awesome power
I think that she mis-explains this concept. Its not that we have a superpower and that the universe changes to our will, but that we focus our conscious mind on the parts of the universe that best serve us. We simply allow ourselves to see what is already there ready to help us and what will most effectively help us reach our goals.
Children typically don’t just accept prevailing viewpoint
They often do ask many questions and are genuinely curious about the world. Although I wouldn't say that they are more likely to doubt beliefs once they have been convinced of them. Children will often believe any sort of ridiculous thing if you let them.
philosophizing seems to involve suspending commitment and being doubtful.
It seems that form her perspective philosophers commit to not being committed, regardless of the truth in front of them. That they will never accept anything as the truth even if they find it.
Can you say more about philosophy being an alternative to magical thinking?
I'm not sure the relevance of this idea, but it seems to bring religion and philosophy closer together because in both you aren't trying to control the universe but to navigate it. You are at the same time learning about it and trusting in it.
Second, does being religious necessarily involve simply accepting what authorities or traditions teach?
I agree with Tea's response to Stella, being religious or choosing to believe in a faith doesn't mean that you never question what is taught.