Be True to Yourself Before You Seek the Truth

[Thanda]

I've been thinking lately about the role being true to oneself plays in their search for truth - spiritually speaking.

Basically I have noticed that certain failings in our characters can influence our perception or evaluation of religions or belief systems. I believe the most important thing a person can do before seeking the truth is to be true to what they already know.

While morality may be relative between different people, within each person there is no relativity. E.g. while for different people eating meat may be bad or okay, within each person eating meat is either bad or okay (I hope I'm making sense - I feel I've not worded this sentence very well).

So while a person may recognize that there are many opinions on a given subject, ultimately a person can only hold one opinion on a given subject. So while there may be many opinions about whether or not it is wrong to sleep with another man's wife, within each individual it is either wrong or not.

So what's my point? Well if each of us, through our conscience, are aware of truth, it is imperative that we live by the truth we perceive. By doing that we eliminate the chance for cognitive dissonance. If we believe something is wrong, we should avoid doing it. If we believe something is good we should strive to do it. If we fail to live up to our beliefs, instead of looking for justification and seeking to use arguments about relativism to make us feel better, we should own our error and our failure. We should make a goal to improve.

By employing this method we will ensure that when we search for truth, we are not looking for something to make us feel better about our failure to do what we believe to be right - but rather that we are honestly seeking for the truth. That which will help us learn about more of what is right and will assist us in accomplishing it.

Let me give an example for why I say this. One of the fastest growing sects of Christianity is the born again movement. Among them are not a few who believe that since Adam fell, there is no point in anyone trying to be righteous. Instead all people should do is believe in Jesus, then somehow Jesus righteousness will be credited to their accounts as if it was their own righteousness. The human desire to reap as much by sowing as little as possible is evident here. Since most people are not sure about the afterlife and the existence of God, they feel changing their lives is a risk as it is a cost without a certain return. And yet, being unsure, they desire to hedge their bets by at least doing something that will ensure things will be good for them on the other side - if there is an other side - while causing themselves as little discomfort on this side as possible. And so they come up with a theology in which they only need to believe in Jesus - or more specifically, say they believe in Jesus - and suddenly they will be alright in the life to come.

This kind of doctrine would clearly be appealing to anyone whose main concern is no longer feeling guilty rather than not doing those things that make them feel guilty - which is the more sincere view.

 

[allfoak]

If one is able to separate the true from the false within themselves they have learned the key to knowledge.

 

[prometheus11]

Agreed, people should not be hypocrites not engage in intellectual dishonesty. Sincerity is paramount.

 

[Jumi]

I don't think this not putting in effort is new. It's part of the state religion they tried to raise me in. Just getting baptized, having a personal relationship with Jesus was enough. Even if you are a horrible person, as long as you believe in Jesus you're alright. And people wonder why people are leaving the state Church in droves and feel it gives no meaning.

 

[Straw Dog]

While morality may be relative between different people, within each person there is no relativity. E.g. while for different people eating meat may be bad or okay, within each person eating meat is either bad or okay (I hope I'm making sense - I feel I've not worded this sentence very well).

So while a person may recognize that there are many opinions on a given subject, ultimately a person can only hold one opinion on a given subject. So while there may be many opinions about whether or not it is wrong to sleep with another man's wife, within each individual it is either wrong or not.

So what's my point? Well if each of us, through our conscience are aware of truth, it is imperative that we live by the truth we perceive. By doing to we eliminate the chance for cognitive dissonance. If we believe something is wrong, we should avoid doing it. If we believe something is good we should strive to do it. If we fail to live up to our beliefs, instead of looking for justification and seeking to use arguments about relativism to make us feel better, we should own our error and our failure. We should make a goal to improve.

I can dig it! At a certain point, there's no more room for ambiguity. We need to have a clear sense of purpose, follow our personal principles, and take a stand!

 

[Corthos]

I've been thinking lately about the role being true to oneself plays in their search for truth - spiritually speaking.

Basically I have noticed that certain failings in our characters can influence our perception or evaluation of religions or belief systems. I believe the most important thing a person can do before seeking the truth is to be true to what they already know.

While morality may be relative between different people, within each person there is no relativity. E.g. while for different people eating meat may be bad or okay, within each person eating meat is either bad or okay (I hope I'm making sense - I feel I've not worded this sentence very well).

So while a person may recognize that there are many opinions on a given subject, ultimately a person can only hold one opinion on a given subject. So while there may be many opinions about whether or not it is wrong to sleep with another man's wife, within each individual it is either wrong or not.

So what's my point? Well if each of us, through our conscience are aware of truth, it is imperative that we live by the truth we perceive. By doing to we eliminate the chance for cognitive dissonance. If we believe something is wrong, we should avoid doing it. If we believe something is good we should strive to do it. If we fail to live up to our beliefs, instead of looking for justification and seeking to use arguments about relativism to make us feel better, we should own our error and our failure. We should make a goal to improve.

