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Bertrand Russell once said:
“Although this may seem a paradox, all exact science is based on the idea of approximation. If a man tells you he knows a thing exactly, then you can be safe in inferring that you are speaking to an inexact man”.
Although Russell is talking about scientific knowledge, I think his quote has has implications for even spiritual knowledge, in my view. Too often we claim we know things, when really, all we have is spiritual or physical indications that reduce the uncertainty surrounding a particular belief.
For example, I don’t know for sure God exists. But I have more evidence that he DOES exist, than evidence he DOESN’T exist. Scientific or objective evidence conflicts to the point there is no reduction in uncertainty after reading it. However, I have feelings that come to me when I pray. I have the presence of the universe whose creation is far beyond what I would expect to happen due to chance collision of molecules. These things point to he probability that He exists, more than the probability He doesn’t.
So, when you look at yoru own testimony of anything spiritual, can you really ever say you know? But can you say your spiritual experiences have led you to believe there is a higher probability that principle is true, than it isn’t? And would this be a valid, accepted testimony in our Church?
“A conclusion is when you got tired of thinking.” IMO, nothing is 100% knowable… because of all of the countless perspectives, possibilities etc.
We just slap labels on to simplify & help us feel sane.
:thumbup: When in reality… there is no one single “reality.”
🙂 I’ve written extensively about my belief in embracing uncertainty and “real faith”. I have almost no time right now, so if anyone is interested, go to my personal blog and click on the links in the “Labels” section for “Certainty” (4 posts) and “Faith” (44 posts). If there is one post I would recommend, it is:
“To Be More Humble: The Danger of Being Absolutely Certain”( http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-be-more-humble-danger-of-being.html In his December 8 Washington Post column, Michael Gerson wrote: Quote:He combines absolute certainty in any given moment with continual reinvention over time.
He was talking about Newt Gingrich, but the statement (and the paradox it summons to mind) can be applied elsewhere.
Cadence wrote:To quote Socrates, “all I know is that I know nothing”
I was harping on that for a while, but some believed it’s astounding that people who believe they know nothing with any certainty can claim with such certainty they know nothing.
This is going to sound trite so get ready. I know with certainty that I am Loved. More than I probably deserve.
I see it everytime I am greeted by my Grandchildren, Children, Inlaws & Wife.
I feel it everytime I contemplate my relationship with my God.
It maybe hasn’t always been that way.
But for today at 10pm, Dec 12, 2010 it is.
Mike from Milton.
Mike wrote:But for today at 10pm, Dec 12, 2010 it is.
Eternal life exists in the moment.I would think that at Dec 12, 2010, 10pm, you experenced eternity.
It doesn’t get any better than that.
and it never will.
cheers!
SilentDawning wrote:Cadence wrote:To quote Socrates, “all I know is that I know nothing”
I was harping on that for a while, but some believed it’s astounding that people who believe they know nothing with any certainty can claim with such certainty they know nothing.
“not knowing is true knowledge” – Lao Tzu Chapter 71.See byline, below.
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