Fake News, Confirmation Bias, the Search for Truth, and the Theology Student

Abstract

In an era in which the reliability of many kinds of information are in question, the theological library has a crucial role to play in guiding students in their evaluation of the resources available to them both within and outside of our collections.  Confirmation bias creates a strong obstacle, as does the tendency for theological students to create fortresses of belief that prevent them from fully engaging with all views and evaluating them both openly and effectively.  While students may have varying opinions about the possibility of finding truth, they need to discover the best means to come to a strong measure of certainty.