idea vs. belief

To be able to write on any topic, first a belief in the subject has to be established. To be able to write on a topic and make it good, knowledge is needed. Anyone can easily push what they know is true, their belief, on someone. With or without substantial evidence on their belief, they can make their point and still sound smart. In the end though, those who are truly able to write, take time to find the facts, whether it disagrees with what they are talking about.
Most people fall into the category of those with beliefs, practically we all do. We all have something that we feel strongly about and know for a fact that it is true. But once that belief is there in our mind, it is not an easy task to change. That is the one subject that someone will either put up or shut up when around you. In the end those with nothing but belief, are confined to the truth that they will never grow. They will be stuck to their belief and never venture out of their protected establishment.
Those with faith, have belief in that faith and all its teachings. In turn, they are influenced heavily by their faith because they know it as true. When presented by an opposing view, they take the offensive and defensive to defend their belief and change the belief of the contradicting view. So imbedded by their belief, they give no other idea the chance to let them make an impression. Disregarding and tossing aside any outside knowledge that does not agree, leaves those so blinded by their own belief that they never have the chance to gain knowledge.
Knowledge is more than having the truth, because the truth can always be contradicted. The truth is never true; it is only true to those who believe it is true. Knowledge is about having both sides, having the views of both truths. To be able to see from inside looking out and the outside looking in allows the vision of true knowledge. To gain the insight of not only your side, but the opposing side gives you the advantage to both agree and disagree with anyone's belief.
"I think it's better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier. Life should malleable and progressive; working from idea to idea permits that. Beliefs anchor you to certain points and limit growth; new ideas can't generate. Life becomes stagnant." (Dogma) Summing up everything, have beliefs, yet be open to ideas. Continually gain knowledge to maybe even help establish a better understanding of your own belief.