7 Critical Thinking Principles for Navigating a Change in Belief

Leaving a long-held belief or belief system can be overwhelming. The foundation you once relied on feels unstable, and you're suddenly tasked with rebuilding your worldview. As you embark on this journey, one powerful tool will help you avoid further confusion and manipulation: critical thinking.

Critical thinking isn’t about rejecting beliefs outright—it’s about evaluating the evidence behind them, questioning assumptions, and drawing reasoned conclusions. As Carl Sagan said in Demon Haunted World, “If we resolutely refuse to acknowledge where we are liable to fall into error, then we can confidently expect that error—even serious error, profound mistakes—will be our companion forever.”

So, what does critical thinking look like in practice? Let’s break down seven essential principles that will empower you to critically evaluate the world around you—whether that’s sorting out new spiritual beliefs, making sense of conflicting information, or simply figuring out who you are.

The Importance of Questioning Authority and Established Beliefs

From a young age, many of us are taught to respect authority figures—whether they are parents, teachers, religious leaders, or government officials. While authority can provide guidance, unquestioning obedience can lead to blind spots in our understanding of truth. Questioning authority is not about being disrespectful or rebellious; it’s about taking responsibility for our own beliefs and ensuring that what we accept as truth is based on solid reasoning and evidence.

Religious organizations often discourage questioning leadership by equating doubt with weakness or sin. This discourages individuals from critically analyzing what they are taught. However, history has repeatedly shown that even the most well-intentioned leaders can be mistaken. Societal progress has often come from those who were willing to challenge established beliefs—whether it was Copernicus questioning the geocentric model of the universe, civil rights leaders challenging systemic racism, or scholars scrutinizing religious dogma.

When you begin to question authority, you take ownership of your worldview rather than allowing it to be dictated by external figures. You gain the ability to separate truth from tradition and recognize that leadership positions do not grant immunity from error. By asking, “Does this claim hold up under scrutiny?” rather than “Who is saying it?” you shift from passive acceptance to active discernment. You may end up agreeing with the authority figure, but you will have a better basis for belief. Your reasoning will be clearer, instead of merely because someone said so.

While both an “expert” and “authority figure” do sometimes overlap, an expert is someone with deep knowledge and experience in a specific field, whereas an authority figure is someone who holds a position of power or influence. The authority figure will often command obedience or enforce rules, which may or may not be based on their expertise in a particular field. While the expert will give solutions based on their knowledge in their field of expertise, the authority figure has no compunction demanding obedience in areas well outside their field of expertise.

Actionable Tip:

The next time an authority figure makes a claim, ask yourself:

• What is the evidence behind this statement?
• Could this person be mistaken, biased, or influenced by personal interests?
• Are there other perspectives that challenge this claim?

Why and How Evidence Should Be the Foundation for Your Decisions

Beliefs shape our lives, influencing everything from our daily choices to our sense of purpose. But how do we determine which beliefs are true? The most reliable way is to rely on evidence rather than tradition, emotions, or personal biases.

Evidence provides a way to test claims against reality. It allows us to distinguish between wishful thinking and factual truth. In contrast, making decisions based on faith alone, personal revelation, or the words of authority figures can lead to conclusions that feel true but are not necessarily grounded in reality. This is particularly important when exiting a high-demand religion, where faith-based decision-making has been the norm.

One of the most effective ways to prioritize evidence is to apply the scientific method:

1. Ask a Question – What is the claim?
2. Gather Evidence – What data supports or refutes the claim?
3. Analyze Objectively – Does the evidence hold up under scrutiny? Have you verified the evidence? Does the claim hold up based on the evidence already gathered?
4. Revise Your Beliefs If Necessary – If the claim lacks support, be willing to change your position.

This process ensures that your beliefs align with reality rather than personal desires or external pressures. When you rely on evidence, you are less likely to be misled by misinformation, manipulation, or emotional appeals.

Actionable Tip:

Before accepting a claim, ask:

• What objective evidence supports this belief? Is there objective evidence that refutes this claim?
• Is this claim testable or falsifiable?
• Have I considered information from multiple sources? How reliable are my sources?

