The thing about being brainwashed is you never actually [iknow[/i you've been brainwashed. Were this not the case, brainwashing would be hugely ineffective.

So, we can say kirkstaller is brain washed, but we can't really prove it and he won't know he's brain washed, even though he is, because if he knew he had been brain washed he wouldn't be brain washed?

I think you've just summed up religious fundamentalism in one sentence

So could we [iall[/i be brainwashed?

evidence suggests it's more likely in your case



explain to us how you can believe something that has no factual basis?

Nothing like loading the question.



I don't want to go over old ground but I consider there to be a factual basis for my beliefs, as well as a spiritual basis.

yes, and as has been said, that is the evidence of brainwashing that we can all see.

We could, but it's infinitely more likely in those who believe stuff that flies in the face of logic and empirical evidence.

Factual is probably the wrong word, as what constitutes a 'FACT' is, as these boards regularly show us, entirely subjective. It would be more accurate to say that there is no [ievidential[/i basis for your beliefs.

Again, I would disagree and say that there is ample evidence.

brainwa.... forget it.

So, no need for the old 'faith' malarky, then?