It was my understanding that "cognitive dissonance" was holding two or more contradictory beliefs as true, at the same time, causing a kind of mental anguish, that usually manifests in irrational and/or neurotic behavior(s) or some kind. This kind of thing is most common in religious persons, although it is possible for anyone to suffer from it.

That pretty much aligns with my understanding of the term, and the typical reaction of people who are indoctrinated in a fundamentalist religion or personality cult (e.g. Evangelical Christianity or MAGA Republicanism).