J didn’t rise; why did followers become zealots?!

From The Age of Propaganda by Anthony Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson

"Marian Keech was a charismatic, middle-aged woman living in a large midwestern city who, in the early 1950s, claimed to be receiving messages from outer space. One evening in September, she received a message from the planet Clarion informing her that on December 21, the world would be destroyed by a great flood. The message went on to say that a fleet of flyingn saucers would come from Clarion to rescue her and those close to her.

Mrs. Keech attracted a small but loyal group of followers who fervently believed in her prophecy and who made a great many sacrifices consistent with this belief – they quit their jobs; gave away their money, houses, and possessions (who needs money and possessions on the planet Clarion?); and withdrew from their friends. A few even left their spouses.

Mrs. Keech also attracted a small group of social psychologists who infiltrated the movement, pretending to be believers, because they wanted to get a precise, close-up view of what these people would do after December 21 when they discovered that their prohecy had failed – if indeed, it did fail! The social psychologists noted that Mrs. Keech and her followers were a gentle, benign, reclusive group. One of the most interesting things about them was that they shunned publicity and discouraged converts; they were content to stick to themselves. They treated the "newcomers" politely, but they made it clear that it was of no consequence to them whether or not the newcomers chose to remain a part of the group. They were confident in their beliefs, but it was a quiet, nonflamboyant confidence. Mrs. Keech and her followers refurse to grant interviews to reporters and declined to publicize their beliefs in any way.

On the morning of Decmeber 20, Mrs. Keech received a message from the planet Clarion instructing her group to be prepared to be picked up precisely at midnight. They were also told to remove all metal from their clothing. The group complied; zippers and clasps were dutifully removed from trousers, skirts, and blouses. When midnight passed, the group became increasingly engulfed by feelings of anxiety and despair. By 4:00AM the group was sitting in stunned silence. But then, at 4:45AM, Mrs. Keech’s face suddenly took on a radiant glow; she had just received a message from Clarion to the effect that there was no longer any need for the flying saucers to descend – the world had been spared a cataclysm because of the unflagging faith of this small group of believers! The message went on to say that the little group, sitting all night long, had spread so much light that the God of the Earth had decided to save the world from destruction. As you might imagine, the group was relieved and elated to hear this news.

What the group did next caused the social psychologists to become elated. Within 24 hours, the true believers – this group of quiet, reclusive, shy people – began calling newspapers and TV stations to talk about their prophecy and why it had failed. They made speeches at the drop of a hat and stood on street corners handing out leaflets trying very hard to attract followers. Apparently, the group suddenly found it of urgent importance to spread its message to as broad an audience as possible. Why?

We would suggest that, after the initial elations, the group experienced some doubts; they had give up a great deal because of their belief in the imminent end of the world. The world had not ended, and they were now devoid of their homes, jobs, and possessions – even a few of them, their spouses. How could they be certain that they had done the right thing? How could they convince themselves that their behavior had not been absurd? By convincing others, of course! After their original prophecy failed, the group felt motivated to attract followers as a way of convincing themselves that they sacrifices they had made were not in vain; if they could somehow persuade others that their belief had saved the world, then they could allay their own doubts. In the process, they transform themselves from believers into zealots." [emphasis theirs]

hmmm. interesting story. i have one too. once in the Garden of Eden a naked and not particularly charismatic man and his wife deliberately diobeyed their Creator, a God so all-powerful that he could create the infinite universe and the complex mind of man. because of man’s sin he had to be eternally seperated from his Creator. God was not only almighty though, he was also loving and forgiving so..

(con’t) …he made a way for mankind to be permanently redeemed. He himself in the form of a man came to Earth (this is sometimes where the story gets complicated..the whole trinity thing and what not..but such is the mind of God.) he preached to over 1 million Middle Eastern citizens in a span of 3 years, before he was condemned for a crime he did not commit, humiliated, beaten, and crucified.

YAH

June 7, 2005

It illustrates what great stress can do to the mind. Their behavior sounds a lot like that of the 12 disciples, who appeared to lead a pretty stressful life as well.

Atheist Under Ur Bed

RYN: No. Wish I had the time! Re This Entry: Thanks for reminding me of this story. 🙂

His followers, unlike those of Ms. Keech, abandoned him, afraid for their own lives. They returned to their lives and occupations. They may have given everything up, but it was nothing they couldn’t get back. Three days later however, Jesus–an almighty God in the form of most perishable man–rose from the dead, fulfilling prophecy made thousands of years before

(sorry for the break, the story continues) only after his disciples saw Him did they return and zealously serve Him. after all, they believed him to be dead. your story, sir, is a rule. we defend to the death our once firm beliefs, even when they’re wrong. it’s a human flaw. my story is an exception to the rule. it’s the only time true resurrection has ever occured and the only time it ever will.

so pulchritudinous

June 8, 2005

(save the rapture of course) don’t try to defend your beliefs with stories of human nature. it exemplifies neither your intelligence nor your cleverness. Ms. Keech was a fraud. there are many. Fortunately, the disciples didn’t serve one. The ressurection, while often doubted, has never been disproved. in fact, the more it’s been studied, the more it has been proved. i’ll pray for you sir. -Megen

Jazmynroez

amazing. and sad. *sigh*

StealthPudge18

Interesting story. What does it prove? I know where you’re pointing with this, and it doesn’t prove a thing.

July 22nd 1991

June 10, 2005

That’s an interesting story, but one different from Christianity bro. Well for one, the masses didn’t believe in it. I know of NO groups who believe that story any more, yet after 1,977 years, 1.2 billion people still believe that Christ died for them. That is the difference. It’s how many can feel as see God moving in their lives, not some stange group of sci-fi movie fanatics (continued)

who believe that aliens are coming to save them. I was already saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. And through it we were given freedom. No doubt you’ve heard all this before and don’t want to hear it again, so I will let it go. Where did you hear this story, I find it slightly exagerated. Godspeed + The Philosopher of the Volta +

“Where did you hear this story” First line of the entry: From The Age of Propaganda by Anthony Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson

haredawg

I’m with the so what crowd on this one.

ghostwriter

June 11, 2005

Eh. It’s interesting. I’d like to know the source the author quotes, but in the end it matters little, as its is plausable and likely to have happened. The real question is.. did and of these people.. who were apparently spreading a belief they doubted to confirm themselves.. die for this cause? Would you die for something you doubt.. or know is a lie? The apostles died for their beliefs.

Digital Cabana Party

June 12, 2005

how can I join? I want Aliens to rescue me! people are funny. It is obvious to anyone poeple want to be needed and wanted. Family friends God. It’s instinct. So why are people surprised when UnHappy Sally and Downonhisluck Chuck suddden shave their heads and hit little cassonettes outside airports or castrate themselves waiting for a spaceship behind a comet or lead a holy crusade to wipe out

the enemy in a glorious bloodbath of slaughter, cash and prizes? oh ok that is going a bit far but people believe, they commit. they stick with it. They don’t want to be alone. they want to belong they want to share to love bla bla. maybe we are all depressed .. that’s why religions shiny coat attracks us so… meh

i will pray for you, because you need it