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Responding to atheists (view source)
Revision as of 14:15, January 31, 2023
, 14:15, January 31, 2023→Signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/argument. How to overcome cognitive dissonance in an atheist
== Signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/argument. How to overcome cognitive dissonance in an atheist ==
== Signs of cognitive dissonance in an atheist engaged in a discussion/argument. How to overcome cognitive dissonance in an atheist ==
[[File:Freethinkers.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] is a staff member of [[Creation Ministries International]]. ]]
[[File:Freethinkers.jpg|thumbnail|275px|right|Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] is a staff member of [[Creation Ministries International]]. ]]
''See also:'' [[Atheism and dogmatism]] and [[Atheism and open-mindedness]]
''See also:'' [[Atheists and cognitive dissonance]] and [[Atheism and dogmatism]] and [[Atheism and open-mindedness]]
[[Cognitive dissonance]] is stress or discomfort caused by simultaneously holding contradictory ideas. Due to the great abundance of evidence for theism, 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]]).
Research indicates that atheists tend to be more dogmatic and less open-minded (See: [[Atheism and dogmatism]] and [[Atheism and open-mindedness]]).
Research indicates that atheists tend to be more dogmatic and less open-minded (See: [[Atheism and dogmatism]] and [[Atheism and open-mindedness]]).
*The atheist is unwilling to concede obvious factual points and arguments in favor of [[theism]].
*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 deceit]]
*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 myopically focuses on one variable/aspect of a matter rather than looking at the whole issue. See also: [[Fallacy of exclusion]]
*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]]
*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:
Below are techniques to eliminate/overcome cognitive dissonance in an atheist you are having a discussion with: