"Doubt"

I would recommend seeing "Doubt". It seemed to give rise to many different areas for thought....

Our world must always be full of doubt for how can we know anything for certain?

It seems to me that, from birth, we desire a world which we feel is predictable; the certainty is reassuring. Without it we feel afraid of the unknown and ultimately uncertain about our survival.
Perhaps from this comes the desire for there to be a clearly defined right and wrong; rituals we must obey for security and ultimate salvation. But rules and rituals vary and conflict across the globe, and through time. Perception varies between individuals and their own often changes as the events of their life cause them to re-evaluate.

They gain hold when we are most afraid. Early in evolution, when much of the world was unknown, mystical ideas - life determined by the planets and stars held sway. Where there is pain or poverty, a way out is sought, so that people become more susceptible to the promises of religion or extreme politics.

These are held on to, defended and walls erected against anything or anyone who challenges their efficacy. In that way people can shut out the pain their actions may cause others. They lead a life that complies outwardly with set rules yet conflicts with their own interior feelings. Peace at home can only be achieved through war abroad. Focusing on the "sins" of others is a palliative to looking at our own feelings. Much unkindness is thus done, and defended, by those who profess to subscribe to a religion that counsels the opposite.

Sometimes, though a revelation can burst through a strongly defended position, giving a realisation that we are all faliable and life uncertain. And without certainty, "Belief" can flourish as can any gossip without foundation. Belief is not proof.