Delusion – A fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. (Dictionary.com) You know these people – at work, in your family, in your church congregation. They will firmly tell you that Joe Biden “stole” the 2020 election. They will tell you that climate change is a hoax. Some of … Read more
The internet has facilitated an explosion of information. Unfortunately, the information literacy skills of most information consumers have not kept pace. Amidst all the noise online, effectively determining what is true or false requires conscious, deliberate, and thoughtful effort. These days anyone who adopts a belief or makes a claim based on information they have … Read more
A newborn baby is extremely selfish. We lovingly forgive them of this character flaw because they are completely vulnerable. We understand that their demands are simply an attempt to bring their world back into balance. They are trying to survive the only way they know how. No one is born with good character; It’s not … Read more
What is the ethical and moral responsibility of a person who sees and understands the truth when others do not? What if those who do not see the truth criticize and ridicule the one who does? What if the blind ones actively persecute the one who sees? Knowing the truth Joseph Smith had this problem … Read more
In 2003, the American Psychological Association published a meta-analysis of 88 studies about the psychology of political conservatism. The literature reviewed compared the “cognitive style” and the “motivational needs” of conservatives with those of other political groups. The authors also reviewed research on “dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity, uncertainty avoidance, need for cognitive closure, and … Read more
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a serious problem among its members – at least in Utah. Approximately half of them have … Read more
A grievance is a real or imagined wrong or cause for complaint. Grievances manifest themselves in the form of people taking offense at, or being upset by, perceived unfair treatment. Aggrieved persons who feel rebuked or marginalized often have unmet needs from their childhoods. Harboring a grievance can actually feel good. People frequently cling to … Read more
If we do not have the capacity to distinguish what’s true from what’s false, then by definition the marketplace of ideas doesn’t work. And by definition our democracy doesn’t work. We are entering into an epistemological crisis.” Barack Obama Information is only as good as the quality of your sources. Social media in particular is … Read more