I contend that it is not that we can’t handle it, it is that we find value in something more soothing to our ego, whether the perception that our tribe is victorious or that our most recent post is well received.
Thomas Merton writes- “What we desire is not the truth, but rather that our lie should be proved “right” and our iniquity be vindicated as “just” This is what we have done to pervert our natural, instinctive appetite for truth.” He goes on. “No wonder we hate. No wonder we are violent.”
I really don’t believe this is true for all, but I have been curious, perhaps stupefied, at people’s lack of critical thinking and willingness to believe what is being fed to them from sources which time and time again have been caught perpetrating a concerted effort to influence instead of providing accurate information. A seeming comfort with outrage and discontent.
From my perspective and experience, the pain of staying the same must overcome the pain of change, I must perceive value in opening my mind to alternative, and I contend, time honored ways of being. “The best part of banging my head against the brick wall is that I can stop.”- Unknown
It is my radical hope and prayer that any who find themselves questioning, during this opportunity to reflect on the current state of society, will consider what they may find in their heart is that they have been wrong are following a path pleasing to their natural desires, which is merely and ultimately short lived. The results of which are completely unsatisfying.
I want and am grateful for what I have and that is all I need!
Great post. Amber 🙏
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Often I feel we want too much for unnecessary things. at least I see I do.. there is peace is less and also admitting we all have flaws.. ❤
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I agree, I believe also that many seek relief in things, I certainly have
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True maybe its a human thing and possibly a learned behaviour.
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We should be questioning ourselves often from time to time to move on from our fixed beliefs and accept change.🙂
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There is something seriously wrong in us as humans to believe fellow humans we don’t really know and yet are suspicious about God and his ways. Great post as no, we can’t often handle the truth.
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Thank you Gary you’ve summed it up quite nicely
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Why are people so stubborn about accepting the truth? My own theory has to do with our point of view. We are finite, and we are full of ourselves. Pride demands that what “I” see be the truth. Because what we see is so limited, at best it is only part of the truth.
We are constantly propagandized in this so called information age. Because so little of the information we receive is useful and not just propaganda, I think it would actually be more appropriate to call it the propaganda age. Nevertheless, propaganda serves it purpose. True or not most believe the loudest voices. Discernment, the exercise of wisdom, takes much effort. It also takes humility. To see the truth, we must try to see ourselves as God sees us. We begin that process by loving our neighbors. To empathize with them, we must put ourselves in our neighbors’ shoes and try to understand their point of view. That’s requires us to believe that all men were made in God’s image, not just me.
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I agree on all those points- I am praying that the scales fall from the eyes of reasonable people that they may see how they have been influenced
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Some wonderful food for thought here, Jeff!
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Thanks Mitch 🙏🏼 blessings to you and yours
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Likewise, my friend.
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