My previous posts on “what is true and real?” have been focused on spiritual belief, examining the “mirage” quality of my faith. I have not exhausted that subject but today I want to look at “what is true and real?” in the context of our deeply divided society.
Since watching the events of January 6 and listening to voices echoing sentiments of those who stormed the capitol, I have wrestled with anxiety and struggled to remain calm and resist the urge to vent. This post has been in the oven for a week or more. Every time I started to write, my mind was muddled, my thoughts so random that I couldn’t continue. Hopefully, my thoughts have marinated enough to make sense not just an echo of continuing outrage.
I have become convinced our answers to “What is true and real?”is what divides us. There is no question, those with whom I disagree believe their narrative is true and real. One principle which neither of us are willing to compromise … there can be only one truth.. leaves no capacity for empathy, sympathy, mercy, much less compromise. Being “right” justifies dismissal and condemnation of them. (just their views, after all I hate the sin not the sinner).
For those near, dismissal and condemnation is hidden, for others, my resentment, anger, disdain, hatred, is restrained by a costume of righteousness…the seams of which are weakening. Facts, data are useless in the face of self-certified truth. Bias, preconception, self-righteousness are fruits of our secular autonomous selves. I find few exceptions to that conundrum on either side. Unless we are willing to accept protracted conflict and further dismantling of our democracy and relationships, dismissal and demonization of “them” is not a viable option. Unfortunately, I am seeing more and more people willing to sacrifice any and everything to defend “truth”.
After conversations and calmer reflection, I have remained steadfast in my condemnation of insurrection, violence and hatred. However, it would be a mistake to dismiss “them” in mass. As in all tribes and families, there are toxic people that must be dismissed and/or abandoned to proper consequences.
Toxic people have such an outsized influence on our perceptions of the world, something as simple as blocking or unfollowing 5-10% of the people you used to follow, and checking the news once a week instead of once a day, can be completely transformational for your day-to-day experience and general mood.
Mark Manson
I want to believe the solution is simple… truth is truth… so what’s the problem?
Absolute truth?
For most of my life I held an uncontested belief that truth is absolute. A belief supported by unexamined assertions of my religious education. For example:
“All truth is found in the Bible.”
“… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“the Bible is inerrant and infallible”
Armed with confidence that “truth is absolute” any … inherited, discerned, or taught truth was indisputable. I was a willing to defend truth at all costs.
When you believe you have the truth and truth is absolute. there are no limits.
Are you sure it is true?
More to come.
Still on the journey.