Cognitive Dissonance and Rational Thinking

4-19-2010
Cognitive Dissonance and Rational Thinking

As a whole, we all need to do a better job of asking ourselves the question, “Why do I believe the way I believe.” This question can be asked of just about anything, and to change an assumed thought process can be referred to as cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance can also be described as the reshaping of one’s mind. It’s in this process that assumption of truth may not be true after all, thus they were merely assumptions. For instance, many couples believe having kids is nothing more than the next step in their lives until they get to the point where they struggle to conceive. They may have assumed having kids was easy, and through cognitive dissonance, they view having a child completely different.

Rational thinking refers to logical or reasoning being involved in the thought process. It refers to providing reasons or rational behind thoughts ... Rational thinking refers to logical or reasoning being involved in the thought process, and is extremely important as it pertains to our faith journey as it may lead to cognitive dissonance, thus changing the way we view Christianity.

As we mature in our faith journey, we begin to think “supernaturally.” In other words, we start to view everything we do and experience from an eternal perspective instead of a temporal perspective. Our value of worldly things pales in comparison to the value we put on God’s agenda. This transformation takes place by seeking truth and by the renewal of our minds of what is true, and the best place to find such truth is in the scriptures. Once this truth is meditated upon, one’s faith increases dramatically. Faith is a reasoning trust, thus we have faith because of what we know to be true based on our rational thinking.

There’s a clear lack of rational thinking in society, thus the reason people consume themselves with things of zero importance. Moreover, society ignores things of extreme importance! One simple example can be found in obesity. Society concerns themselves more with a celebrity’s life, than their own personal health. If people would spend as much time working out as they do reading People Magazine, just imagine the shape we would all be in!

We all need to continue to renew our minds with what is true (Romans 12) through the process of rational thinking, so we may understand why we believe what we believe. Our faith in Jesus Christ is riding on our ability to think! Don’t allow the world to tell you what to believe, instead turn to the scriptures, as they are the only truth that stands the test of time. Truth is the way things are, not the way we necessarily want them to be. Christianity is about facts and acts, not hear say!

Application:
1.Do you understand the importance of Cognitive Dissonance and Rational Thinking?
2.How do these two processes impact your life and the way you see the world?