Confirmation Bias is the tendency
to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or
theories. My liberal acquaintances share and “amen” articles, videos, and memes
that fit their pre-adopted left-leaning narratives. Conservatives share and
“amen” articles, videos, and memes that fit their pre-adopted right-leaning mindset.
It’s so easy to
fall into this “confirmation bias” thing. If something sounds true (meaning,
it seems to fit what we already believe) we accept it as true without
corroborating. It is the widespread epidemic of confirmation bias that has
given us the “fake news” problem.
What is the bias
of all other biases? That “me” is the center of the universe. That my
happiness is what is most important in life and that my preferences ought to be
the law of the land. So, whatever fits this bias must be “true.” And whatever
does not, is rejected.
Signs that even your
Christian life has become hijacked by Confirmation-Bias:
- When you hear a particularly challenging or
convicting sermon, you think mainly of who else it ought to apply to: ”I
really hope my spouse/ child/ friend… is
listening right now”, instead of how it might apply personally to you.
- You don’t pray
much for God’s forgiveness, but mainly to get His blessings.
- You constantly rehearse the failings of
others in your mind and imagine dialogues with them in which you “put them in
their place” and this way you “win.”
Remedy according
to the Unbiased Holy Book:
1. Self-examination
daily. Our biases are embedded in who we became, they felt “natural.” So we
aren’t typically conscious that we’re doing these things. Paul tells Timothy to
“keep a close watch on yourself” (1 Tim. 4:16).
2. Repent, taking
up the cross daily (Luke 9:23)
3. Press the
gospel reset button daily remembering that Christ’s mercies are new every
morning for us (Lament. 3:22-23). This mercy is meant to be shared, not hoarded.
How? Loving our unbiased God with all our heart/mind/soul and our biased
neighbor as we love ourselves.
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