In what I have read in this thread, it supports my view that there is a common thread among many organized religions. Once the doctrine is adopted/revealed/written, one significant role of the religious infrastructure is to make sure that it survives.
To do this, the adherents must be trained/indoctrinated/proselytized concerning the key factors of the faith. This can take place by repetition (among other methods) and the repetition takes place in a variety of ways. Memorization of the sacred documents, singing of songs, repetition of prayers/recitations/statements of faith/ceremonial functions and even in dealing with each other.
I am an optimist, so I believe that most people within the faiths do this for good motive (if they consider it at all). That is to make sure that the followers, both adults and children, have an understanding of, and inherent affinity for, that which they have learned. This will keep aspects of that faith with you for the rest of your life. It only makes sense that if someone has identified the true path, that they make sure that those they love know about it.
So, how then do we move on? What I do is concentrate on what is valid based on where I currently find myself on the path to my destiny... embracing those things from the past that make sense, and building on them... and those things that are no longer relevant to me fade over time.
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