Tag Archives: confirmation bias

Jeffrey R. Holland, Logical Fallacies, Manipulation, Guilt, and Fake Testimonies

In his MTC address, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s statement is filled with logical fallacies that manipulate emotions rather than provide actual evidence for the LDS Church’s truth claims. The “Borrowed Testimony” Fallacy “If there is anyone in the room who’s struggling with a testimony, you have one — mine!” This is similar to advice from …

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New Scripture Translated From Sealed Portion – Jesus visits Macaroni and Condemns Viper Church Leaders of Last Days

A few years ago, Russell M. Nelson revealed how Joseph Smith would translate by using a rock in a hat a few years ago. Suppose, for a moment, that he could know this technique from experience. What if President Russell M. Nelson knew more about the translation process? What if he used the same technique …

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What is Cognitive Dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person experiences discomfort due to holding conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, individuals often try to reconcile these inconsistencies, either by changing their beliefs, justifying their actions, or avoiding information that exacerbates the conflict. Leon Festinger Social psychologist Leon Festinger coined the term “cognitive dissonance” in the 1950s in …

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“I finished the Book of Mormon. As I kneeled to pray and asked if the book was true, I remember thinking that this was it - I would finally have the experience that everyone seems to talk about where they are overcome by the Spirit. The truth is, when I prayed, I didn't feel that way... Just because you may not receive an extremely strong confirmation does not mean the Book of Mormon isn't true or that your testimony is not as strong as someone else's. It simply means that the Spirit can speak to people in different ways and at different times... For me, this experience taught me that we don't always receive answers in the way we expect. I thought I would feel an overpowering spiritual impression after I prayed about the Book of Mormon - but I didn't. Honestly, I believe I already knew it was true.” - An Unexpected Answer, By Amy Carpenter. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2011 | wasmormon.org
“I finished the Book of Mormon. As I kneeled to pray and asked if the book was true, I remember thinking that this was it - I would finally have the experience that everyone seems to talk about where they are overcome by the Spirit. The truth is, when I prayed, I didn't feel that way... Just because you may not receive an extremely strong confirmation does not mean the Book of Mormon isn't true or that your testimony is not as strong as someone else's. It simply means that the Spirit can speak to people in different ways and at different times... For me, this experience taught me that we don't always receive answers in the way we expect. I thought I would feel an overpowering spiritual impression after I prayed about the Book of Mormon - but I didn't. Honestly, I believe I already knew it was true.” - An Unexpected Answer, By Amy Carpenter. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2011
"I'll put Moroni's promise to the test," I told myself, eager to get started. "I'll finally learn whether the Church is true." For the next 90 days, I diligently devoured the book's contents. Exultant with joy as I closed with Moroni's farewell and amen, I scrambled to my knees. Brimming with anticipation, I posed my question: Was the Book of Mormon true? As I waited for a response, a cricket chirped. The air conditioner switched on. My watch intrusively ticked off the seconds as they passed. There was no burning bosom sensation, no chorus of angels, no flash of knowing. Nothing... The truth of this book isn't always manifest in burning bosoms and visions of angels; it's manifest in the lives of the people who read it and put it to use. I don't need to ask anymore if this book is true. - Waiting for My Testimony, by Caroline LeDuc. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2010 | wasmormon.org
"I'll put Moroni's promise to the test," I told myself, eager to get started. "I'll finally learn whether the Church is true." For the next 90 days, I diligently devoured the book's contents. Exultant with joy as I closed with Moroni's farewell and amen, I scrambled to my knees. Brimming with anticipation, I posed my question: Was the Book of Mormon true? As I waited for a response, a cricket chirped. The air conditioner switched on. My watch intrusively ticked off the seconds as they passed. There was no burning bosom sensation, no chorus of angels, no flash of knowing. Nothing... The truth of this book isn't always manifest in burning bosoms and visions of angels; it's manifest in the lives of the people who read it and put it to use. I don't need to ask anymore if this book is true. - Waiting for My Testimony, by Caroline LeDuc. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2010
“[E]very thing is useful which contributes to fix us in the principles and practice of virtue. When any act of charity or of gratitude, for instance, is presented either to our sight or imagination, we are deeply impressed with its beauty and feel a strong desire in ourselves of doing charitable and grateful acts also. [I ask whether] the fidelity and generosity (of some fiction books) do not dilate [the reader's] breast, and elevate his sentiments as much as any similar incident which real history can furnish? Does he not in fact feel himself a better man while reading them, and privately covenant to copy the fair example?” - Thomas Jefferson (1771) | wasmormon.org
“[E]very thing is useful which contributes to fix us in the principles and practice of virtue. When any act of charity or of gratitude, for instance, is presented either to our sight or imagination, we are deeply impressed with its beauty and feel a strong desire in ourselves of doing charitable and grateful acts also. [I ask whether] the fidelity and generosity (of some fiction books) do not dilate [the reader's] breast, and elevate his sentiments as much as any similar incident which real history can furnish? Does he not in fact feel himself a better man while reading them, and privately covenant to copy the fair example?” - Thomas Jefferson (1771)
Confirmation Bias: We naturally overvalue facts that support what we already believe, while we undervalue information that seemingly conflicts with our beliefs. | wasmormon.org
Confirmation Bias: We naturally overvalue facts that supports what we already believe, while we undervalue information that seemingly conflicts with our beliefs
Confirmation Bias Examples: • We actively seek information that supports our preconceptions. • We avoid objective information that could disprove our beliefs. • We interpret facts to fit and even reinforce our existing views. • We remember information that confirms our beliefs. • We downplay or ignore evidence that challenges our beliefs. • We have strong emotional reactions to confirming information.
