core beliefs?
Yes.

And, one’s core beliefs are visible in one’s routine behavior (response to stimuli)?
Yes.

What is the process by which these assumptions and experiences can be identified, analyzed and corrected (if necessary)?
Lawful Dialogue?
Auditing?

Can a person’s “core” beliefs be changed by helping him/her to better understand his/her experiences?
This seems to be the case.

This can be a challenge, since all "core" beliefs seem to carry some perceived survival value for the person holding them. To ask someone to examine, critically, his or her own "core" beliefs can easily cause that person to feel as if their survival and security are being threatened.

How are "core" beliefs formed?
“What happened?” - Experience
“What does it mean?” - Interpretation/Assumption
“How does one feel about it?” - Attitude
“How should one act in response to it?” - Belief (Core)


EXPERIENCE

Living Things retain the effects of their experiences. What one experiences becomes part of one's consciousness (or sub-consciousness). The "data" from one's experiences is stored in the Mind for interpretation (to determine "meaning") and for future use.


INTERPRETAION

A Being is attracted to “pleasure” => suggests “survival”
A Being is repelled by “pain” => suggests a “threat” to survival

Pain-Pleasure Scale

<--Pain-----------------------------------------0------------------------------------Pleasure-->

Death-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Survival

Repel-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Attract

Therefore, it is conceivable that a Being will tend to assign meaning to experience based on where it falls on the “pain-pleasure” scale, particularly where the Being’s powers of Reason are not sufficiently developed to consider that pain is necessary for growth; such as with young infants and children, or with underdeveloped adults.

Does a Being ever “equate” pain with survival?
Or, is it that a Being merely accepts pain as part of the struggle for survival?

Did the ORIGINATOR have any "painful experiences" in His own Self-Creation?
If so, HOW did the Originator interpret HIS “painful experiences”?

Did He tend to “shy away” from pain in search of some “easier” way?
It is possible that He may have had that tendency. If He did have such tendency, apparently He eventually accepted there was no “getting around” it...so He Pushed through it!

Therefore, it seems that it is how we interpret (assume meaning for) our experiences which determines how we ACT in response to them (belief); and it appears that we will always respond to experience (stimuli) in a manner which we believe will promote our survival.

What are some elements that can influence how one interprets one's experience?
1) The "pain-pleasure" dynamic?
2) The impulse to survive?
3) Perceived "authority", whether of Divine Guidance, of force, of peer pressure, or of social custom?
4) All of the above?
5) _________ ???

More to follow, soon...God Willing.

RM