Why the Virgin Birth?

 1. Luke 1:41:

"And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:"

2. Luke 1:44:

"For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy."

Yes, a baby can hear a conversation of the mother while still in the womb. Studies have shown that babies can begin to hear sounds around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, although their hearing is still muffled by the amniotic fluid. By around 26-28 weeks, their hearing is much more developed, and they can hear both internal sounds, like your heartbeat and blood flow, as well as external sounds, like your voice and music.

Here are some of the ways that a baby can hear a conversation of the mother while still in the womb:

• Sound travels through the mother's body: The mother's body acts as a conductor of sound, so the baby can hear her voice and other sounds that she hears through the bones and tissues of her body.
• Direct sound transmission: Sound can also travel directly from the mother's voice box to the baby's ears through the amniotic fluid.
• Babies can learn to recognize their mother's voice: Babies are able to learn to recognize their mother's voice and other familiar sounds while they are still in the womb. This is because they are exposed to these sounds repeatedly over time.
• Babies can be soothed by their mother's voice: Studies have shown that babies can be soothed by their mother's voice, even when they are still in the womb. This is likely due to the fact that the baby is familiar with her voice and finds it to be calming and comforting.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The louder the sound, the easier it will be for the baby to hear.
• The baby's position in the womb can also affect how well they can hear.
• Some babies may be more sensitive to sound than others.

The significance of Elizabeth's baby jumping at Mary's announcement that she was pregnant with Jesus is multifaceted and laden with theological meaning. Here are some key points:

1. Recognition of the Messiah:

The leaping of the baby is seen as a sign of recognition and acknowledgement of the presence of the Messiah. The baby, even in its unborn state, senses the divine presence of Jesus and reacts with joy. This emphasizes the unique and special nature of Jesus' birth and his role as the Son of God.

2. Fulfilment of Prophesy:

The event fulfills a prophecy made by the angel Gabriel to Mary earlier in the narrative (Luke 1:41). This prophecy emphasizes the miraculous nature of both pregnancies and establishes Mary and Elizabeth as key figures in God's plan for salvation.

3. Holy Spirit's Influence:

The baby's leaping coincides with Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit. This conjunction suggests that the Holy Spirit is actively involved in the events unfolding, further amplifying the significance of the moment.

4. Symbolism of Joy and Anticipation:

The baby's movement is interpreted as a joyful response to the impending birth of Jesus. It symbolizes the anticipation and excitement surrounding the arrival of the Messiah, who will bring redemption and hope to humanity.

5. Foreshadowing John the Baptist's Role:

John the Baptist, who is still in Elizabeth's womb, is destined to be Jesus' forerunner. The baby's leaping is seen as an early foreshadowing of John's role as the one who will prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.

6. Connection Between Mary and Elizabeth:

The incident strengthens the bond between Mary and Elizabeth, two women chosen by God to play crucial roles in salvation history. Their shared experience creates a unique connection and underscores the importance of women in God's plan.

Overall, the jumping of Elizabeth's baby is a significant event in the Gospel of Luke. It serves to validate the divine nature of Jesus' birth, fulfill prophecy, and foreshadow the future roles of John the Baptist and Mary. Additionally, it emphasizes the joy and anticipation surrounding the arrival of the Messiah and strengthens the connection between the two women chosen by God.

Cognitive Dissonance and the Virgin Birth: A Complex Relationship

The story of Christ's virgin birth has been a source of theological debate and psychological intrigue for centuries. When viewed through the lens of cognitive dissonance, a theory developed by social psychologist Leon Festinger, it presents a fascinating possibility.

Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds two conflicting beliefs or experiences something that contradicts their existing beliefs. This dissonance creates a psychological discomfort that motivates individuals to change their beliefs or actions to restore internal consistency.

In the context of the virgin birth, we can consider the following:

1. Existing Beliefs:

• Judaism, the dominant religion in Jesus' time, firmly held that pregnancy required sexual intercourse.
• The concept of a virgin giving birth was considered impossible and even blasphemous.

2. Disconfirming Event:

• The Gospels of Matthew and Luke present the story of Mary becoming pregnant with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, not through sexual relations.

