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Believest thou?: Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, & Psychology of Religious Experience (MP3)

Wendy Ulrich, The Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR), 2005.

"Believest thou...?": Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, and the Psychology of Religious Experience"

"Cognitive Dissonance" is a psychological and emotional turmoil that can develop when we encounter information that appears to contradict previously held beliefs. Critics claim that there are a number of evidences which contradict traditional LDS beliefs. A popular charge among many 21st century critics is the claim that Mormons are masters at dealing with "Cognitive Dissonance" by irrational means. Basically, they claim that Latter-day Saintsn++even the brightest of Latter-day Saints's stick their heads in the sand when they encounter conflicting information in order to protect their belief systems and alleviate cognitive dissonance. LDS psychologist, Dr. Wendy Ulrich, explains that there are logical alternative options employed by believing Latter-day Saints who confront discomfiting information. Rational thought and mature approaches to challenging issues, can be, and are being utilized by believing members. Examining conflicting information and maintaining a testimony are not mutually exclusive options.

Wendy Ulrich, Ph.D., was a psychologist in Ann Arbor, Michigan for 20 years before moving to Montreal, Quebec for a recently completed three-year mission. She has served as president of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists, has authored numerous professional articles in both psychology and business, and has done consulting and training for such corporations as Marriott, Johnson & Johnson, University of Michigan, General Electric, and United Way. She and her husband have three children.

Title: Believest thou?: Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, & Psychology of Religious Experience (MP3)

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