Influence-Driven Religion

Following in the theme of more “controversial” topics, let’s push the envelope further this week and talk about the power of Influence as it applies to religion.

What we strive for, in this Intelligent Influence blog, is to consider we all do what we do, think the way we think, and act the way we act because of influence.  To our amazement, the word “influence” is hidden in plain sight in today’s world.  We think or believe that we have made ourselves and our beliefs “from scratch;” that we are not at all influenced by our environments in every stage of self-development.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, we believe that our political views, career choices, and favorite sports teams are determined exclusively by us.  We also ignore the influence that we have on others.  However, much of what do is based on past or present influences - and in some way influences others. I propose that this is also true when it comes to our personal religious beliefs (or non-beliefs).

In the context of religion, Intelligent Influence^® is defined as: “Allowing your religious beliefs to be an important internal and external influence in your life.” The first component of our framework, “Influence Awareness^TM,” is understanding what influences have led to the development of an individual’s particular religious belief. The second component, “Influence Impact^TM,” addresses the extent of an individual’s influence on others to believe as s/he does.  The third component, “Influence Management^TM,” is effectively managing the influences related to one’s beliefs in daily life. The fourth and final component, “Influence Maximization^TM,” is the process of an individual intentionally managing the influence others to believe as s/he does.

One of the blessings of having a young child is seeing first-hand the power of influence. My eight-year-old daughter, Ashley, has taught me how my beliefs influence my actions - which influence her to believe as I do.  It is important, as a parent, to recognize that no matter what I believe, my actions can potentially have significant positive or negative influence on the beliefs of my children. 

I believe the term “role model” is overused.  Whether we want to accept it or not, we are all “Influence Models^TM” in the world (even when it comes to our religious beliefs).  I, for one, think that it is important to accept and embrace this important role. I hope that you will agree.