there are three truths that i have run across thus far in my life. i am sure to find more, or add to my simple list. at the end of the day it is truth we really want, whether in politics, or religion, or love; it is truth we desire.
1. relative truth: this truth is much more based not on the philosophical definition of relative truth (as in relative or subjective) but on relative as in a personal opinion. Where as a relativist would think that what is true for me may or may not be true for someone else, i am simplifying it to the notion that this type of truth is based on personal sentiment; such as this is my favorite type of food, this is my favorite hobby, this is my favorite type of music. this truth changes throughout life, whether by investigation into other types of cultures or opportunities.
2. truth/knowledge: this is truth that crosses cultures, races, and religion. such as the law of gravity, mathematics, and basic chemistry. no matter what god you believe in, if you throw a rock into the sky gravity is going to pull it back down to the earth. this truth does not waiver or change as rapidly as ones own personal ‘relative’ truth. this can be taught, learned, and expounded upon.
3. The Truth/The Way. this, i feel, is the deepest of all truth. this truth does not change but surpasses far beyond this life. this is one’s own personal belief in a higher power. if one believes that there is something beyond themselves, and after careful and meticulous investigation begins to follow the faith with all their mind, body, and soul than they to would agree that this is the deepest of all truths. for in this truth we find that it trumps both relative truth and knowledge. it is not in the calculations that we find this truth, but in our hearts. ‘we know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart.’ -b. pascal
for me i have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, but that does not mean that i do not still have questions, it simply means i know who to turn to when i need the answers. as well, it does not mean that i do not search; i listen for knowledge wherever i can find it. i am NOT a proponent of universalism, but i do want to be a universal man (uomo universale). please do not confuse the two, i want to know as much as i can about this world (and all of its cultures) that i believe God created.
‘seek and ye shall find,’ this search of for life and God is not one that requires a day or two of study, but a lifetime of longing and exploring. pierre abelard once said ‘the beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth.’ it’s human to doubt, its ending the conquest for truth that is foolish.
