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We are living in a challenging world with the 24 hour news feed and the inundation of opinions being expressed as fact, truth, or gospel. But, truth is not always fact AND fact is not always truth depending on the context of the message being presented. What is most unfortunate, IN MY OPINION, is the vulnerability of so many people that may feel connected to a message at its surface, but are not willing or able to peel back the layers of that message (yes, like an onion) to think more critically about the message and its meaning. Critical thinking does not take formal training, but it does take the willingness to assess why a specific message feels more truthful than another. If the message is based primarily in opinion and presents no factual data then it is likely that the message is sparking an emotional response within.
Truth's are that which are in accordance with fact or reality. Synonyms include veracity, verity, and honesty all of which may be considered to be based in scientific truth, but very well may not.
Scientific truth differs from theory. Theory is more of a system of ideas meant to explain something, but not necessarily yet proven. Thus, scientific truths are reproducible and factual while scientific theories are not.
Scientific truth- All humans have DNA within their bodies. This is fact.
Scientific theory- Humans evolved through Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. There is strong evidence to support, however not exclusively reproducible.
Next consider Spiritual truth and take a moment to appreciate the difficulty in offering one concise definition for a subject that is largely intangible and unable to be reproduced. Spiritual truth is what aligns within our deeper self and what feels most right to us. Spiritual truth's are what we believe connects us to a higher power, God, Source, Universe, Buddha...and some may connect solely with self. Is it possible that such truth is what prompts us to react and respond emotionally to opinions of others that do not align with our belief system? Is it possible that much of today's political rhetoric is purposefully designed to illicit emotional responses from differing truth's and thus amplify division?
I encourage you to take a moment and peel back the layers of these statements to consider why you may agree or disagree.
Standing in your truth is important. Equally important is respecting the truth of others. Different truth's can co-exist as long as they do not malign or create an environment of disrespect or hostility.
A Democrat can be happily married to a Republican. As can a person of Jewish faith be happily married to a Christian. It is the fundamental appreciation that although our truth's differ this does not preclude us from a respectful and loving relationship.
So, the next time you are presented with a truth that either feels right or doesn't take a moment to do the following:
~ Assess how you feel in the moment. Do you agree or not? Are you emotional?
~ Is this truth factual or more opinionated?
~ Peel back the layers and think more critically. Do you still agree? Do you still disagree?
Are you able to see why the other person's truth is such.
~ Review your emotions good, bad, and ugly and then try to HONOR them for deeper lessons.
