Closed systems often have dramatic implications. Small villages where locals continue to mingle with locals, leads to inbreeding and can offset your balance centers in equilibrium and cognition. While closed systems vary in degree, each has its own problematic framework, whether its physical or spiritual in nature.
While not my attempt to make light of Uner Tan syndrome, the example is on the far end of what closed systems can do to the biology of a small group. “What is causing this disease? Scientists noticed a trend with many cases: The children’s parents share the same blood. In the Arab culture it is common to marry in your bloodline. It’s called consanguinity (shared blood). Consanguinity makes you more prone to genetic disorders. In the Ulas family, the parents are cousins“—Medical Daily
Being raised safely and securely in the confines of a religious home, faith also carries a host of cognitive and rational decision making barriers. The inability to see the obvious, or the ability to overlook tremendous flaws in your approach to thinking soundly comes from these closed systems. The dichotomy between stunted potential and growth in reality creates a barrier to analytic thought, and the ability to immediately dismiss any information contrary to what you have been taught. This phenomenon known as “spiritual bypass”, is a defense and coping mechanism, protecting one from dealing with uncomfortable truth. If you missed yesterday’s link, HERE it is again, but the two topics overlap in significance.
We see it in our area and here on WP. What is so absolutely obvious can be glossed over and dismissed without a whimper, leaving us befuddled and shaking heads. But, at least we can cope with the dilemma having a little understanding of what we’re up against. Closed, one line dogmas that belittle outside influences is the prime detractor of free thought.
TheCommonAtheist 