How is it that intelligent, highly functional people can believe religious teachings? They know that the claims are rather fantastic and improbable.

They know there is scant evidence to support religious doctrines; except for the occasional anecdote or coincidence touted as proof. They know that religious institutions are secretive and often corrupt. Yet they donate money and time, hand over their children for indoctrination, and participate in various rituals. What's going on here?

Allow me to introduce you to the concept of the Brain Radar Jammer. Each of us possesses a brain which functions as our own personal radar. It allows us to interface with each other and our world. Some have more powerful brain radars than others.

Many have educated their radars by uploading new information. This brain radar system has generally worked out well for us humans.

However, there are certain entities that can block our usually clear thinking brain radars. These are what I call the Radar Jammers. Some are well known: alcohol and drugs, peer pressure, sleep deprivation, multi-tasking. Others are sneaky: like anger, or falling in love. And some are even respected sacred cows of our societies, case in point: religion.

That's how otherwise normal, smart, decent people can believe completely unsubstantiated stories that were written around the time the shoe was invented. Their brain radar has been jammed in this area. Jammed by programming in childhood, the threat of parental or clergy or peer disfavor, and the multitude of unexamined reasons they give for believing: avoiding eternal damnation, maintaining society's moral character, unwillingness to accept that this life is all there is, bringing their own children "up right," and being part of a select in-group which they enjoy and protect.

If believers would un-jam their brain radars and objectively evaluate the fairy tales they embrace, they could see the new light of reason. Let's help them. —CB Brooks