3. Cognitive Dissonance:

• This event created dissonance for those who believed in the inviolability of the virgin birth but also adhered to the prevailing understanding of human reproduction.

4. Cognitive Dissonance Reduction:

• To reduce this dissonance, individuals could:
  • Reject the virgin birth: This could be done by dismissing the Gospel accounts or interpreting them metaphorically.
  • Strengthen the belief in the virgin birth: This could be done by finding supporting evidence in scripture, tradition, or personal experiences.
  • Compartmentalize the conflicting beliefs: This could involve holding the two beliefs in separate mental spheres, avoiding direct confrontation.

However, for those who did experience dissonance, their response could have shaped their faith and beliefs in various ways:

• Stronger commitment to Christianity: Resolving the dissonance by strengthening belief in the virgin birth could have led to a deeper commitment to Christianity and its teachings.
• Development of theological interpretations: The need to reconcile the virgin birth with existing beliefs could have spurred the development of theological interpretations that explained the event in a way that made sense within their existing framework.
• Rejection of Christianity: For some, the dissonance may have been too great to overcome, leading to a rejection of the virgin birth and possibly even Christianity altogether.

The Fox and the Sour Grapes

A famished fox was wandering through a vineyard when he spotted a bunch of ripe grapes hanging high on a vine. The sight of the juicy fruit made his mouth water, and he was determined to reach them.

He leaped with all his might, but the grapes were just out of reach. He tried again and again, each attempt ending in failure. Exhausted and frustrated, the fox finally gave up.

As he turned to walk away, he muttered under his breath, "Those grapes are probably sour anyway. I wouldn't want them even if I could reach them."

And with that, the fox continued on his way, convincing himself that the grapes were not worth having because he couldn't have them.

This fable teaches us that people often try to belittle or dismiss things they cannot have. By convincing themselves that the unattainable is undesirable, they avoid facing the disappointment of failure.

Here are some key aspects of the fable:

• Motivation: The fox is driven by hunger, which fuels his desire for the grapes.
• Obstacles: The height of the vine presents a physical obstacle that the fox cannot overcome.
• Frustration: The fox's repeated attempts to reach the grapes lead to growing frustration.
• Self-deception: In an attempt to protect his ego, the fox convinces himself that the grapes are not worth having.
• Irony: The fable ends with the fox walking away, unaware that the grapes are actually sweet and delicious.

Luke 1:26-38 details the Annunciation, the moment the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. This passage holds significant theological importance in Christianity as it marks the beginning of Jesus' earthly life and the fulfillment of God's promise of a Messiah.

Here's a breakdown of the passage:

Verse 26: The angel Gabriel is sent to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph. 

Verses 27-28: Gabriel greets Mary with the words "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." This salutation emphasizes Mary's chosen status and God's favor upon her.

 Verses 29-30: Mary initially becomes troubled, but the angel reassures her: "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."  

Verses 31-33: Gabriel reveals that Mary will conceive and give birth to a son, announcing his name as Jesus. He further proclaims that Jesus will be great, called the Son of the Most High, and receive the throne of his ancestor David.  

Verses 34-38: Mary questions how this can be, as she is a virgin. The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her, making the conception miraculous. Mary then humbly submits to God's will, uttering the famous words: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

This passage underscores several key theological points:

• God's divine plan: Mary's pregnancy is not a coincidence but the fulfillment of God's predetermined plan for the salvation of humanity.
• The Virgin Birth: The miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit emphasizes his unique divine nature as the Son of God.
• Mary's role: Mary is presented as a humble and obedient servant of God, willing to submit to his divine will despite the challenges it may bring.
• The Messianic promise: The announcement of Jesus' birth signifies the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, who will usher in a new era of peace and redemption.

Luke 1:26-38: The Annunciation

Verse 26:

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

Verse 27:

to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

Verse 28:

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

Verse 29:

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be.

Verse 30:

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Verse 31:

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Verse 32:

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

Verse 33:

and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Verse 34:

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

Verse 35:

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy— the Son of God.

Verse 36:

And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

Verse 37:

For nothing is impossible with God.”

