Book Author: Lauren Slater CHAPTER 5: Quieting the Mind
Summary
Lauren Slater relates Leon Festinger’s theory of cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the thought that humans change their beliefs to match current circumstances. An example given is sananda as a savior and the number of followers. The followers rationalized that the world had been saved rather than just them.
Slater describes some of Festinger’s other experiments including his observation of those who believed a flood would come on December 21, 1954 and an experiment involving having people lie for either $1 or $20. Another experiment focuses on a mother named Linda Santo whose daughter she claims to be a saint. Her observations and interviews with Linda Santo actually bring up more questions about cognitive dissonance.
Discussion
I can see on the one hand, how Slater's work could be important, but I also wonder whether this type of work would not best suit the theologist, rather the psychologist. The theologist would also look at context, and historic factors. Nevertheless, Slater presents a really interesting topic and manages to raise interesting questions.
I can see on the one hand, how Slater's work could be important, but I also wonder whether this type of work would not best suit the theologist, rather the psychologist. The theologist would also look at context, and historic factors. Nevertheless, Slater presents a really interesting topic and manages to raise interesting questions.
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