False Pattern Recognition, Conspiracy Theories, and the Need for Well-Calibrated Perception
Alastair RobertsFalse Pattern Recognition, Conspiracy Theories, and the Need for Well-Calibrated Perception
March 2, 2019
Alastair Roberts
Today I discuss the dangers of poorly calibrated pattern recognition in biblical study.
Within this video, I mention 'The Pyramid and the Garden' by Scott Alexander: https://slatestarcodex.com/2016/11/05/the-pyramid-and-the-garden/. I also mention Gordon Wenham's treatment of the Flood Narrative: https://www.godawa.com/chronicles_of_the_nephilim/Articles_By_Others/Wenham-Coherence_Flood_Narrative.pdf.
My blog for my podcasts and videos is found here: https://adversariapodcast.com/.
If you have any questions, you can leave them on my Curious Cat account: https://curiouscat.me/zugzwanged.
If you have enjoyed these talks, please tell your friends and consider supporting me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/zugzwanged. You can also support me using my PayPal account: https://bit.ly/2RLaUcB.
The audio of all of my videos is available on my Soundcloud account: https://soundcloud.com/alastairadversaria. You can also listen to the audio of these episodes on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/alastairs-adversaria/id1416351035?mt=2.
More From Alastair Roberts
The Family of Abraham: Part 1—Introduction
Alastair Roberts
March 4, 2019
The story of Abraham and his family occupies the majority of the book of Genesis. Today I start a series on this story, exploring it as a densely inte
The Family of Abraham: Part 2—A Dead Brother and a Barren Wife
Alastair Roberts
March 5, 2019
This is the second part of my series of videos on the family of Abraham. Within it, I discuss the background to the call of Abram in the story of the
The Family of Abraham: Part 3—Exodus from Egypt and the Departure of Lot
Alastair Roberts
March 6, 2019
In the third part of my study of the story of Abraham and his family, I discuss Abram's sojourn in the land of Egypt, his journeys in Canaan, and his
Q&A#112 Is the Samaritan Woman Like Hagar and Other Such Questions
Alastair Roberts
March 1, 2019
Today's question: "The story of Hagar found in Genesis 16 reminds me of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Both accounts involve a woman who is (in some s
Q&A#111 Joanna the Wife of Chuza
Alastair Roberts
February 28, 2019
Today's question: "Is there more significance than immediately meets the eye in the reference to 'Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager
Q&A#110 The Test of Jealousy
Alastair Roberts
February 22, 2019
Today's question: "How should we interpret the water of bitterness in the ordeal for adultery in Numbers chapter 5? Is this some sort of a miracle on
More on OpenTheo
What Apologetics Strategies Can We Use with Agnostics?
#STRask
May 30, 2024
Questions about apologetics strategies to use with an agnostic who says it’s pointless to worry about whether there is a God because we can’t know if
The Internet is the Negative World
Alastair Roberts
May 14, 2024
The following is a reading from this post: https://argosy.substack.com/p/33-the-internet-is-the-negative-world. Within it, I discuss Aaron Renn's rece
Screening Screens
For The King
June 19, 2024
How should we think about screen as Christians? We hope this episode answers that exact questions. One thing that was omitted is that screens also con
#221 Big Questions for Tom from Children: why did God make mosquitos? why does this world suffer?! did God create hell? (replay)
Ask NT Wright Anything
June 13, 2024
Tom answers children's questions on today's show and tackles some of the ways we talk to children about tricky things like suffering and hell (and mos
Lydia McGrew Answered! More Methodological Missteps
Risen Jesus
June 21, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Licona walks us through more missteps by Lydia Mcgrew, including false dichotomies on the issues of chronological narration, and
Should I Stick with My Decision if I Prayed About It Beforehand?
#STRask
July 1, 2024
Questions about whether you should stick with a decision you made that didn’t work out as you hoped if you prayed about it beforehand and how you can
Your Identity in Christ and the Difference it Makes
Knight & Rose Show
June 8, 2024
Wintery Knight and Desert Rose discuss the concept of "identity in Christ". We discuss how your identity in Christ changes your desires, capabilities,
What Should I Say to a Reformed Christian Who Dismisses Many Non-Believers as Lost Causes?
#STRask
June 17, 2024
Questions about the best way to respond to someone who believes in double predestination and who dismisses many non-believers as lost causes and wheth
Is Matthew 23:23 an Argument for Social Justice?
#STRask
May 13, 2024
Questions about how to respond to someone who uses Matthew 23:23 as an argument for social justice and what to say to a family member who argues that
Theologian Krista Bontrager on Diversity
Knight & Rose Show
April 20, 2024
Wintery Knight and Desert Rose interview Krista Bontrager about diversity, equity and inclusion. What is diversity? Are there any benefits to diversit
Do You Believe in the Clarity of Scripture?
#STRask
May 6, 2024
Question about whether Stand to Reason accepts the doctrine of biblical perspicuity (the idea that the Bible is clear in what it teaches about essenti
Won’t Jesus Only Be Able to Interact with One Person at a Time?
#STRask
June 27, 2024
Questions about how being with Jesus continually will be the highlight of eternity if he’ll only be able to interact with one person at a time since h
What Should I Say to a Reformed Christian Who Dismisses Many Non-Believers as Lost Causes?
#STRask
June 13, 2024
Questions about the best way to respond to someone who believes in double predestination and who dismisses many non-believers as lost causes and wheth
Does the Bible Teach That Elijah Was Reincarnated as John the Baptist?
#STRask
May 9, 2024
Questions about responding to someone who says the Bible teaches reincarnation when it says John the Baptist “is Elijah who was to come” in Matthew 11
Drinking, Merriment, and Heaven
For The King
May 8, 2024
What is the biblical view of alcohol?
https://fortheking.substack.com/p/drinking-merriment-and-heaven
Parallel Christian Economy
* Ref