Verse 38:

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Significance of the Annunciation:

The Annunciation is a pivotal event in the Christian faith, as it marks the beginning of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. It also highlights the importance of Mary's role in God's plan for salvation.

This passage is often read and reflected upon during Advent, the season leading up to Christmas. It reminds us of the hope and promise that came into the world with the birth of Jesus.

Additional notes:

• The name "Jesus" means "God saves."
• The throne of David refers to the kingdom of Israel, which God promised to David and his descendants forever.
• Elizabeth, who is mentioned in verse 36, is the mother of John the Baptist.

Divine nature of Jesus: The virgin birth signifies that Jesus was not only human but also divine. By being conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus inherited both a human nature from Mary and a divine nature from God, making him the unique Son of God. This divine nature is crucial for understanding Jesus' role as savior and mediator between God and humanity.

Fulfilling prophecy: The virgin birth is seen as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which states: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This prophecy had long been interpreted as a sign of the coming Messiah, and its fulfillment in Jesus confirmed his identity as the promised savior.

Sinlessness of Jesus: The virgin birth also contributes to the understanding of Jesus' sinlessness. Since he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was not subject to the stain of original sin that all humans inherit through Adam. This sinlessness was essential for Jesus to be a perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Uniqueness of Jesus: The virgin birth emphasizes the exceptional nature of Jesus. His birth was not ordinary; it was a miraculous act that marked him as distinct from all other humans. This uniqueness further underscores his role as the divine Son of God and the only one capable of reconciling humanity with God.

The announcement of the birth of Jesus to Mary, also known as the Annunciation, is a significant event in Christianity. It marks the beginning of Jesus' earthly life and holds great theological importance.

Here's a breakdown of the event:

Where and When:

• The Annunciation takes place in Nazareth, a town in Galilee.
• The timing varies depending on the source, but it is generally placed in the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy with John the Baptist.

Who is involved:

• Mary: A young virgin betrothed to Joseph.
• Angel Gabriel: A messenger of God who delivers the announcement to Mary.

Key Points of the Announcement:

• Gabriel greets Mary with reverence, stating "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30).
• He informs Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, whom she is to name Jesus.
• Jesus is described as being great and called the Son of the Most High. He will inherit the throne of his ancestor David and reign forever.
• Mary expresses confusion and asks how this can be, as she is a virgin.
• Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her. This miraculous conception will ensure the child's divinity.
• He also reassures Mary by mentioning her relative Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy in her old age, demonstrating that nothing is impossible with God.
• Mary accepts her role with humility, saying, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38).

Significance of the Announcement:

• The Annunciation marks the fulfillment of prophecies and promises made by God throughout the Old Testament.
• It confirms the divine nature of Jesus Christ, who is both human and divine.
• Mary's willingness and faith in God demonstrate the essential role of human cooperation in God's plan.
• The Annunciation serves as a reminder of the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth and the hope it offers to humanity.

The announcement of Jesus' birth to Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, unfolds in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1. Here's a breakdown of the key events:

Setting the Stage:

• Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah are both righteous and devout, but childless due to their advanced age.
• Zechariah, while serving as a priest in the temple, is visited by the angel Gabriel who announces that Elizabeth will miraculously conceive a son who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
• Initially skeptical, Zechariah is struck mute until the child is born.

The Angel's Message to Mary:

• In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth.
• He announces that she has been chosen to bear the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Mary expresses initial confusion and fear but ultimately submits to God's will.
• Gabriel assures her that Elizabeth is also miraculously pregnant and that "nothing is impossible with God."

Elizabeth's Recognition:

• Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth recognizes Mary's blessedness and exclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!"
• Elizabeth's intuition and spiritual insight confirm the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy.
• This meeting marks the first recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, even before his birth.

The Significance:

• The announcement of Jesus' birth to Elizabeth serves several key purposes:
  • It establishes the connection between John the Baptist and Jesus, who are both destined for significant roles in God's plan.
  • It highlights the miraculous nature of both pregnancies, defying natural limitations and showcasing God's power.
  • It emphasizes the theme of divine favor and blessing bestowed upon Mary and her unborn child.
  • It foreshadows the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

The verse "they shall believe a lie and be damned" is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. It speaks of a time when people will choose to believe a false teaching rather than the truth of God. This choice will ultimately lead to their condemnation.

