Do we have a New Existential Threat for our Nation?

In an article published by Raw Story¹Raw Story is an online news publication that was founded in 2004. It is known for covering current national and international political and economic news, as well as publishing its own editorials and investigative pieces., Mr. Azarian, a neuroscientist, explains his concerns about new future human threats. The true “existential threat,” according to Mr. Azairan, to our nation is actually “stupidity.” At first glance, it is easy to pass this over as sarcastic humor. However, on further examination, Mr. Azarian was quite serious about his precept. He states, “Although the term ‘stupidity’ may seem derogatory or insulting, it is a scientific concept that refers to a specific type of cognitive failure. It is important to realize that stupidity is not simply a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but rather a failure to use one’s cognitive abilities effectively.²Cognitive neuroscientist explains why stupidity is an existential threat to America – Alternet.org[/ref].” If one considers some of the more recent positions on men giving birth, the expansion of gender identities, draconian COVID policies, unchecked migration, the seeming lust for war, or even the controversial positions being taken due to climate policies and energy, should our nation be concerned?

The precept being discussed here is that intelligence can be categorized into three groups: (1) Those who are very smart, (2) those who are average, and (3) those whose intellect is underserved. The latter group, however, tends to think that they are smarter than the rest of the people, maybe at times, even smarter than God Himself.  Lostpine thought that it was worth the time to understand the terms “stupidity (ignorance,)” and see what our Bible says about it. Here is what we found.

The idea of “ignorance” or “stupidity,” has been studied under a term called the “Dunning-Kruger effect²https://www.verywellmind.com/an-overview-of-the-dunning-kruger-effect-4160740.” It is based on cognitive bias, the tendency of people with low ability or low competence in a specific area, to overestimate their skill level. Individuals who lack expertise or knowledge in a specific area often believe they are more competent than they are. This bias was first described in a research paper published by social psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger in 1999. The Dunning-Kruger effect is typically depicted as a curve, with a peak representing the point where people with a moderate level of skill tend to accurately assess their abilities, while those with lower levels of skill overestimate their abilities, and those with higher levels of skill may underestimate their abilities. In essence, the less competent someone is, the more likely they are to overestimate their competence. If we are to make any sense of this observation, the task must be to understand, if we can, why this happens. 

1. Cognitive bias: Our brains have a natural tendency to protect our self-esteem, which can lead to biased self-assessments. The Bible does not specifically use the term “cognitive bias” because this is a modern psychological concept. However, the Bible does contain teachings and principles that address aspects related to human thinking, decision-making, and the potential for personal biases. Many of these teachings emphasize the importance of wisdom, discernment, and seeking God’s guidance to overcome various challenges that can lead to cognitive biases. Here are some relevant principles:

(Proverbs 2:6)³NIV New International Version Translations  – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” The Bible encourages seeking wisdom and understanding, which can help individuals recognize and overcome cognitive biases. The pursuit of facts protects a nation from the impacts of both bias and threats.

(Proverbs 18:17) – “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” This verse highlights the idea that initial impressions or biases may not always reflect the truth, and it’s essential to always consider different perspectives.

(James 1:5) – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” The Bible encourages individuals to seek God’s wisdom when facing difficult decisions to avoid potential cognitive biases. Prayer for a discerning mind should be the first place to go for answers. Today, this is a serious problem because we have removed God from Government, Education, and in many cases, Families.

(1 Corinthians 1:18-19) – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'” This passage reminds believers that human wisdom can be flawed, and that true wisdom only comes from God.

(Philippians 4:8) – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This verse encourages a focus on virtuous and positive thoughts, which can help counteract negative cognitive biases. Whenever hatred is present, we can be confident that it is not of God’s making.

2. Lack of self-awareness: People who are not very skilled in a particular area may lack the knowledge and experience needed to accurately assess their performance. The Bible does not explicitly use the term “self-awareness” in the same way it is understood in contemporary psychology and self-help literature. However, there are several passages and teachings in the Bible that touch upon themes related to self-awareness, self-examination, and humility. Here are some relevant verses and principles:

(Proverbs 28:26) – “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.” This verse suggests that overconfidence or trusting in oneself too much can be unwise.

(Proverbs 11:2) – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Humility is often associated with self-awareness and a willingness to acknowledge one’s limitations. What is interesting is that the group, those with lesser knowledge, are typically also lacking in humility. This deficit exposes the threats because of their poor decision-making.

(Matthew 7:3-5) – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” This passage emphasizes the importance of self-examination and addressing one’s faults before criticizing others. 

(Romans 12:3) – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” This verse encourages believers to have a balanced and realistic view of themselves.

(1 Corinthians 8:2) – “Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.” This verse underscores the idea that true knowledge and self-awareness involve recognizing the limits of one’s understanding.

(Galatians 6:3) – “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” This verse warns against self-deception and the dangers of overestimating one’s importance or abilities.

