No. 50: Part 2--Believing
January 15th 2010 00:00
Knowing the Road
In Part 1, paragraph three, a listing of reasons why the world is in need of answers to our spiritual questions was given. One can query an Internet search engine for a simple look at drug/alcohol abuses, school dropout rates, religious affiliation attendance, crime, prison populations, mental health problems, dissatisfaction with political policies, and a break-down in civil courtesies, etc. If we do some of these searches, we can see the information begs an encore shout: “Houston, we have a problem!”
You might think that in a time wherein knowledge has increased in so many ways, we would all see the need for jumping on the learning train. One also might think that reason would be over-ruling emotion, and the average person could see through much of the hype, and desire to know more. But, this is not always true, for many people seem comfortable just riding the waves of life—no matter how choppy-- instead of building a stronger knowledge vessel--one that might not be tossed so badly in life.
One must be honest with one’s self. Do you know what you believe? A good way to practice and study your self is to ask others. You may try asking people what they believe. One reason could be that we are social creatures and like identifying with others. It is not only the political party supporters, and religious attendees, who fit this tag, but gang members and association affiliates do also. When questioned, there will usually be a quick, curt, reply intended to silence you, while saving face for the respondent. They will reply with something like: “Oh, I am a________,” (which may be the religious or political title for an affiliation.) By that reply, you are expected to know the creed, dogma or platform for an organization, and associate it with that person. When you delve further, you will either see the physical, and/or hear, the squirming. Continue onward and see the blood boiling in faces. It is rare you will be given ample time for fairness in a genuine discussion. Most people are too uncomfortable for it.
If you are fortunate enough, as I have been over the years, to continue the discussion, you will most always find people are still seeking answers, sometimes even to the most basic political and religious questions. Once you have established a non-threatening environment by your demeanor, some will express their uneasiness with much of what they have understood in the past.
Why do you think people, including you, react in these ways? One reason could be that we are social creatures and like identifying with others. It is not only the political party supporters, and religious attendees, who fit this tag, but gang members do also. Or, it could be that questioning ones belief system is like questioning why someone chose their house or neighborhood – it can be taken as a challenge to their individual choices, and thus their intelligence.
Another reason could be that much information is coming in too quickly, and many are in information overload. Until one has the time for assimilation of knowledge, dissonance can result, along with its accompanying discomfort. Sometimes, people may feel it is easier just to chunk it all, and rebel against those who push their views on them with too much too often. Young people are usually the first to react this way because they have too few reference points with which to begin. Occasionally, however, an older person will throw in the towel. This may be because, in his/her earlier years, the discomfort was never discharged by asking questions, and finding answers soon enough. This caused the discomfort to continue growing. Both the earlier and later forms of rebellion mentioned, usually prove to be destructive in several facets of life. See paragraph 3 of Part 1 again.
What about faith? I do agree with the Bible’s definition. There are, however, some things that could be considered: If faith brings you complete comfort and lack of troubling questions, then perhaps this is the route for you. If not, you may want to consider that “faith” can be an easy scapegoat for not questioning and satisfying your hunger for spiritual knowledge.
Earlier, I wrote that beliefs and opinions are based upon prior knowledge. If this is true, then you may ask: Do I have enough knowledge to explain my positions to myself? If the answer is no, then you would be well advised to get on the learning train and find out more about your “beliefs,” opinions and affiliations, while not fearing opposing views.
Truly examining our belief systems can be refreshing and rewarding. Knowing what we truly believe can lessen stress, develop creativity and add a sense of purpose to our lives. It is not only better for the individual, but for society at large.
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Next, we will look at some modern information that has come to light. How will you assimilate it?
Please keep it between the lines.
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