Will Anwar allow students to question the existence of God?

I will be convinced Anwar is serious and sincere about critical thinking once he removes the barriers and boundaries to question religion, in particular Islam. As long as Islam is a sacred cow that cannot be questioned, then Anwar’s so-called critical thinking is utter nonsense. Over to Anwar for his further clarification on the subject of critical thinking.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Anwar Ibrahim wants students to excel in critical thinking (SEE BERNAMA NEWS REPORT BELOW).

I normally do not agree with Anwar’s views but this time I have to admit he has a point. Malaysians, in particular Malays-Muslims, must be critical thinkers. If not, Malaysians would continue to be irrational, emotional, and unrealistic, depending mainly on sentiments rather than logic and reasoning to makes decisions.

Critical thinking is the objective analysis of facts to form a judgment. The ability to reason logically is a fundamental skill of rational agents, hence the study of the form of correct argumentation is relevant to the study of critical thinking.

Socrates was a critical thinker

The earliest records of critical thinking are the teachings of Socrates. Socrates argued that one cannot depend upon ‘those in authority’ to have sound knowledge and insight. He demonstrated that persons may have power and high position and yet can be deeply confused and irrational. He established the importance of asking deep questions that probe profoundly into thinking before we accept ideas as worthy of belief.

I have always argued this point and I am glad Anwar is on the same page with me. The question here, though, is whether Anwar is serious and sincere about teaching Malaysian students to become critical thinkers or whether he is just cakap politik.

I am of the opinion that students should not only be allowed/encouraged to become critical thinkers but that they should apply critical thinking to religion as well. If you were to subject religion to critical thinking (and not accept religion merely based on faith) then religion would not have a leg to stand on.

A critical thinker would argue that Jesus, if he did exist, was a Jew and Christianity did not come from Jesus

In fact, ‘faith’ is a word they use to describe lack of evidence. When there is lack of evidence, they will label it ‘faith’. You have faith that there is a God because there is no evidence God does exist.

When you apply critical thinking then evidence, reasoning, logic, etc., would prevail. The absence of evidence to disprove the existence does not mean it is proof of existence. But then this is the ‘logic’ religion applies. And if this logic is sound why call it faith?

I will be convinced Anwar is serious and sincere about critical thinking once he removes the barriers and boundaries to question religion, in particular Islam. As long as Islam is a sacred cow that cannot be questioned, then Anwar’s so-called critical thinking is utter nonsense. Over to Anwar for his further clarification on the subject of critical thinking.

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Anwar calls for critical thinking among students

(Bernama) – PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today called on schools and universities to work closely with industry for the development of core critical thinking skills, soft skills and grit in students.

He said this will prevent the education system from becoming obsolete, and these attributes will enable graduates to adapt to a constantly changing workplace and economic environment.

He added that there is a need to focus on digital technology, biotechnology and the environment as these change the way in which people work and live.

“I believe that more support mechanisms should be put in place for those seeking to further their studies in these fields. There is also a need to identify those who are at high risk of losing out so that mechanisms can be put in place for retraining,” he said in a statement.

Anwar had recently met some 3,000 Universiti Putra Malaysia students.

Anwar, who is the MP for Port Dickson, said some students have expressed uncertainty regarding the political stability.

He said there are concerns over inter-ethnic and inter-religious sentiments.

Anwar said seven months into the new Pakatan Harapan government, the youth treasure the new democratic freedom, even if some are unsure about the extent to which they should express their views.

“It is early days, but our universities are livelier with debates and discussions that involve both government and opposition leaders as there now exists avenues to critically analyse views, highlight concerns and even hold rallies without the fear of state intervention,” he said.

Anwar said it is essential for everyone with a view to sit down in meaningful dialogue and address opposing stakeholders.

“There are many opportunists who would cherish the opportunity to continue using race-based politics to further their own personal agenda, but it is worth remembering that Malaysia was formed by focusing on the ideals and values that we love in common, not the differences that divide us,” he said.