The Pursuit of Truth - Introductory Blog
For a long time, I wanted to begin a segment dedicated to exploring one of the most profound questions in life : What is Truth ?
Then the question comes, why explore it ? Isn't this the very foundation of how we live, act and perceive the world ? Doesn’t everything that flows from you depend on this investigation? “What do you mean” - is probably the question that is swirling in your mind.
Why Truth - and not Lies ?
Imagine building your life on lies . Be it relationships, work , social life …. How would it transform? And mind you I am not projecting the bare ability to lie but rather something deeper . Lie in the sense of going against the behavioral fabric encoded in each individual.
Lie distorts truth. It is a twist of reality. It presents itself as the truth. They often feel comforting ,even pleasurable , yet in the long run they suffocate us.
Hence the necessity to understand what is truth and what is lie.
What is the absolute realm of truth ? - It is God .
“What do u mean God ? there is no God . God is a character created by the world around us so that societies can strive. It is created for the confused apes so that they could live in a systematic order which also provides meaning. God is a fictional character , if not why would there be so much of death and suffering in this world ” These are some of the statements that atheists pose when asked about God.
Yet when I look around me I do see an extraordinary design . I do see a wonderful craft wherever I turn my head. Every detail and uniqueness point towards a deeper intelligence. A magnificent creator we may not be able to grasp. But it is a surety that there is an artist behind this beautiful art. I do not want to much delve upon the debate on whether there is a god or not because I believe it is a personal journey one should venture upon. Hence if you are an atheist, do ask the right questions and use the internet to resolve your doubts.
But what I would want to get to is the concept of what is truth . Every religion portrays itself as the truth. But we know deep within that only one can portray truth. If you are in the quest of finding the truth with your hearts open - you would find truth. Whether you are at A or B or C , if D is truth - u will eventually reach D if your hearts are truly open. So what should we do ? Should we just blindly believe everything that our religious books say or try to investigate the truth claims these religions convey? Or do u want to live a life of lies.
Why do I say this is the most important question one should ask in their lives ?
It transforms how you see the world. Your every action , words you use will be different. Atheists have FAITH that there is no God. Theists have FAITH in God. Every one has FAITH in something. You cannot survive without FAITH. Even in our daily life, FAITH governs our choices. You do not check the chemicals included in the medicines when you buy a medicine prescribed by a doctor. It is because you placed your FAITH in that doctors advice. You have FAITH when you board a bus that you will reach your final destination. You do not check the drivers qualifications and experience before boarding.
The Bible defines Faith as “ the assurance of things hoped for , the conviction for things not seen” (Hebrews 11.1) . So faith plays a major role in our perception of life and our actions. So what should faith be placed upon? Shouldn’t faith be rested upon the ultimate truth. Hence comes the necessity to find out the truth.
How do we Find truth ?
Every religion claims to be the bearer of truth. But logically, not all can be equally true. If one religion holds truth, it will stand the test of examination. Some approach this by comparing all religions side by side. While this has value, I believe a deeper approach is to study one’s own faith rigorously. Test it. Question it. Criticize it. If it is true, it will withstand every challenge.
Since I am a Christian, I intend to do exactly this with the Bible. I want to move beyond inherited belief and into examined belief—not following Christianity merely because I was born into it, but because I found truth in it. That, I believe, is what makes faith genuine and life meaningful. I would have the freedom to criticize the Bible, analyse it in depth , talk with fellow unbelievers -- all this will ultimately lead me to faith if the truth exists in the Bible.
Hence this is an introductory blog to my most awaited Segment - ‘ Biblical Reflections ’. I would be analyzing the bible, looking into history and critics to check if this is really the truth. Understanding it from the lens of curiosity rather than being a mere follower. This is not the final version of my opinion, as through learning I believe my opinions may drastically change. Hence I would be editing and re editing to make sure it is currently up to the beliefs I hold.
“You should not be afraid of someone who has a library and reads many books; you should fear someone who has only one book; and he considers it sacred, but he has never read it”
- Anonymous
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