Why do true believers believe in woo woo despite evidence to the contrary?

Question

Sylvia Browne, John Edwards and several others enjoy a status whereby even if they never prove their claims people believe them.

Take for example, has there ever been any concrete evidence as to any of the things they claim? I believe not, however, many of the defenses of the people who believe them claim that it is because they have said it, it must be so. Even when confronted with the circular logic of their validations, these people still hold that these claims are true. The concern is that this is not an exercise in being "entertained" but more a good amount of gullible people being lead by their desire to connect to something special in their lives that otherwise does not seem to be there. I am asking exactly what causes this phenomenon time and time again where a reasonable seeming person could become a sheeple, disciple in the face of evidence that they are no more or less gifted than the people they believe in.

Answer 1

believing in something just because another says its that way is foolish,God told us to test and make sure,He said my sheep know my voice and gave us discernment to tell whether its true,why are people so worried about proof if there is not something that we believe in not true/to many people ask for proof which only proves He lives why if they didnt really believe somewhere in their heart would they just not be indifferent and ignore the fact...............God Bless

Answer 2

In reference to Sylvia Browne, when she wrote her first book, and claimed to have had a near death experience, etc., it was obvious to anyone who has ever understood the Bible, that she was full of crap. She said that she saw people sewing white garments to be used for those who make it to Heaven, for example.
The White garment as mentioned in the Book of Revelation, is a spiritual garment - it is the "clothing" one would wear that is made up of the persons works, or rightious acts, which is the only thing you can take with you.
It was obvious throughout her book, that she sat down with a Bible, and pulled from it things that "looked good" and then built her story around them - not even knowing what they were really saying or the real Biblical meaning behind them.
She is a complete fraud; anyone who would listen to that women is an idiot.
God does not need Sylvia Browne to teach people what is going to happen in their futures; Christ said it pretty plainly in the Book of Mark:
"Behold, I have foretold you all things." And, in fact, He has.
This is just another example of people listening to "man" (no gender intended) instead of to God. Its a hugh mistake, and its making the woman rich. I'd love the opportunity to let the quack "read" me.

Answer 3

While I do not disagree with you I would like to point out one thing. When you say, "Take for example," you should actually give an example for the reader to take. Your argument would be better served.

As far as the "woo woo" peddlers go, they are just a bunch of con artists making a buck off the simple minded.

Answer 4

I wish I could give you an answer, But I have never heard of these people. But If I am going to follow someone, Then their teachings has to line up with the word of God 100%, or I will be gone.

Answer 5

People believe in psychics because they want to believe in psychics

Answer 6

Because the truth hurts!

Answer 7

I feel sorry for believeres in psychics.

Answer 8

Sigh... things like this HAPPEN when you teach people that magic is real.

Answer 9

Maybe because it's fun.

Answer 10

conformity