I don't think cognitive dissonance is a rational phenomena--I think it's an emotional one.

People are unwilling to see what's plain as day because of what else must also be true if that thing is true. The fear becomes insurmountable, so: "that cannot be true."

We need to man up.

How?

For one thing, read Hebrews 1-2. Read it like you're 5 minutes from death and it has the only cure.

When you get to 2:14-15, stop and read those words slowly. Get those words dug deeper down than your very bones. Burn them into your dNA where no one and nothing can ever separate you from them.

The words are these:

"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, [Christ] himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

The fear of death makes you a lifelong slave. But Christ has defeated death. It is a threat no longer. If that fear of death melts away, then you are a slave no more; you can face down any threat, you will run from no opponent, and you will overcome the devil himself.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)

#Reformed #Christian #grownostr

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Oh the irony of discussing cognitive dissonance and religion in the same post.

I recommend the book “Being Wrong” by Kathryn Schulz. If you are interested in the ways humans engage in flawed thinking, it’s a really good read.