Mind over Emotions

How much does our mind control our emotions?  How deeply do our experiences shape the way we think?  What do we base our judgements on and how do we know if we are right or wrong?  As cultures and society changes, the people they produce vary also.  Someone could argue almost any point and find someway to logically back it up, so God gave the Bible as a guide book to live by.  While many things are clearly stated, some of it has been left up to interpretations.  These interpretations are always ultimately based on what the interpreter believe to be right, in spite of claims of being based elsewhere.  So why is there so much disunity among Christians over the unclear issues?  I think it is because the ideas and ways of thinking are based on passed experiences and influences, which obviously vary from person to person.  The question must be asked, is it right to stand firmly on what you cannot validate beyond an emotional feeling or biased explanation?  The old say is that if you don't stand for something, you will fall anything.  I think you must form opinions and ultimately take sides, in other words, be hot or cold, but not luke warm.  However, at the same time you must also be willing to change your position should further experience or logic sway your thinking.  You must decide on which issues you can see the wrong and right beyond a shadow of a doubt and those that you choice to take a side, but are unwilling to fight over.