Back to the beginning: the cave

[Angrboda]

If you're not familiar with Plato and his Allegory of the Cave, then by all means, read up.

I remember discussing this in philosophy class, and my atheism reinforced the argument I made.  

The shadows on the wall are the theists reality.  When the theists escape the cave at the behest of another, they are so blinded by the light of truth outside of the cave, because they have spent so much time in the darkness of the theistic cave, that they are shocked by reality.

Within this allegory actually exists the recipe for cognitive dissonance, for the human condition tends to bind us when we are confronted with the truth of reality.  Prisoners of faith cannot free themselves from their chains, even if one of their own flock shows them the way.

Those who are too confused and incapable of accepting reality tend to return to the safety of the cave; i.e., religious faith.

Only the one who personally accepts the journey toward reality can realize the truth for himself.

Discuss.

Plato is whirring in his grave like a jet engine.