- What aspects of religion acts as 'blocks' to the questioning of their religious/magical beliefs
Adding shame or guilt to the concept of questioning and morality and goodness to believing. Doubting Thomas is a cautionary tale, when he should be admired for questioning and asking for evidence before believing. I had to come to realize that most faith is immoral by its very nature. Doubt is the moral course because if something is true, if someone is worth trusting, they will stand up to the process of questioning and doubt. The only beliefs and individuals served by complete faith are those who cannot hold up under scrutiny. Also, some religions have mantras, testimony, or other quotes people are supposed to start reciting anytime they have a doubt to serve as mind-blocking tactic.
- What could influence it: (behavior, etc.)
Most people like to think that they are convinced by logic, truth, and insight, but social comradry plays a bigger role, even for the introvert. When the religious people were incredibly unkind and the heathens were often kind, I realized that the belief system was not producing a very good result. It helped me when I became an expert in a subject field to see the church group I belonged to demonstrate clear ignorance. I realize that if these people were so ignorant of something completely knowable by humans, then how can they know the secrets of the cosmos and reality?
- Is it type dependant, do different types have different 'defense mechanisms' or is overall type not strictly relevant.
I'm sure each type, and furthermore each individual has their own defense mechanisms. The underlying principle is that humans do not like their inner constructs of reality shaken and broken. For some people the inner construct is normalcy, for others loving acceptance, for others still a sense of logic, etc.
- What method would you recommend in 'de-brainwashing' and individual and what strengthes/weaknesses do you think this method would have
I knew someone who tried to help cult members question their beliefs. He would rigorously research their belief systems, and then allow them to try to convert him. He would ask specific questions that revealed the dichotomies and inconsistencies of their beliefs. He first tried to understand their inner constructs before bringing the flaws of the system into focus.
- what research do you find relevant on the topic
All research related to coercion is relevant. The same principles work in cults that work in dysfunctional, abusive relationship, and political oppression. There are certain tactics that cause the majority of human beings to submit their wills to a group or system. One is love bombing - where the person is given a feeling of complete love and acceptance. That term comes from cult tactics, but it occurs in abusive relationships, political domination, etc. The next tactic is group oppression of the individual which could be requiring the person to confess their sins to the group in a shame session, being beaten up to be initiated into a cult, having an abusive parent tell the child they will always be stronger, etc. Inconsistency between these two extremes makes it impossible for the individual to calibrate their defenses and so sharpens the effects of both.
- how to go about testing what works and what doesn't, preferably with 'smaller steps' than trying to 'curing' a person right off. Perhaps by testing it on similar but 'smaller' stubbornly held irrational beliefs.
I would listen to their beliefs and ask them questions. I would not tell them "the truth" or "how things really are".
- what 'small' religious types beliefs could be used for testing?
Perhaps start with something more peripheral that the person feels they have some individual choice over. I wouldn't start with the core, required beliefs that determine their "goodness" or "eligibility for salvation", etc.
- what overall methodology would you propose for this venture
I would start by listening to the person, by being open to them. I also would maintain the mindset of non-control. I would make it clear that I would accept them regardless of their beliefs. I would embrace the person in kindness, but let go of the person for control of any outcome.