Here's a breakdown of the verse:

"They shall believe a lie": This refers to a specific event described in the verses leading up to it. This event involves a figure called the "man of lawlessness" who will deceive people with false teachings and lead them away from God.

"And be damned": This refers to the ultimate judgment that will come upon those who choose to believe the lie and reject the truth. It's a serious consequence with eternal implications.

Interpretation:

There are different interpretations of this verse, but here are some common viewpoints:

• God's judgment: Some interpret this verse as God actively sending a delusion to cause people to believe the lie. This is seen as a way of highlighting the severity of rejecting God's truth.
• Human choice: Others interpret it as God allowing people to experience the consequences of their own choices. By choosing to reject the truth, they open themselves up to deception and ultimately face judgment.
• Spiritual warfare: This verse can also be seen in the context of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil. The "lie" represents the work of evil forces, while the "truth" represents the work of God.

Application:

This verse serves as a warning about the importance of discerning truth from falsehood. It encourages us to be diligent in seeking God's truth and to be wary of deceptive teachings. Ultimately, the choice between truth and falsehood lies with each individual, and the consequences of that choice are significant.

The concept of believing a lie and being damned carries significant weight depending on the context and belief system.

In a religious context:

• Some interpretations suggest that believing a lie about God or the truth of a religion could lead to damnation. This idea is often based on the belief in a strict binary of right and wrong, where adherence to specific doctrines or beliefs is necessary for salvation.
• However, other interpretations emphasize the importance of seeking truth and understanding, even if it leads to questioning established beliefs. These interpretations argue that genuine faith involves the courage to face doubt and engage in critical thinking.

In a secular context:

• Believing a lie can have negative consequences, even if there is no concept of damnation. Lies can damage relationships, erode trust, and hinder progress.
• However, the act of believing a lie is not inherently bad. Humans are complex creatures and we are prone to making mistakes, especially when faced with misleading information or deception.
• The important thing is to be open to learning and to strive for truthfulness in our interactions with others.

Here are some alternative ways to express the idea of believing a lie without resorting to potentially harmful or offensive language:

• To be deceived.
• To be misled.
• To be misinformed.
• To be mistaken.
• To be fooled.
• To have one's trust betrayed.-

• 4. Everyday experience: We often experience dissonance in our everyday lives. For example, we might feel dissonance if we try to eat healthy but find ourselves craving unhealthy foods. Or, we might feel dissonance if we believe in equality but find ourselves making prejudiced judgments.

  Here are some examples of how dissonance can be used:

  • Music: The opening chords of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony are a famous example of dissonance. The dissonance creates a sense of tension and expectation that is resolved later in the movement.
  • Literature: The novel "1984" by George Orwell uses dissonance to create a sense of unease and oppression. The protagonist, Winston Smith, lives in a totalitarian society where he is constantly monitored and controlled. This creates a sense of dissonance between his desire for freedom and the reality of his life.

   Cognitive Dissonance: The Mental Tug-of-War

  Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that describes the mental discomfort we experience when our beliefs or actions contradict each other. This dissonance motivates us to try to reduce the discomfort by changing our beliefs, values, or actions. Imagine it as a mental tug-of-war between two opposing forces.

  Causes of Cognitive Dissonance:

  • Hypocrisy: When your actions don't align with your stated beliefs. For example, you might preach about the importance of healthy eating, but then indulge in a fast-food meal.
  • New Information: When you encounter new information that contradicts your existing beliefs. For example, a smoker might learn about the health risks of smoking, but find it difficult to quit.
  • Forced Decisions: When you are forced to make a decision that goes against your values or preferences. For example, you might be assigned to work on a project that you don't believe in.

  Examples of Cognitive Dissonance:

  • A smoker who knows smoking is harmful to their health but continues to smoke.
  • A person who is afraid of heights but agrees to go skydiving with friends.
  • A student who believes cheating is wrong but cheats on an exam anyway.

