Conspiracy Theories, Religion, and Mormonism – w/ Michael Shermer | MSP Book Club | Ep. 1766


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Join Rebecca, John and renowned author Michael Shermer as he takes you on a thought-provoking journey in his book “Conspiracy: Why People Believe the Irrational.” Delving into his personal experiences, Shermer unveils the intricate web of factors that contribute to our susceptibility to conspiracy theories. From the psychology behind belief systems to the importance of critical thinking skills, this captivating exploration provides a valuable framework for understanding the pervasive nature of conspiratorial thinking. Whether you’re intrigued by the origins of conspiracy theories, seeking strategies to engage in meaningful conversations with believers, or looking to evaluate conspiracy theories critically, “Conspiracy” offers an enlightening and compelling perspective on our inclination towards irrational beliefs.

Buy the book: Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational

Co-host: Rebecca Bibliotheca

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3 Responses

  1. Interesting choice of a topic.

    Getting unintelligent people to believe real crimes aren’t happening by using the word “conspiracy” is working less and less well by the year. Investigators have caught up.

    Smart people are too smart to be fooled by people who brand smartness to influence less intelligent people.

    It’s going to be a very interesting reckoning when it comes.

  2. This guest was such a gift. Thank you for getting him on the program. It was refreshing to hear from someone so grounded and well read and completely away from the whirlpool thought of mormonism that has distorted most of my life. Mormonism is a cult because it messed with my mind, took away my ability to judge clearly, and made me afraid of everything outside the church lest I be deceived by satan. I couldn’t trust anything, least of all me.

  3. Thanks for bringing up the Principal of Falsifiability. The Extraordinary claim isn’t that the Church is true, but that all others are not true (false?). Most things to demonstrate other Churches false, can used against the Church as well. The Spanish Inquisition …. imperfect people do not make the Church false and leaving the Church because someone offended you is not excuse, etc, etc, etc

    Fallacy of Non Sequitur: It does not follow that
    a spiritually enlightening allegory means
    the allegory was historical means
    Joseph Smith indeed possessed supernatural powers means
    Smith is the one we should take orders from means
    we should only be baptized by a priesthood descendant of Joseph Smith means
    the CoJCoLDS is the original formed by Smith.

    Fallacy of Equivocation: The Church is True, where both Church and True become two things that can never be pinned down.

    Such Fallacies are the foundation theology, beliefs, and culture.

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