Playlist: Normalcy Bias (topic)
How Far Have We Fallen? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In our current times, we witness a profound shift in societal norms, echoing the warnings of Isaiah 5:20-21, where evil is called good, and good evil. This inversion mirrors a cultural decline where what was once deemed unacceptable has become the norm. Historically, changes in belief, conduct, and attitude occur gradually as …
Unprepared
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOnly those close to God will be able to handle the turmoil. No carnal solutions offered by survivalists will ultimately save us from these calamities.
Casuistry and Fanaticism
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)President Obama's statement about accepting a high unemployment figure as the "new normal" exemplifies casuistry, a justification for lowering standards across various aspects of life in the United States. This phrase, "new normal," serves as a catchphrase for the administration's approach, suggesting that society must adapt to …
Never Saw it Coming
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThievery, both literal and metaphorical, is commonplace, but because of normalcy bias, we underestimate threat warnings, thinking that nothing will get in our way.
The Olivet Prophecy Paradox
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Olivet Prophecy describes both a unique time of destruction and upheaval but also commonplace activities like eating, drinking, and marrying. How can this be?
COVID-19 and Returning to Normal
Commentary by David C. GrabbeWhile we naturally desire to 'get back to normal,' what the United States experienced before COVID-19 was hardly normal when viewed from God's perspective.
For the Children
Sermon by David C. GrabbeFor too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.
The Falling Away
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe scope of the prophesied falling away is obviously international, affecting the entire world, involving a dramatic global rejection of even basic truth.
Hedging Our Bet
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityMankind desires to see into the future to control what is to come, realizing that knowing a future outcome can take the hazard out of decision-making.