  How People Reduce Cognitive Dissonance:

  • Changing their beliefs: This might involve rationalizing their actions or reinterpreting the information that caused the dissonance.
  • Changing their actions: This could mean stopping the behavior that is causing the dissonance or taking steps to make amends for past actions.
  • Adding new beliefs or justifications: This could involve finding new information or reinterpreting existing information in a way that supports their existing beliefs and actions.

  Reducing cognitive dissonance can have positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it can motivate people to change their behavior for the better. For example, a smoker who experiences cognitive dissonance about their habit may be more likely to quit smoking. On the negative side, cognitive dissonance can also lead to people justifying harmful or unethical behavior. For example, a person who cheats on an exam may convince themselves that they were justified in doing so because they were under a lot of pressure.

  dissonance reduction

• Updated on 04/19/2018

  the process by which a person reduces the uncomfortable psychological state that results from inconsistency among elements of a cognitive system (see cognitive dissonance). Dissonance can be reduced by making one or more inconsistent elements consistent with other elements in the system, by decreasing the perceived importance of an inconsistent element, or by adding new consistent elements to the system. Finally, self-affirmation theory postulates that merely affirming some valued aspect of the self, even if it is not directly relevant to the inconsistency, can reduce dissonance. See also bolstering of an attitude; forced compliance effect.

• bolstering of an attitude

  Updated on 04/19/2018

  a method of reducing cognitive dissonance by generating new cognitive elements that are consistent with an attitude. This is presumed to offset the dissonance resulting from an inconsistent element.

  ------------------------

  Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes. People tend to seek consistency in their attitudes and perceptions, so this conflict causes unpleasant feelings of unease or discomfort.1

  Signs of Cognitive Dissonance

  Everyone experiences cognitive dissonance to some degree but that doesn't mean that it is always easy to recognize. Some signs that what you are feeling might be related to dissonance include:

  • Feeling uncomfortable before doing something or making a decision
  • Trying to justify or rationalize a decision you've made or action you have taken
  • Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about something you've done and trying to hide your actions from other people
  • Experiencing guilt or regret about something you've done in the past
  • Doing things because of social pressure or a fear of missing out (FOMO), even if it wasn't something you wanted to do

  Examples of Cognitive Dissonance

  What does this inconsistency-related discomfort look like in everyday life? Here are just a few cognitive dissonance examples that you may notice in your own:

  • You want to be healthy, but you don't exercise regularly or eat a nutritious diet. You feel guilty as a result.
  • You know that smoking (or drinking too much) is harmful to your health, but you do it anyway. You rationalize this action by pointing to your high stress levels.
  • You'd like to build up your savings but tend to spend extra cash as soon as you get it. You regret this decision later, such as when facing an unexpected expense that you don't have the money to cover.
  • You have a long to-do list but spend the day watching your favorite shows instead. You don't want your spouse to know, so you try to make it look like you've worked hard all day.
    

  
  

  Forced Compliance

  Sometimes you might find yourself engaging in behaviors that are opposed to your own beliefs due to external expectations at work, school, or in a social situation.2 This might involve going along with something due to peer pressure or doing something at work to avoid getting fired.

  New Information

  Sometimes learning new information can lead to feelings of cognitive dissonance. For example, if you engage in a behavior that you later learn is harmful, it can lead to feelings of discomfort. People sometimes deal with this by finding ways to justify their behaviors or findings ways to discredit or ignore new information.

  Decisions

  People make decisions, both large and small, on a daily basis. When faced with two similar choices, we are often left with feelings of dissonance because both options are equally appealing.

  Once a choice has been made, however, people need to find a way to reduce these feelings of discomfort. We accomplish this by justifying why our choice was the best option so we can believe that we made the right decision.

  Recap

  Cognitive dissonance can be caused by feeling forced to do something, learning new information, or when faced with a decision between two similar choices.

  What Influences Cognitive Dissonance?

  The degree of dissonance experienced can depend on a few different factors. Among them are how highly a particular belief is valued and the degree to which the beliefs are inconsistent.

  The overall strength of the dissonance can also be influenced by several factors, including:3 

  • The importance attached to each belief. Cognitions that are more personal, such as beliefs about the self, and highly valued tend to result in greater dissonance.
  • The number of dissonant beliefs. The more dissonant (clashing) thoughts you have, the greater the strength of the dissonance.

