Sermon Central
-
The "Group-Think" Impulse PRO
Contributed by Robert Joseph on Jun 1, 2013 (message contributor)
THE "GROUP-THINK" IMPULSE
Stand up for the truth. Romans 12:2 says, "...Do not be conformed to this world..." [NKJV]
People today show a stong tendency to adjust their opinions to match those of the group. This goes a long way towards explaining why only a fraction of the educated population of North America (or anywhere else for that matter) is prepared to think for themselves, even where issues of grave importance are involved.
In his book, "Iconoclast," Dr. Gregory Berns says, "Iconoclastic thinking is a minority trait. The brain is hard wired to conform."
He points to a study in which a group of people were recruited for a project, but first tested privately. On their own, these individuals determined the correct answer to a question 86% of the time.
But when told that their group had given a different answer to the question (which in fact was the wrong answer), almost a third of those tested abandoned the correct answer in order to conform with the prevailing opinion of the group.
Obviously, the degree to which this "group think"...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Young Husband And Wife Had Not Been Married ...
Contributed by Howard Parnell on Sep 20, 2002
A young husband and wife had not been married very long when the husband lost his job. At first he was busy looking for a new job, filling out applications and such. But as time wore on he grew more accustomed to his new role as one of the unemployed. After a few months it got to where he spent ...read more
-
A Little Girl Came Very Early One Morning To Her ...
Contributed by Evie Megginson on Jul 23, 2004
A little girl came very early one morning to her mother, saying: "Which is worse, Mamma, to tell a lie or to steal?" The mother replied that both were so sinful she could not tell which was the worse. "Well, Mamma," replied the little one, "I’ve been thinking a good deal about it, and I think it is ...read more
-
The Chief Executive Officer Of A Manufacturing ...
Contributed by Tim Zingale on Jan 4, 2005
The chief executive officer of a manufacturing firm got into the habit of showing up in the production area unannounced. Sometimes he would take off his coat and tie, roll up his sleeves, and help on the assembly line. One of the bolder employees asked him one day, "Why do you do that?" "I don’t ...read more
-
When Rosina Hernandez Was In College, She Once ...
Contributed by Tim Zingale on Jan 4, 2005
When Rosina Hernandez was in college, she once attended a rock concert at which one young man was brutally beaten by another. No one made an attempt to stop the beating. The next day she was struck dumb to learn that the youth had died as a result of the pounding. Yet neither she nor anyone else ...read more
-
When Life Crashes In PRO
Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Aug 20, 2004
When Life Crashes In The classic MG moved briskly through the afternoon traffic. The drive enjoyed the quick response of the small high-powered convertible. After driving her station wagon, this little red car was rather like taking off her boots and putting on sneakers. Driving along with the ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Failure Isn't Fatal Series
Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 29, 2018
When it comes to failure and sin in your life, you have two options. You can try to hide it, or you can admit it.
-
The Greatest Problem Facing The Church
Contributed by Steve Hereford on Sep 16, 2006
What is the greatest problem facing the church? It is money, politics, morals, or false teaching? In this message, Pastor Steve accesses our greatest need.
-
If You See A Good Fight...get In It
Contributed by Spencer Miller on Aug 17, 2013
The Christian faith does not offer an illusory hope of life on earth without evil. Instead, Christian faith calls us to fight evil with good in the world as it is.
-
Humility, Yielding, Surrender
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Sep 28, 2019
A humble heart is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship with God.
-
The Joy Of Persecution? Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 20, 2018
Paul said that he hoped that he might share in Jesus' suffering. Seriously? Why would he want that?
