Yes, as Jonathan Swift wrote, some 400 years ago: "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into"

Unfortunately, conditioning is insidious and once people are caught up on it, release is rare. In a world of chaos & abuse, it is not surprising that people still seek something on which to rely, even if it is based in myth.

So, no, I'm not surprised and can believe it. I've faced similar situations many times. Indeed, it is a paradox that those who purport to 'believe' are least able to 'argue', (in the sense of discuss - not abuse), their case.

It, in fact, gives the lie to 'belief'. 'Blind faith' is exactly that - blind. It is simplistic and being so, as dangerous and potentially damaging as it can be supportive and helpful.

Paradoxically, if we have a creator, one would think that having provided us with intellect, that creator would intend and expect us to use it. Yet, the religious do precisely the opposite ...

Makes one wonder.

Take care. Stay safe. ☮️