  How Cognitive Dissonance Feels

  • Anxiety
  • Embarrassment
  • Regret
  • Sadness
  • Shame
  • Stress

  Cognitive dissonance can even influence how people feel about and view themselves, leading to negative feelings of self-esteem and self-worth.
  

  Impact of Cognitive Dissonance

  Because people want to avoid discomfort, cognitive dissonance can have a wide range of effects. Dissonance can play a role in how we act, think, and make decisions. We may engage in behaviors or adopt attitudes to help relieve the discomfort caused by the conflict.

  Some things that a person might do to cope with these feelings include:

  • Adopting beliefs or ideas to help justify or explain away the conflict between their beliefs or behaviors. This can sometimes involve blaming other people or outside factors.
  • Hiding beliefs or behaviors from other people. People may feel ashamed of their conflicting beliefs and behaviors, hiding the disparity from others to minimize feelings of shame and guilt.
  • Only seeking out information that confirms existing beliefs. This phenomenon, known as confirmation bias, affects the ability to think critically about a situation but helps minimize feelings of dissonance.

  People like to believe that they are logical, consistent, and good at making decisions. Cognitive dissonance can interfere with the perceptions they hold about themselves and their abilities, which is why it can often feel so uncomfortable and unpleasant.

  Dealing With Cognitive Dissonance

  When there are conflicts between cognitions (thoughts, beliefs, and opinions), people will take steps to reduce the dissonance and feelings of discomfort. They can go about this a few different ways.

  Adding More Beliefs to Outweigh Dissonant Beliefs

  People who learn that greenhouse emissions result in global warming might experience feelings of dissonance if they drive a gas-guzzling vehicle. To reduce this dissonance, they may seek out new information that overrides the belief that greenhouse gasses contribute to global warming.

  Reducing the Importance of the Conflicting Belief

  A person who cares about their health might be disturbed to learn that sitting for long periods during the day is linked to a shortened lifespan. Since they work all day in an office and spend a great deal of time sitting, it is difficult to change their behavior.

  To deal with the feelings of discomfort then, they might find some way of rationalizing the conflicting cognition. For instance, they may justify their sedentary behavior by saying that their other healthy behaviors—like eating sensibly and occasionally exercising—make up for their largely sedentary lifestyle.

  Changing Beliefs

  Changing the conflicting cognition is one of the most effective ways of dealing with dissonance but it is also one of the most difficult—particularly in the case of deeply held values and beliefs, such as religious or political leanings.3

  Recap

  Some of the ways people reduce discomfort from cognitive dissonance include seeking information that aligns with and supports current beliefs, reducing the conflicting belief's importance, and changing beliefs to reduce the feelings of conflict.

  • They might decide that they value smoking more than they value health, deeming the behavior "worth it" in terms of risks versus rewards.
  • They may minimize potential drawbacks, such as by convincing themselves that the negative health effects have been overstated or by believing that they cannot avoid every possible risk out there.
  • They might try to convince themselves that if they do stop smoking, they will gain weight, which also presents health risks.

  History of Cognitive Dissonance

  The story of the leporacy and the Jordan River is actually a biblical tale found in the Second Book of Kings. It tells the story of Naaman, a powerful Syrian military commander, who suffers from a skin disease known as leprosy.

  However, convinced by his servants, Naaman reluctantly follows Elisha's instructions and bathes in the Jordan River seven times. As he does so, his skin is miraculously healed, and he is cured of leprosy. Filled with gratitude, Naaman returns to Elisha and offers him gifts, which Elisha refuses. Instead, Elisha emphasizes the power of God in healing Naaman.

  This story holds several significant themes:

  • Faith and obedience: Naaman's initial doubt and hesitation are overcome by his faith in God and his obedience to Elisha's instructions.
  • Humility: Naaman's initial pride and arrogance are humbled by his illness and his need for help. His willingness to follow Elisha's seemingly simple instructions demonstrates his humility.
  • Divine intervention: The story highlights the power of God in healing and miraculous intervention.
  • Significance of the Jordan River: The Jordan River holds symbolic significance in biblical stories, often representing purification and renewal. In this case, Naaman's immersion in the river marks his physical and spiritual cleansing.

