Signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/debate/argument

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Dr. Jonathan Sarfati is a staff member of Creation Ministries International.

Cognitive dissonance is stress or discomfort caused by simultaneously holding contradictory ideas.

Atheists often suffer from cognitive dissonance (See: Atheists and cognitive dissonance).

Due to the great abundance of evidence for theism (See: Arguments for the existence of God and Christian apologetics), the lack of evidence for atheism and the many inconsistencies of the atheist worldview, atheists often harbor doubts about the validity of atheism (See: Atheists doubting the validity of atheism and Atheism and its retention rate in individuals and Denials that atheists exist).

As a psychological compensation strategy, many atheists (especially proud atheists) become dogmatic and intolerant (See: Atheism and arrogance and Atheism and intolerance) when they experience cognitive dissonance. Research indicates that atheists tend to be more dogmatic and less open-minded (See: Atheism and dogmatism and Atheism and open-mindedness).

Signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/debate/argument

An angry atheist speaking to a woman with a Bible in her hand.

The Christian philosopher James S. Spiegel says the path from Christianity to atheism among several of his friends involved moral slippage such as resentment or unforgiveness.[1] See: Atheism and anger and Atheism and unforgiveness

Below are signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/argument:

  • The atheist is unwilling to concede obvious factual points and arguments in favor of theism.
  • The atheist mischaracterizes the points/position of a theist - often in a dishonest way. See also: Atheism and deception
  • The atheist myopically focuses on one variable/aspect of a matter rather than looking at the whole issue. See also: Fallacy of exclusion
  • The atheist doggedly maintains superficial arguments even when shown their weaknesses.
  • The atheist displays a complete lack of intellectual curiosity about matters that contradict his contentions.
  • The atheist engages in "mind reading" and baselessly attributes bad intentions in the other party
  • Rather than focus on the matter at hand, the person engages in personal attacks and other abusive behavior. See also: Ad hominem and Atheism and mockery

Overcoming cognitive dissonance in an atheist who has shut down rational thinking

Below are techniques to eliminate/overcome cognitive dissonance in an atheist you are having a discussion with:

  • Build trust/rapport in the other person through displaying empathy and using humor

See also

External links

Notes

  1. ↑ Christian Philosopher Explores Causes of Atheism
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