What Really Happens When Prophecy Fails: The Case of Lubavitch.

From: Sociology of Religion | Date: September 22, 2001| Author: Dein, Simon | Copyright information

Simon Dein [*]

Until fairly recently Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance has been the standard paradigm for understanding reactions to foiled prophecy. This theory has been criticized on both empirical and theoretical grounds. Festinger's approach fails to pay sufficient attention to the perspectives and interpretations of followers, who are seen by him as irrational and driven by forces beyond their understanding. This paper examines messianic belief among Lubavi...

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