By employing this method we will ensure that when we search for truth, we are not looking for something to make us feel better about our failure to do what we believe to be right - but rather that we are honestly seeking for the truth. That which will help learn about more of what is right and will assist us in accomplishing it.

Let me give an example for why I say this. One of the fastest growing sects of Christianity is the born again movement. Among them are not a few who believe that since Adam fell, there is no point in anyone trying to be righteous. Instead all people should do is believe in Jesus, then somehow Jesus righteous will be credited to their accounts as if it was their own righteousness. The human desire to reap as much by sowing as little as possible is evident here. Since most people are not sure about the afterlife and the existence of God, they feel changing their lives is a risk as it is a cost without a certain return. And yet, being unsure, they desire to hedge their bets by at least doing something that will ensure things will be good for them on the other side - if there is an other side - while causing themselves as little discomfort on this side as possible. And so they come up with a theology in which they only need to believe in Jesus - or more specifically, say they in Jesus - and suddenly they will be alright in the life to come.

This kind of doctrine would clearly be appealing to anyone whose main concern is no longer feeling guilty rather than not doing those things that make them feel guilty - which is the more sincere view.

You very eloquently put into words something I've been feeling for a while, but never really thought about in a serious way until lately. I came to these boards with the original intent of educating myself in the nature of Islam, and how that relates to the death cult of ISIS. I've put that goal aside for now, however, as you folks have helped enlighten me, and have rekindled the spiritual embers that had faded into dormancy over the years. A sincere thank you to everyone. =)

 

[Laika]

And so they come up with a theology in which they only need to believe in Jesus - or more specifically, say they in Jesus - and suddenly they will be alright in the life to come.

Fredrich Nietzsche observed that Christianity was a betrayal of Jesus's teachings. The point was not to slavishly worship Jesus as divine, but to become as Jesus was as a man. I have always liked that idea.

 

[Thanda]

Fredrich Nietzsche observed that Christianity was a betrayal of Jesus's teachings. The point was not to slavishly worship Jesus as divine, but to become as Jesus was as a man. I have always liked that idea.

I personally don't think recognizing Jesus divinity is a problem (I'm Christian myself). My problem is people cherry picking Paul's words in order to create a religion that doesn't make sense. The gospels make it quite clear that believing in Jesus is not a free ride that leads you to heaven. The incident where the rich young man comes and asks Jesus what to do to gain eternal life is instructive.

16 ¶And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.​

Jesus had the perfect opportunity here, if certain christian sects are to be believed, to tell this man to stop fretting and just believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Instead Jesus recited some of the 10 commandments as well as the commandment to love others. And then He told the young man that if He wants to be perfect, he must leave behind the things of the world and follow him. Now contrast this with certain Christian sects which constantly preach about prosperity. They are certainly not teaching their congregations to forsake the world.

​

 

[Laika]

Jesus had the perfect opportunity here, if certain christian sects are to be believed, to tell this man to stop fretting and Jesus believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Instead Jesus recited some of the 10 commandments as well as the commandment to love others.

My understanding is that the divinity of jesus was a later historical invention to solidify the power of the church. So to me it would make perfect sense therefore that a historical jesus (as a man and a prophet) would therefore ask his followers to follow the instructions of the bible, as the measure of belief is not what we profess is right but our willingness to act on it.

 

[Thanda]

My understanding is that the divinity of jesus was a later historical invention to solidify the power of the church. So to me it would make perfect sense therefore that a historical jesus (as a man and a prophet) would therefore ask his followers to follow the instructions of the bible, as the measure of belief is not what we profess is right but our willingness to act on it.

On that we will obviously disagree. I believe Jesus was divine and that faith in him is essential if we are to reach perfection. Here in these very verses I have quoted when the young man asked what more he could do than live the commandments Jesus told him to leave the things of the world and follow him. Christ knows how to navigate this world of sin and come out on top.

"In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

"28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I ammeek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30​

Of course you may not believe what is written about what he said. But if you do then there is no denying that Jesus set himself is something more than a prophet.

 

[Laika]

On that we will obviously disagree. I believe Jesus was divine and that faith in him is essential if we are to reach perfection. Here in these very verses I have quoted when the young man asked what more he could do than live the commandments Jesus told him to leave the things of the world and follow him. Christ knows how to navigate this world of sin and come out on top.

"In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" John 16:33.

"28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I ammeek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30​

Of course you may not believe what is written about what he said. But if you do then there is no denying that Jesus set himself is something more than a prophet.

I don't feel offended in you rejecting my assertion. I could argue that the bible is a man-made document that has gone through a process of "chinese whispers" over the years, but I am not qualified to make that argument. my knowledge of christianity is only of it as "cultural christianity", so I'm not informed enough to know the history or traditions enough to reject your position. I wouldn't even know where to look honestly, so I'm comfortable saying "I don't know".