I recall reading a fairly modern example of belief perseverance detailed in a study on the subject.
A doomsday cult predicted the end of the world would come on X day. As believers, they would be spared. They all divested themselves of their worldly possessions and met in one place to pray.
I recall reading a fairly modern example of belief perseverance detailed in a study on the subject.
A doomsday cult predicted the end of the world would come on X day. As believers, they would be spared. They all divested themselves of their worldly possessions and met in one place to pray.
When the end of the world didn't happen, the leader proclaimed that they had been witness to a miracle. The power of their prayers and their faith was so great, it had saved the entire world. "O Great Day!"
Not only did they come away from the event more certain than before that their beliefs were The Truth, they also became more enthusiastic in their proselytization efforts.
Perhaps Mr. Emmons would have not fallen into a two day funk had he been told his prayers had helped stave off the end of all things.
I recall reading a fairly modern example of belief perseverance detailed in a study on the subject.
A doomsday cult predicted the end of the world would come on X day. As believers, they would be spared. They all divested themselves of their worldly possessions and met in one place to pray.
When the end of the world didn't happen, the leader proclaimed that they had been witness to a miracle. The power of their prayers and their faith was so great, it had saved the entire world. "O Great Day!"
Not only did they come away from the event more certain than before that their beliefs were The Truth, they also became more enthusiastic in their proselytization efforts.
Perhaps Mr. Emmons would have not fallen into a two day funk had he been told his prayers had helped stave off the end of all things.
Yeah, but they had to start from $0 again. Do you think they learned THAT lesson? (Probably did individually, and quietly.)