  The Correlation Between Naaman's Leprosy and the Dirty Jordan River

  The story of Naaman, a Syrian military commander with leprosy, and his miraculous healing in the Jordan River holds a deeper meaning beyond the surface. Analyzing the connection between Naaman's disease and the seemingly dirty Jordan River reveals profound thematic layers.

  1. Physical and Spiritual Impurity:

  • Leprosy: In ancient times, leprosy was considered a highly contagious and debilitating disease, symbolizing both physical and spiritual impurity. Naaman's leprosy represented not just his skin condition but also a sense of being unclean and ostracized.
  • The Jordan River: Though the Jordan River was a life-giving source of water, it also carried elements of mud and sediment, leading some to perceive it as "dirty." This perception mirrored Naaman's own sense of internal impurity due to his leprosy.

  2. Humility and Obedience:

  • Initial Resistance: Initially, Naaman resisted Elisha's seemingly simple instruction to bathe in the Jordan River. He had expected a more elaborate ritual and felt insulted by the suggestion. This resistance reflected Naaman's pride and arrogance.
  • Submission and Healing: Ultimately, Naaman's servants persuaded him to follow Elisha's instructions. This act of humility and obedience opened the door for healing.

  3. Transformation and Purification:

  • Washing Away Impurity: The act of bathing in the Jordan River seven times symbolized Naaman's washing away of both physical and spiritual impurities. As he immersed himself in the water, he was cleansed not just of leprosy but also of his pride and arrogance.
  • Renewal and Rebirth: Naaman's miraculous healing symbolized a complete transformation. He emerged from the water not just healed but also renewed and reborn, both physically and spiritually.

  4. The Power of Faith:

  • Doubt and Belief: Naaman's initial disbelief in Elisha's instructions reflected his human tendency to doubt the unknown. However, his eventual acceptance of the prophet's guidance demonstrated his faith in God's power to heal.
  • Miraculous Intervention: Naaman's healing was a direct result of his faith and obedience. It served as a powerful testament to God's ability to intervene in human life and bring about miraculous change.

  In conclusion, the seemingly mundane act of Naaman bathing in the dirty Jordan River held profound symbolic significance. It represented a journey of humility, obedience, and ultimately, transformation. Naaman emerged from the water cleansed not just of leprosy but also of his pride and arrogance, reborn into a state of physical and spiritual purity. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the potential for even the most seemingly ordinary elements to serve as instruments of divine intervention.

  Cognitive Dissonance and the Story of Naaman

  In Naaman's case, we can identify two potentially dissonant elements:

  1. Naaman's initial belief in the superiority of Syrian rivers: As a powerful Syrian military leader, Naaman likely held a strong sense of national pride, which would naturally extend to the land's resources. This belief is challenged when Elisha instructs him to bathe in the Jordan River, which Naaman initially perceives as inferior.
  2. Naaman's desire to be cured: Leprosy was a highly stigmatized and debilitating disease in biblical times. Naaman's desperate desire for a cure would create a strong motivation to follow any instructions that might offer hope, even if they contradict his existing beliefs.

  When Naaman is instructed to bathe in the Jordan River, he experiences cognitive dissonance. He is faced with a choice:

  • Maintain his existing belief in the superiority of Syrian rivers: This would require rejecting Elisha's instructions and potentially sacrificing his chance for a cure.
  • Accept Elisha's instructions and bathe in the Jordan River: This would involve challenging his own beliefs and submitting to someone from a different culture.

  Other elements of the story further highlight the role of cognitive dissonance:

  • Naaman's initial hesitation and doubt: This reflects the internal struggle he experiences as he grapples with conflicting beliefs.
  • The intervention of Naaman's servants: They play a crucial role in persuading Naaman to follow Elisha's instructions, suggesting that social influence can also be a factor in reducing cognitive dissonance.
  • Naaman's subsequent humility and gratitude: These demonstrate the positive impact of resolving cognitive dissonance and achieving consistency in his beliefs.