Cognitive dissonance is a state of tension that occurs when a person holds two cognitions (ideas, attitudes, beliefs, opinions) that are psychologically inconsistent with each other,
When our beliefs contradict our nature this also puts us into cognitive dissonance.
We all have this inert desire to be true to ourselves. We also see our beliefs as a reflection of who we are as a person. So in the concept of religion where many of our beliefs have already been prebaked, we find our selves in cognitive dissonance where an aspect of the pie comes in conflict with a part of our nature.
Example: I don’t believe polygamy to be a concept that is fair to woman or fosters meaningful and loving relationships. Yet polygamy has minor doctrinal influences on current Mormon teachings (a man in the temple can be sealed to multiple wife’s). So I find myself a believer in many aspects of my Mormon faith ( such as a loving god & importance of Christlike love) but not a believer in some (such as polygamy). This puts me in cognitive dissonance where I find a need to justify this difference in values.
We often treat religion like a smoothie, to continue the food metaphor, where all must be consumed if it is followed. I do however believe that religion is more like a pie (pizza) where the parts you don’t like can be removed before consumption so as to enjoy the rest of what is there.
Another way to look at it, and yes I will continue the food metaphors, is that of my favorite pizza place moose’s tooth. Do I think moose’s tooth is the best pizza place? Yes I do. Do I think everything on the menus at moose’s tooth is the best food, no I do not. Maybe religion can be looked at the same way. And who knows, maybe overtime I will change and not see the “Mac and Cheese Pizza” as the abomination I currently believe it to be.
