This quote by Thomas Sowell, a social theorist, suggests that people believe things for two main reasons: First, Demonstrable Truth: Some beliefs are based on solid, proven evidence. Second, Repetition: Many other beliefs are held simply because they’ve been said over and over again, and people start to accept the repetition as if it were proof, even without actual evidence.
Demonstrable Truth: The Lord Jesus Christ declared, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) The birth, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension are historical truths. Those who wanted to prove that the gospel is a myth changed their opinion and became followers of the Lord. Frank Morrison was gripped by the truth of the gospel, the integrity of eyewitnesses, and other evidence; hence, he wrote the book: Who moved the stone? Lee Strobel wanted to disprove the gospel but ended up writing a book: A Case for Christ.
Repetition: Some believe certain traditions, legends, mythological stories, and fictions to be true. Thomas Sowell warns against mistaking familiarity or constant assertion for factual accuracy. When a myth is repeated several times, it becomes so familiar that people start believing it to be true and historical. Those in authority also constantly assert that such fables are true, hence people believe them to be true. When a false religious idea is taught in the family, practiced by the clan or caste, acknowledged by institutions, propagated by the media, and authorised by the government, people believe that such religion or practice is true.
Blinded: With the art and skill of repetition, Satan has infiltrated all aspects of life that influence the mind, and thus blinded the minds of people. Hence, they are unable to understand the gospel and see the glorious Lord Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 4:4) The more the repetitions of such untruth, vehemently by the government, the more difficult it becomes to preach the gospel. Sadly, instead of acknowledging their folly of following falsehood, they defend their futile ideas with more assertions, and even by violence.
Do I realise that gospel sharing is warfare of ideas? (II Corinthians 10:5)