It probably doesn’t surprise you that religious people often think they possess the one true religion. All denominations have missionaries that try and convert others. Atheists are not exempt here since they are certain they
possess the right way to believe and also work at making converts. We end up like this because of our "either/or" way of thinking.
We each believe we possess THE truth until we are converted by a larger truth. It’s called learning, discovery, enlightenment, consciousness, or revelation. We all have FAITH in the truth we
possess. Yet no one has all the truth. Thus at best we are all only partial believers.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the evolution of human consciousness, which has been called spiral dynamics or integral theory or if you go way back to Fowler you might know this as stages of faith. This perspective has several stages of development that
are not only historical, but also personal. Individuals and cultures both advance through a process of consciousness. This lens allows us to make sense of our diverse beliefs and offers a path of progression.
Here's an example:
Mathematics isn't an invention. It's a discovery. All the rules
of mathematics apply to all humanity at all times and across all economic, geographic, historical and social boundaries. It's fair to say that not all people share an equal grasp of mathematics based upon each culture's unique apprehension and application of mathematical truth.
Regardless of where a person starts, we each learn principles of mathematics and as we grow, we
transcend each concept while still including it. This makes math integral, meaning that each part is required in order to make the whole more complete. For example, when doing complex calculus, we still must do basic addition. We don't jettison previous steps, we learn from them and integrate them.
If we advance beyond where others leave off, then that means truth is not only
integral, but also perennial (enduring and recurring).
What is true for mathematics, is also true for our relationship to the truth, or our consciousness (our faith). Faith then is in the sphere of philosophy, science, and every form of world religion. If we diminish one part we diminish the whole. Paul uses
this integral principal when he says: "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you." (1 Cor 12:21)
Once we begin to see the categories for our system of truth, it frees us to be inclusive rather than competitive when we have our differences. And then our whole world opens up to us.
- prideful certainty becomes a humble student.
- competition gives way to services
- scarcity becomes abundance
- exclusivity becomes inclusivity
Still not convinced? Test this out as you learn about the categories over the next few weeks.
Have an awesome week.
k