3. Incompetence: Incompetent individuals may also fail to recognize their own mistakes because they don’t have the expertise to identify them. Again, the Bible doesn’t specifically use the term “incompetence,” but it does contain principles and teachings that touch on the concept of competence, wisdom, and diligence. While the Bible emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence and being responsible, it also recognizes human limitations and the need for reliance on God’s guidance. Here are some relevant verses and principles:

(Proverbs 22:29) – “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” This verse highlights the value of competence and skill in one’s work, suggesting that those who are diligent and competent will excel in their endeavors.

(Proverbs 10:4) – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Diligence and competence are often associated with success and prosperity.

(Colossians 3:23-24) – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This passage encourages believers to approach their work with excellence and diligence as if serving God.

(1 Corinthians 10:31) – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This verse emphasizes the idea that all actions should be done with a sense of responsibility and competence, as they are ultimately done to honor God.

(Proverbs 18:9) – “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” This verse warns against laziness and the negative consequences of incompetence or negligence in one’s responsibilities.

(Ecclesiastes 9:10) – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” This verse underscores the importance of giving one’s best effort and being diligent in all pursuits.

4. Overconfidence: People with low competence may have an inflated sense of confidence, which can lead them to believe they are more capable than they are. The Bible has several verses and teachings that caution against overconfidence, pride, and arrogance. It emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing one’s limitations. This is where the existential threat is formed, from people, who may enter positions of our nation’s leadership. God’s greatest leaders were also humble people.

Judgment in this area should be avoided. We live in a world of special needs children, handicapped adults, and even mental illness. Unfortunately, you can also add to our concerns economic issues, povery, even physical diseases. The overconfidence at issue here is that which comes from being proud, vain, and narcissistic, not someone struggling with real issues. There is nothing wrong with pride when focused on personal achievement, family or our nation. Here are some relevant verses and principles we should focus on:

(Proverbs 16:18) – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse warns that excessive pride and overconfidence can lead to downfall and negative consequences.

(Proverbs 27:2) – “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” This verse encourages humility and advises against self-promotion and bragging.

(James 4:6) – “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” This verse highlights the idea that God opposes those who are proud and self-confident but favors those who are humble.

(Proverbs 3:5-7) -“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” These verses emphasize the importance of trusting in God rather than relying solely on one’s own wisdom or understanding.

(1 Corinthians 10:12) – “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” This verse cautions against complacency and overestimating one’s spiritual or moral strength.

(Proverbs 25:27) – “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.” This verse suggests that excessive curiosity or overconfidence in understanding complex matters can lead to trouble.

(Romans 12:3) – “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” This verse advises against thinking too highly of oneself and encourages a balanced self-assessment.

Conclusion

As individuals gain more knowledge and experience in an area, they often become better at assessing their abilities accurately. In other words, the Dunning-Kruger effect tends to diminish as people become more competent in a particular area. Why should this be important to us? First, it highlights the importance of humility, self-awareness, and continuous learning. The root of many societal problems such as bullying, demeaning the handicapped, and other prejudices of all kinds come from a lack of discernment and an overabundance of arrogance. The Dunning-Kruger effect is about people who think of themselves as above the “rest!” You know, those with little patience who are judgmental and have haughty attitudes. Remember, however, that all people on the Dunning-Kruger curve are valued equally by God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus healed people with various disabilities, including the blind, the lame, and the lepers. These stories are about Christ’s compassion for those who were suffering and His desire to alleviate their physical and emotional burdens. (Matthew 9:27-31, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 17:11-19). We can see here the purpose and importance of a foundation of humility. Humility is the springboard for compassion, education, and prayer. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).”

Expertise and competence often require ongoing effort and a willingness to acknowledge one’s limitations. The responsibility to “KNOW OUR FACTS” falls squarely on our shoulders. It is not only our responsibility to fact-check everything, but it is our very salvation that rests on how well we do this task. James 1:22 urges, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Knowing the Word of God is not enough; believers are encouraged to apply it in their lives through obedience and action. “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one (Ezekiel 22:30).” Yes, there are people in our world who think they have more skill, knowledge, and power than God Himself. They are an existential threat to our nation. God, however, is not the threat! 

Contemplations

• What is your response when you hear someone in a position of authority make a ridiculous statement?
  • Ideas to Explore: Ignore them? Check it yourself. Review what God’s Word says about the topic. Stand firm in your rejection of such a statement. Do you rebut the absurd?
• Where do you see examples of people who have risen beyond their skills and knowledge levels, only to be having negative impacts on our nation and its citizens?
  • Ideas to Explore: Politics, maybe within the bureaucratic machine that runs our lives today, or how about our educational systems, or news media? Is our entertainment industry or even our businesses making decisions that put the well-being of a nation first? Is the problem with us?
• Now take a hard look at the cities and States in trouble. Add to that list, the spiraling national debt. Next, look at the callous disregard for the well-being of our nation’s people. Finally, try to comprehend the hundreds of thousands of young people dying of drugs and criminal trafficking. I am sure you can add a few more things to this list. Why does this keep happening?
  • Ideas to Explore: People do not understand God and His Truth. The people are not “fact-checkers.” The sin of selfishness is alive and well. Is the problem with us?
• Here we sit, a nation divided, with hatred on both sides of the divide. Why?
  • Ideas to Explore: What are your ideas that can explain this phenomenon? Is the problem with us?