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. GrabbeIn the lead-up to the return of Christ, as described in the Olivet Prophecy, there exists a striking paradox where the worst of times will coincide with an appearance of normalcy among many. Jesus illustrates this in His references to the days of Noah and Lot, where people continued eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, …
COVID-19 and Returning to Normal
Commentary by David C. GrabbeAs the disruptions of the COVID-19 event persist, there is a pervasive desire to return to the way things were, driven by an overwhelming urge to reclaim some semblance of pre-COVID life. This longing for normalcy often overshadows the deeper issues at play. Despite knowing that life will inevitably be hard at times, human …
Perspective Matters
Sermonette by Craig SablichThe material contains no discussion of normalcy bias. No sections address this concept in relation to the topics presented.
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 byThe 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.