Confirmation Bias Examples: • We actively seek information that supports our preconceptions. • We avoid objective information that could disprove our beliefs. • We interpret facts to fit and even reinforce our existing views. • We remember information that confirms our beliefs. • We downplay or ignore evidence that challenges our beliefs. • We have strong emotional reactions to confirming information.
"Peter Wason coined the term 'confirmation bias' to describe the tendency people have to immediately favor information that validates their preconceptions or hypotheses, and ignore anything that contrasts them, regardless of whether the personal beliefs are true or not." - Peter Cathcart Wason (1924-2003) Cognitive Psychologist. Pioneered the psychology of reasoning | wasmormon.org
"Peter Wason coined the term 'confirmation bias' to describe the tendency people have to immediately favor information that validates their preconceptions or hypotheses, and ignore anything that contrasts them, regardless of whether the personal beliefs are true or not." - Peter Cathcart Wason (1924-2003) Cognitive Psychologist. Pioneered the psychology of reasoning
If God answers your prayer, He is increasing your faith. If He delays, He is inceasing your patience. If He doesn't answer, He has something better for you... Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, or interpret, information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Characteristic trait of cult mentality.
If God answers your prayer, He is increasing your faith. If He delays, He is inceasing your patience. If He doesn't answer, He has something better for you... Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, or interpret, information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Characteristic trait of cult mentality.
"Oh great Flying Spaghetti Monster, whose noodly appendages touch us all, I come before you seeking your divine sauciness. If it is your will, bestow upon me a sign of your saucy presence. Guide me with your meatball wisdom and your infinite pasta strands. As I humbly ask for your noodly guidance, I promise to keep my heart as open as a freshly cooked plate of spaghetti. Fill me with the warmth of your marinara love and the assurance of your al dente truth. R'Amen." - Similarities to Moroni's Promise found in the Flying Spaghetti Monster Religion | wasmormon.org
"Oh great Flying Spaghetti Monster, whose noodly appendages touch us all, I come before you seeking your divine sauciness. If it is your will, bestow upon me a sign of your saucy presence. Guide me with your meatball wisdom and your infinite pasta strands. As I humbly ask for your noodly guidance, I promise to keep my heart as open as a freshly cooked plate of spaghetti. Fill me with the warmth of your marinara love and the assurance of your al dente truth. R'Amen." - Similarities to Moroni's Promise found in the Flying Spaghetti Monster Religion
"What usually happens when we begin to ponder how merciful the Lord has been to mankind? To us personally? What happens when we count our blessings, or perhaps our sins for which we must ask his forgiveness, and recognize his hand in our individual lives? Is it not true that our hearts turn to the Lord in love and gratitude? Do our faith and humility increase? Yes, and that, in my judgment, is the impact of verse 3—following the counsel therein helps us to become more humble, more willing and ready to receive new information and knowledge with an open mind. Any person who has sincerely followed the admonition of verse 3 is then prepared to apply the counsel on confirming truth that follows in the next two verses..." - LDS Seventy, Gene R. Cook, 1994 | wasmormon.org
"What usually happens when we begin to ponder how merciful the Lord has been to mankind? To us personally? What happens when we count our blessings, or perhaps our sins for which we must ask his forgiveness, and recognize his hand in our individual lives? Is it not true that our hearts turn to the Lord in love and gratitude? Do our faith and humility increase? Yes, and that, in my judgment, is the impact of verse 3—following the counsel therein helps us to become more humble, more willing and ready to receive new information and knowledge with an open mind. Any person who has sincerely followed the admonition of verse 3 is then prepared to apply the counsel on confirming truth that follows in the next two verses..." - LDS Seventy, Gene R. Cook, 1994
"If we want an answer from God, we will move ourselves out of a neutral position and let our desire to believe that God can help us begin to work in us... The Lord offers us the opportunity to let him confirm truth already in our hearts. But in order to confirm religious truth, one must at least have the idea, or the thought, or the belief (however small) that he has found something true, and then pray to receive the Lord’s confirmation... Thus, our prayer, in essence, is a request for a confirmation of our own conclusions from our pondering." - LDS Seventy, Gene R. Cook, 1994 | wasmormon.org
"If we want an answer from God, we will move ourselves out of a neutral position and let our desire to believe that God can help us begin to work in us... The Lord offers us the opportunity to let him confirm truth already in our hearts. But in order to confirm religious truth, one must at least have the idea, or the thought, or the belief (however small) that he has found something true, and then pray to receive the Lord’s confirmation... Thus, our prayer, in essence, is a request for a confirmation of our own conclusions from our pondering." - LDS Seventy, Gene R. Cook, 1994
"Follow Moroni's counsel. Sincerely ask God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, with real intent, if the teachings of the Book of Mormon are true. Ask with a desire to receive a confirmation personally, nothing doubting. There has to be an explanation of that book you can hold in your hand. I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that it is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church. You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet. These truths will become a foundation for your productive life." - LDS Apostle, Richard G. Scott, 2012 | wasmormon.org
"Follow Moroni's counsel. Sincerely ask God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, with real intent, if the teachings of the Book of Mormon are true. Ask with a desire to receive a confirmation personally, nothing doubting. There has to be an explanation of that book you can hold in your hand. I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that it is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church. You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet. These truths will become a foundation for your productive life." - LDS Apostle, Richard G. Scott, 2012