in 2016, my friend Lois Johnson wrote this brief and brilliant FB message:
"I have three criteria by which I determine whether or not I have encountered Truth (which is not the same thing as fact):
1. The Jesus Rule: Jesus said he is the Truth so my first question is always "Can I see this idea/philosophy/action/whatever in the life of Jesus as he is known through the Spirit in the Church and the right-reading of Scripture?"
2. The Transcendentals: Articulated in different ways and in various numbers by the Greek philosophers, the idea is that there are some realities that, when encountered, so overwhelm and astound they are said to *transcend* the human experience,to exceed, allude, go beyond the total human grasp. There are three Transcendentals often found in Theology (proper): Goodness, Truth, and Beauty. So, when I think I've encountered Truth, I look around for Goodness and Beauty - because that's who Truth hangs out with. If what I believe is Truth is linked with meanness and disjointedness, then I question my belief. (Remember - Truth is not the same thing as fact! Though it is our lives' work to make it so.)
3. Galloping Expansiveness: This comes from my own experience, which is why it is signified with so much more silly a title. Specifically, it seems to me when I encounter Truth, there is an explosion of fifty new questions I never thought to ask before. In other words, there is an eternal nature to Truth that I believe is revealed in the galloping expansiveness of the understanding of reality.
So, now you know. >
No comments:
Post a Comment