“My people sit at your feet and seem to hang on your every word, but they never apply those sacred instructions to their own lives. For they act as they speak—with lustful desire—and think only of how they’ll make a profit.” (Ezekiel 33:31 VOICE)
Have you ever wondered how people can watch a newsworthy event on television and come to completely different opinions? Or how, during a court trial, jury members are presented with the same evidence yet disagree on the verdict? Humans have a tendency to give more weight to evidence that confirms pre-existing beliefs while scrutinizing information that opposes preconceived notions. We evaluate information from a biased perspective. This allows us to arrive at preferred conclusions that justify our choices.
Here is a personal example. Hawaii is one of my favorite places to visit. I know the long flights from my home to these islands contribute to the climate crisis. If I think about this too much, it ruins my vacation. Instead, I justify what I want to do by recycling, eating a vegetarian diet, and driving less. Yet, the impact of all my environmentally conscious behavior cannot erase the damage of one long-haul flight.
I read and watch documentaries about all sorts of topics. Any new information that requires me to reevaluate my lifestyle or ideology is met with skepticism. I am willing to make small allowances and minor changes, as long as they don’t mess with my ‘sacred cows’ of desires and comfort. I think of myself as an informed person who makes right choices. In order to minimize the cognitive dissonance, I block out uncomfortable data points. Like most humans, I hang on to beliefs that align with my desires and shrug off the rest.
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