Belief in magic, demons, and witchcraft is a major force in politics—all around the world, but, increasingly, in the United States. We should be paying far more attention.
Well done, Brian! This is why I support your work. People NEED to Believe more than they need to know. People love certainty when there is so little we can know for certain. People are more inclined rationalize-tell stories and consume stories rather than questioning assumptions. Stopping to question assumptions to do research requires effort and opportunity. We are creatures of comfort ease and convenience no matter how objective and sophisticated we think we are-how we attend to the world is always subjective. We can edge towards objectivity with enormous humility, but we never come close to fully arriving there.
Seeing one of your essays in my in-box always brightens my day. Thank you for connecting magical thinking to uncertainty. I’ve tried to sort through these beliefs, myself, using scientific thinking, but still believe there are mysterious realms we don’t understand.
Terrific article, Brian. And I am sure what you have covered is merely the proverbial tip of the iceberg. It is frightening and sad that malicious grifters have such an influence in the US and elsewhere. Are there studies—is there research—on what leads people down this path? What, for example, lead Paula White to her beliefs? Is it pure narcissism?
Far more than I can write here, but it depends a lot. Paula White comes from evangelical offshoots, quite different from, say, Ne Win. But this almost universal human impulse to find supernatural explanations for apparently unexplainable events can be particularly dangerous when wedded to certain political movements…
Please consider the following reframing re the impact on politics of belief in the supernatural: "Belief in religion is a major force in politics --all around the world, including the US. We should be paying far more attention." Is it only the "Evil" supernatural beliefs' impact on politics to worry about? What about the impact of "Good" supernatural beliefs - which are far more common and could be argued to be far more impactful?
Great article Brian! You left out Tucker Carlson's demon attack. What people don't realize is that MAGA is powered in large part by religious fervor and that January 6th was intimately connected to the New Apostolic movement. One of the most common mistakes of "secularists" is that we discount religious ideation and motivation to our peril. I once read the glossy on-line English magazine of ISIS called Dabiq (issue number 15!). One of the articles was entitled "Why we hate you." The reasons outlined were the exact opposite of what a secular person would believe-- none of their motivations involved a sense of injustice at our bad middle eastern behavior.
I’ve come up with a course that is very good that features your work prominently.
I just wrote a lengthy explanation that I inadvertently deleted, and now that I’m pressed for time I was wondering if you could contact me and I could give you more details on my project.
I’m one of those left-wingers who think this is all bogus. I didn’t even believe in a monster under my bed or in the closet as a child. It’s all my mom’s fault. She was scared to death, but never let on.
My wife and I ended up in the odd situation where we had a discussion about religion and told our young son that we didn't believe in god. But didn't want to spoil Xmas by telling him that Santa wasn't real!
I’ve never succumbed to superstitions…….touch wood 😉
Well done, Brian! This is why I support your work. People NEED to Believe more than they need to know. People love certainty when there is so little we can know for certain. People are more inclined rationalize-tell stories and consume stories rather than questioning assumptions. Stopping to question assumptions to do research requires effort and opportunity. We are creatures of comfort ease and convenience no matter how objective and sophisticated we think we are-how we attend to the world is always subjective. We can edge towards objectivity with enormous humility, but we never come close to fully arriving there.
A topic I never thought of as interesting....truly mesmerizing!
Superlative Brian, thank you.
Seeing one of your essays in my in-box always brightens my day. Thank you for connecting magical thinking to uncertainty. I’ve tried to sort through these beliefs, myself, using scientific thinking, but still believe there are mysterious realms we don’t understand.
Terrific article, Brian. And I am sure what you have covered is merely the proverbial tip of the iceberg. It is frightening and sad that malicious grifters have such an influence in the US and elsewhere. Are there studies—is there research—on what leads people down this path? What, for example, lead Paula White to her beliefs? Is it pure narcissism?
Far more than I can write here, but it depends a lot. Paula White comes from evangelical offshoots, quite different from, say, Ne Win. But this almost universal human impulse to find supernatural explanations for apparently unexplainable events can be particularly dangerous when wedded to certain political movements…
You can say and do anything in the name of religion and it shuts down most opposition. The ultimate tool of grifters, politicians and demigods.
Please consider the following reframing re the impact on politics of belief in the supernatural: "Belief in religion is a major force in politics --all around the world, including the US. We should be paying far more attention." Is it only the "Evil" supernatural beliefs' impact on politics to worry about? What about the impact of "Good" supernatural beliefs - which are far more common and could be argued to be far more impactful?
Great article Brian! You left out Tucker Carlson's demon attack. What people don't realize is that MAGA is powered in large part by religious fervor and that January 6th was intimately connected to the New Apostolic movement. One of the most common mistakes of "secularists" is that we discount religious ideation and motivation to our peril. I once read the glossy on-line English magazine of ISIS called Dabiq (issue number 15!). One of the articles was entitled "Why we hate you." The reasons outlined were the exact opposite of what a secular person would believe-- none of their motivations involved a sense of injustice at our bad middle eastern behavior.
The demon attack came out after I wrote this!
Hi Brian,
I’ve come up with a course that is very good that features your work prominently.
I just wrote a lengthy explanation that I inadvertently deleted, and now that I’m pressed for time I was wondering if you could contact me and I could give you more details on my project.
I hope to hear back from you .
kevincflynn1@gmail.com
Scientists are the ultimate nature worshippers
Brilliant, but depressing essay. What can one do to combat these harmful supernatural beliefs and some outright lies?
>don’t get me started on healing crystals and manifesting
Or the 'EM field protection pendants' I am seeing on Facebook. If ever there was a stupidity tax, this is it.
I’m one of those left-wingers who think this is all bogus. I didn’t even believe in a monster under my bed or in the closet as a child. It’s all my mom’s fault. She was scared to death, but never let on.
Thanks for clearing that up! /s
My wife and I ended up in the odd situation where we had a discussion about religion and told our young son that we didn't believe in god. But didn't want to spoil Xmas by telling him that Santa wasn't real!
I just paid for membership
Welcome! I hope you'll continue to read and comment and enjoy!