OPINIONS & EMOTIONS 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2867246630191319

At times we are all baffled by how a person can hold onto certain opinions when there are tons of information to refute their beliefs. This isn't just in politics or religion, it's seen the same in sports, economics, products, cuisine, fashion, gardening . . . everything. 

Why do we have opinions at all? 

The adage: "A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still." is a pretty common experience for us all.

Debates and arguments do not change people's minds, and many people do not engage in conversations because of this. That does not mean people don't change their minds. There are very strong examples of people "flipping" from one set of views to another. It has and it does happen, but there must be a substantial existential experience to produce it. 

Emotions are at the heart of all opinions. We are not logical creatures, we are emotional creatures. 

There must be a "CONVERSION" experience.

This is seen often in religious contexts -- emphasis on the word EXPERIENCE. This is also true of those who claim scientific objectivity. Objectivity is a fiction. We believe what we do because it moves our emotions in some way.

Experiences are not intellectual, they become, somehow, incredibly personal, they are matters of the heart, and they move the core-convictions of a person from one path to a new direction; not just the information in their heads.

Once one takes up an opinion it's almost impossible to dislodge  it. It can be done, but it requires a sufficient "CAUSATION" along with a motivating benefit or commensurate fear of punishment. 

That causation has to be of greater value to them than their current attachments or their connections to their social group, family, wealth, position, or even personal status. People who are not willing to let go of these advantages will never change their minds. The opinions that won for them these advantages will remain rock solid, because, "Where your treasure is, there is where your heart will lodge."

Change of opinion must offer greater rewards.
The Bible says, "Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear" - Jude 1:22-23  -- So there are ways to move people, but there is no single method for doing so -- it's only that EMOTIONS are at the center of such change, not information. In this past election we have seen that fear is a more powerful motivator in American than Joy. Think about that.

People are committed to their beliefs and opinions almost to their dying breath. No matter who wins a war, people will not capitulate to the winner. We see that in political contests. But it is the winner who writes the history, because it is always about gaining, retaining and perpetuating one's power. People in power do not relinquish it easily. 

War does not settle arguments, it only determines who will be in control. And the "WHAT 'IS' is not necessarily the WHAT 'OUGHT' to be."  "MIGHT never makes RIGHT." It can only dominate for a season. "Truth" and "Righteousness" (justice) will eventually come to light -- and will -- in the long run -- reign. THAT is the story of the gospel. THAT is why it is the "Good News." 

What we see at present all over the world is the ugly version of governance. THESE are the leaders who will be brought low . . . they cannot stand forever. They will all be put down . . . it's just a matter of time. "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"

As Dr. King said,
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."  Watch --  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2867246630191319 

 

* I have written more about this in another blog.


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