Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly upon our own point of view. But that doesn't mean that Truth itself is subjective. We have various methods to verify or falsify our stories, and we can usually rely on the reasonable agreement of others. Why does this matter?
- our senses are unreliable
- our perspective shows all
we perceive
- we create a narrative to
hold everything together
- we select facts to support
assumptions about reality
So, what we call truth depends upon what we value and want to believe.
How can we achieve reliable Truth?
1. Stories & Myths (Primal)
- this is what worked before
- this is how we think & act
- this is what makes life worth
living & keeps us together
- can be a cause for conflict
2. Logical methods (Socrates)
- assumptions & premises
- deduction & inference
- selects what it wants to prove
- can still go awry
3. Faith & Revelation (Abraham)
- assumes Truth is absolute
- accessible only to a few
- often used for political agenda
- untestable, no verify or falsify
4. Scientific method (Newton)
- uses experience & logic
- based on previous facts & data
- develops hypothesis
- tests assumptions
- retests for repeatable results
- peer review
- can be overturned by new facts
But ALWAYS, Truth depends on Trust, and our own Experience, as much as relying on the available Evidence or Witnesses, because any information exchange requires a shared Narrative.
What is Truth's Value and Purpose?
1. to help us adapt to the world
2. to guide our choices & decisions
3. to define our relationships
4. to lend us meaning for living
5. to discern if we can become
transcendent & what that may
mean
There are possible alternative explanations of reality:
1. Can science know everything? Science only works when you can try experiments.
2. Is there really a God, or not? That is a matter only faith can answer.
3. Are we inside a computer simulation? Can you point out anything to break the suspense?
4. Is everything only in my mind? Solipsism can be a dangerous trap, leading to insanity.
5. Are humans even capable of actually understanding Reality? We seem to be pretty good at putting the clues together.
6. Is reality malleable? Some things can be changed, but can the rules also be changed?
What do you think?
Can you believe in more than one Truth at the same time? If so, which will take precedence in authority? Do they concern different aspects of your life and perspectives? Which has the greatest influence over your choices and behavior? Do you consciously favor one or the other?
No man can serve two masters, either he will love one and hate the other, or he will despise the one and be devoted to the other.
Limits to freedom of speech:
What is wrong, and should be stopped?
1. selecting anomalous data, or fabrication contrary to facts, unless noted as fiction
2. words or actions meant to deceive or harm others by misleading or concealment
3. influencing the listener's behavior toward others based on misinformation
4. resulting in the creation of psychological disturbance or confusion
5. to create impediments to spiritual growth, or lead us to a dystopian future
This is why we have such a controversy and sarcasm over "alternative facts."
Unless you can back up your story with reliable, agreed upon data, it may be judged to be a lie. If so, your motives will be subject to question, especially when it's apparent that you have something to hide, and you don't want anyone snooping around.
"May Adonai bless you and protect you! May Adonai deal kindly and graciously with you! May Adonai lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace!" (Torah, Numbers 6:24-26) And Jesus said, "Allow the little children to come unto me. Forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say unto you, unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a little child does, you shall not enter therein." (New Testament, Mark 10:14-16)
Sojourning at an Oasis Paradise
My purpose for living this life, and for writing this blog, is to understand the faith that links us to God. I wish to explore and discuss the reality at the heart of all of the world's religions. This is an immense task, but I know that God also has faith in us, trusting that we do desire the truth, as well as freedom, love and wisdom. Thus, as always, He meets us halfway. Even as God has given us individual souls, so we must each of us trace out an individual pathway to God. Whether we reside in the cities of orthodox religion, or wend our solitary ways through the barren wastelands, God watches over us and offers us guidance and sustenance for the journey.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
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