Why Intelligent People Surrender to Groupthink | Grey Matter with Dr. Andrew Fox

Why do intelligent and educated people sometimes surrender their own judgment to an ideology? In this episode of Grey Matter, Leighton Grey speaks with theologian, author, professor and Anglican priest Dr. Andrew Fox about his forthcoming book, Truth in the Age of Applause: How Stupidity Is Ruining the American Dream. Drawing upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dr. Fox argues that stupidity is not necessarily a lack of intelligence. It can become a moral and social condition in which otherwise rational people abandon independent judgment to gain approval, preserve their status or remain safely aligned with the prevailing ideology. Leighton and Andrew examine groupthink, multiculturalism, religious accommodation, gender ideology, women’s sports and the growing pressure upon Christians to remain silent about difficult cultural questions. Dr. Fox also recounts his dismissal as a volunteer chaplain with the Austin Fire Department after expressing his Christian beliefs on a personal blog. He explains why he refused to issue the apology demanded of him, how the resulting four-year legal battle affected him and why defending the Christian voice mattered more than avoiding personal hardship. The conversation ultimately moves beyond the culture war to consider a generation searching for something real. Drawing upon his research with hundreds of university students, Dr. Fox explains why politically and spiritually homeless young people are becoming interested in ancient liturgy, Communion, Christian tradition and an understanding of truth greater than personal preference. Can Gen Z resist the pressure to conform? And will older Christians leave the sidelines to give them the wisdom, mentorship and courage they need? Truth does not become true because the crowd applauds it.