Why It’s Important to Avoid the Traps of Emotional Reasoning and Cognitive Bias

Many people assume that if something feels true, it must be true. This is a common but flawed way of thinking known as emotional reasoning—the belief that our emotions are a reliable guide to truth. While emotions can provide valuable insights into our experiences, they are not a substitute for evidence-based thinking.

For example, someone may feel a deep sense of peace when praying about their faith, leading them to conclude that it must be true. However, people of all religions report similar emotional experiences when praying, meditating, or practicing their faith. If contradicting religious beliefs can all generate the same feelings, then emotions alone cannot determine truth.

Similarly, cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that influence our judgment—can prevent us from thinking critically. Some of the most common biases include:

• Confirmation Bias – Seeking out information that supports what we already believe while ignoring contradictory evidence.
• Availability Heuristic – Giving more weight to recent or emotionally charged experiences rather than objective data.
• Bandwagon Effect – Accepting a belief simply because many others do.

When leaving any deeply ingrained belief system, it’s essential to recognize these biases and actively challenge them. This doesn’t mean ignoring emotions altogether; rather, it ensures that emotions do not override rational analysis.

Actionable Tip:

When making decisions, ask yourself:

• Am I relying on emotions rather than evidence?
• Do I feel emotional when I hear counterarguments? What emotions do I feel? Am I prioritizing my emotions over inquiry?
• Am I dismissing counterarguments without fully considering them?
• What would I say if someone from another belief system used the same reasoning to justify their views?

Once you recognize emotional reasoning and cognitive biases, you can begin to replace reactive thinking with intentional, critical analysis—leading to more informed and independent decision-making.

7 Critical Thinking Principles

1. Avoid Arguments from Authority

If you were part of a high-demand religion, it’s likely that church leaders held significant authority in your life. You may have felt that questioning their wisdom was wrong or disloyal. But in the world of critical thinking, no one’s status alone is enough to determine whether they’re right.

"Mistrust arguments from authority." – Carl Sagan, Demon Haunted World

An argument from authority suggests that something is true because an expert says it’s true. While experts are often knowledgeable, their statements must be backed by evidence. For example, just because a church leader or a spiritual figure declares something doesn’t mean it’s automatically true. Always look at the data behind their claims, including the data backing their claimed authority.

Actionable Tip:

The next time you encounter a claim, ask yourself, "What evidence supports this?" Resist the urge to accept something just because a trusted figure says so. Instead, focus on the data. Do not let authorities bully you into acceptance. Do not let friends or family hold you hostage with claims of disloyalty or lack of trust.

2. The Burden of Proof Lies with the Claim-Maker

During a faith crisis, one might hear many claims—for example why Mormonism is "true" or from another religion why their religion has the right answers. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these voices, but remember one crucial principle: the person making the claim must provide the proof.

The opposite of believing their claims is not proving them false. For example, if someone claims that fairies are real and you require evidence before accepting their claim, this does not mean that you are saying fairies are not real, but that you see no reason to believe in them without the evidence. You do not need to prove a claim false to decide it is unsupported. This also does not require you to hold the position that the claim is definitely false.

“The burden of proof surely rests on the shoulders of those who advance such claims.” – Carl Sagan, Demon Haunted World

This principle applies not only to religious claims but to any scenario. Whether someone is trying to sell you on a new spiritual path or convince you of a political ideology, don’t feel pressured to prove them wrong. The responsibility to provide evidence rests on them.

Actionable Tip:

Whenever someone makes a claim that you’re unsure of, respond with, “Can you show me the evidence for that?” This flips the conversation and encourages a fact-based discussion. You might also consider next asking if anyone disagrees with them.

3. Be Wary of Cognitive Bias

One of the hardest parts of leaving a belief system is realizing how much cognitive bias has influenced your thinking. Cognitive bias is the brain's tendency to filter information in ways that confirm existing beliefs or simplify decision-making. These biases can keep you stuck in old thought patterns, even after you’ve left Mormonism.

For example, confirmation bias makes you more likely to seek out information that reinforces your current worldview. If you’ve always believed in the divine authority of the church, you might unknowingly ignore evidence that contradicts that belief.

"If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle." – Carl Sagan

Actionable Tip:

Challenge yourself to explore perspectives that make you uncomfortable. Seek out sources that contradict your assumptions, and see if their arguments hold up under scrutiny. Better yet, reframe being wrong as an exciting pursuit of truth and not as a scary shameful experience.

