DEAR EDITOR:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, died for his beliefs in 1945, shortly before the end of World War II. Bonhoeffer wrote that there is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. Ignorance is simply not knowing, whereas stupidity is knowing, yet choosing to believe what the collective deems to be truth. He saw this firsthand as Nazi propaganda portrayed all Jews as evil, and much of the German population accepted the narrative without questioning the validity of the accusations.

Against stupidity we are defenseless. We can try to reason, present facts, and show evidence with logic, yet people seldom if ever change their beliefs. Admitting the lies or confronting the truth would force them to question themselves and their group, altering their perception of the world. We see this in our own nation along political lines, where echo chambers reinforce what people perceive as truth or justice without intellectual investigation, questioning, or honest debate about what is actually true. No matter how intelligent people are, they can be blinded by the powerful human need to belong to a cause or a group.

Now add religious belief into the equation. If a person is born into the Islamic tradition and its beliefs, how likely is it that they will convert to another religion or significantly change their thinking about governance? How likely is it that a country that frowns upon other religions will openly embrace different faiths in the future?

This raises a difficult geopolitical question: how do we win the peace in places like Iran?

Historically, we have been capable of removing oppressive power structures, but what follows is often much more difficult. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, many Iraqis initially celebrated their freedom, cheering in the streets. However, sectarian divisions between Sunni and Shiite groups, a Sunni insurgency against U.S. forces, and the rise of terrorist organizations created a power vacuum that led to prolonged internal conflict. A similar pattern occurred in Afghanistan. The Taliban were removed from power, yet after a rapid U.S. withdrawal they returned to control the country. Tribal divisions and oppression re-emerged, with freedoms once again restricted or altogether gone, particularly for women.

Changing the hearts and minds of people who have been raised with deeply ingrained beliefs is extraordinarily difficult. For many Christians, the answer lies not primarily in political force but in spiritual transformation. Only the power of Jesus Christ can truly reach the human heart. Therefore, we should pray for the people of Iran and for all those who suffer under oppression, asking that the grace of God would bless them with freedom of mind and spirit.

TIM SANTELL

Kinsman