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The problem: People on both sides of the political aisle often work backward from a firm conclusion to find supporting facts, rather than letting evidence inform their views.
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Similarly, past research by Dolores Albarracin, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has shown in particular that people who are less confident in their beliefs are more reluctant than others to seek out opposing perspectives.
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Just about everybody is vulnerable to the phenomenon of holding onto our beliefs even in the face of iron-clad evidence to the contrary, Hoffman said. Why? Because it's hard to do otherwise. "It's an amazing challenge to constantly break out the Nietzschean hammer and destroy your world view and belief system and evaluate others," Hoffman said.
I am convinced that the general gist of this article is true and demonstrates a weakness in all of us. If you have confidence in a position, you should be comfortable being exposed to alternative views.
It is a good idea to purposefully read people that you disagree with. And when confronted by a solid case, it is a good idea to consider changing your mind.
Only the core and essential fundamentals of the faith should be exempt from this practice. I am in no way advocating that you start questioning the elements of faith that are essential to your salvation.
But when is the last time you changed your mind about something else?
