Good points. I hadn't really considered the issue of compartmentalization. And it makes perfect sense that an individual can learn critical thinking to be applied in numerous areas of life, while neglecting this capacity in area where say fear or dogma prohibits its use elsewhere. And upon considering it, this was certainly the case in my life. I began to question authority and think for myself with regards to say government first, then later when my religious structure began to disappoint, I started to implement, for instance textual criticism and rejection of authority. And I do agree that .rationality can be taught.

Raising the sanity waterline is the instrument by which we're eliminating sacred cows, not the other way around.

You are onto a really good point there. Thanks for the redirection.