Seeking Understanding
THIS IS HOW I SEE THE PROCESS OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
I see the search for knowledge and understanding as a very vital part of our existence. Hopefully this search will lead to some degree of wisdom through the experiences of life. In this time of information explosion it is really a challenge to find information that could be worthwhile the effort of searching.
THE FRUITFUL SOIL OF LEARNING
My experience has been that one of the basic elements of this search is HUMILITY, the capacity to be teachable. Another basic element is a DESIRE to learn. If these basic elements are in place there is a good ground for a fruitful learning process.
If there is also a possibility to ACT on the information received, or the conclusion made, the result will be a CONFIRMATION of the truthfulness of that specific piece of information. If the information or conclusion is validated a continued search in that direction could continue. If it is not validated the process need to be restarted and the direction slightly changed or maybe totally changed.
In this search I would include both the intellectual and the emotional part of me. I have experienced that the combination and balance of these two parts of me is essential in my search for the answers. In the scientific field most of the effort I see in the intellectual part of me, with help of the left half of my brain, and in the religious field the emotional part of me with the help of the right half of my brain is more at work. BUT my experience is that it is very important that both these areas are to some degree used in both fields of search.
THE PROCESS OF FAITH
In both fields, scientific and religious, the process of FAITH is essential for any progress in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
In an interview with Scott M. Tyson he said: "Faith is where all science start".
I see the PROCESS OF FAITH in this way:
DESIRE/HOPE -> ACTION -> CONFIRMATION/RESULT (if TRUTH is discovered) or LACK OF CONFIRMATION (if no TRUTH is discovered).
I strongly believe that the idea of no absolute truth is a false idea. If the information that meet us is contradictory I hold to the idea that there must be a lack of information somewhere or the understanding of it is to some degree lacking. When science and religion is contradicting, I think that the reason is this.
Another aspect of the search for knowledge and understanding is the use of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which can be for both good and for evil based on our intentions.
I think that we all in one way or another can help each other to contribute to a more complete picture of the reality in which we exist and with pieces of the puzzle in the three areas of my search, IDENTITY, PERSPECTIVE and MEANING to see a more clear and meaningful picture.
This Process of Faith can also be called THE PROCESS OF DISCOVERY or THE PROCESS OF EXPERIENCE. It can go in different directions depending on what we desire to discover.
Jesus, in the New Testament, gave this invitation to discover the truth of his teachings:
" Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." - NT John 7:16-17
In the same direction Alma, in the Book of Mormon-Another Testament of Jesus Christ, gave a beautiful lecture on the Process of Faith in comparing it to the planting of a seed:
"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." - BofM, Alma 32:28
A NEW PARADIGM
I am open to look outside the box that others to great extent have created for us and to se things in a new paradigm. A paradigm shift often seems to be disturbing and sometimes painful. It can be very challenging but also very rewarding to let yourself think and feel in a new perspective. Having lived more than half a century I have witnessed the process of change into a new paradigm in both religion and in science from my vantage point.
Rupert Sheldrake in his new book "The Science Delusion" (UK) or "Science Set Free" (US) challenges ten dogmas in modern scientific thinking by analyzing them and putting the dogmas into questions. He challenges the modern scientific community to look on these dogmas in a scientific way and open up to a new paradigm.
Joseph Smith jr has with the texts in "The Book of Mormon-Another Testament of Jesus Christ", "Doctrine and Covenants" and "The Pearl of Great Price" challenged the established religious community. With the testimonies he has given of his extraordinary experiences, the teachings and cosmology he has given also opens the way for a new paradigm.
What I find I endeavor to put into writing in what might be an e-book or a printed book or both and I have come a bit into this effort. Bits and pieces I plan to put on this homepage. The work-title of the book is: "Reflections on Identity, Perspective and Meaning In A Populated Universe".
To those who have English as their native language I hope you will forgive me for sometimes not using your language properly. It is a double challenge for me as I also have a degree of dyslexia.
And - welcome with me on this journey!
Erik
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