4. Prioritize Evidence Over Emotion

In times of emotional stress—like during a faith crisis—it's natural to rely on feelings to guide your decisions. But emotions can cloud judgment, making it hard to assess situations objectively. Critical thinking requires you to put emotions aside and evaluate the evidence.

“Everything hinges on the matter of evidence. On so important a question, the evidence must be airtight.” – Carl Sagan, Demon Haunted World

This principle is especially important when evaluating truth claims. Feelings of reassurance or peace may be comforting, but they don’t necessarily equate to truth. Look for verifiable evidence to support any major decision.

Actionable Tip:

When faced with a difficult decision, write down the evidence for and against each option. Separate your emotions from the facts and focus on the most logical choice.

5. Challenge Your Beliefs—Even If It Feels Uncomfortable

It’s human nature to get defensive when someone questions our beliefs. After all, our beliefs help define who we are. However, growth happens when we’re willing to reexamine what we hold dear.

"All of us cherish our beliefs. They are, to a degree, self-defining. When someone challenges them... it feels like a personal assault." – Carl Sagan

To become a more critical thinker, you must be willing to ask yourself hard questions: What assumptions am I making? What if I’m wrong? Being open to change—without immediately feeling attacked—can open doors to new insights and growth.

Actionable Tip:

Regularly set aside time to reflect on your beliefs. What new information have you encountered recently? Does it align with your current views, or challenge them? Use this process to continuously refine your thinking.

6. Don’t Theorize Without Data

There’s a reason Sherlock Holmes is considered the epitome of a critical thinker. In A Scandal in Bohemia, he warns:

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly, one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

In other words, jumping to conclusions without sufficient information can lead you down a dangerous path of unconscious self-delusion.-making it much harder to find the truth than it was in the beginning. Starting with an open investigation of the data will allow you to more easily revise your hypothesis as more data comes in. As you examine beliefs that inform your identity and worldview, ensure that your beliefs and decisions are based on solid data, not assumptions.

Actionable Tip:

Whenever you catch yourself making assumptions, pause. Ask, “What evidence do I have to support this belief?” If the evidence is thin, consider revising your stance or lowering your level of confidence in the belief.

7. Embrace Uncertainty—It Leads to Freedom

Leaving a structured belief system often feels like stepping into a void of uncertainty. However, rather than fearing it, embrace the freedom that comes with doubt.

“Where there is doubt, there is freedom.” – Latin Proverb

Doubt encourages curiosity and exploration. When you’re no longer bound by rigid doctrines, you have the freedom to explore a wide array of spiritual and intellectual ideas. This uncertainty may feel daunting at first, but it’s also an opportunity to discover what’s true for you.

Actionable Tip:

Instead of rushing to replace your former beliefs with new ones, take time to explore. Consider different philosophies, religions, and worldviews. Allow yourself to sit with doubt, knowing that it’s part of the journey toward finding your truth. The more you acknowledge that you might be wrong, the less likely you are to stay wrong. You will more easily be able to revise your beliefs in light of new evidence. This does not mean that you have low confidence in all your beliefs; more that you approach new evidence with excitement and not fear.

Conclusion: Critical Thinking as a Path to Empowerment

Critical thinking is more than just a mental exercise—it’s a way to reclaim your agency after leaving a structured belief system. By questioning authority, relying on evidence, and challenging your assumptions, you can build a life grounded in reality and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Question Authority: Trust evidence, not titles.
• Demand Proof: The burden of proof lies with the claim-maker.
• Watch for Bias: Be aware of how cognitive biases shape your thinking.
• Stay Objective: Separate emotions from facts.
• Challenge Beliefs: Growth comes from asking hard questions.
• Base Theories on Data: Don’t jump to conclusions without evidence.
• Embrace Doubt: It’s a gateway to freedom and exploration.

By applying these principles, you'll empower yourself to navigate post-Mormon life with clarity and confidence. Critical thinking isn’t just about debunking old beliefs—it’s about building a life based on truth, evidence, and self-discovery.

Now, it’s your turn. As you move forward, apply these critical thinking principles to the decisions you make and the beliefs you hold. The journey may be challenging, but it’s one that leads to empowerment and personal growth.