Proof . . . ? or Truth

I’m a seeker

I don’t know if that’s a recognized profession but it is one of my favorite occupations. 

But there is a problem being a seeker.  As I seek for answers. . . . I usually, eventually, find them.  Unfortunately there are a lot of them.  From all different voices with differing messages.  Each answer claims to be the only correct answer and provides some type of evidence to support its claim. 

And so the sifting process begins.  Considering some, discrediting others, and searching for THE one.  I’m not naïve enough to believe that truth is limited to one source or cannot be multi-faceted, but still looking for the one understanding that brings my heart to peace.   

What is Truth?

So what exactly is truth?  And why are there so many possible sources which claim to own it?

 

It seems complicated but when you think about it – Truth is simply this   -  the mysteries of God. . .  which have become no longer mysterious, but acknowledged and applied. 

Now our understanding of truth is where it gets tricky.  One person may have a portion of truth, and claim theirs is the only way.  And in the respect of what truth they have, they are absolutely correct.  But it may not be the complete or whole truth.  A Christian who believes that Jesus will save them and take them to heaven, may be an absolute truth.  But it may not be the whole truth – or all that is available (such as a telestial heaven rather than all the father has to offer).  A scientist who studies and claims to have identified a secret of the universe (truth) may be dead on.  However, their understanding of truth may be limited to only what can be defined by physical evidence and is missing the spiritual/eternal/purpose aspect altogether – therefore, only half of the equation.  And so it goes with each claim to “hold the truth”

Our understanding of truth is limited to our experience.  What we understand (through our experiences) doesn’t necessarily equate with what really is.  In other words – Perception is not reality.  Take the ancient story of the Blind men and the Elephant for example. 

It was six men of Indostan, to learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind), That each by observation might satisfy his mind.

The First approached the Elephant, and happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl: "God bless me! but the Elephant Is very like a WALL!"

Cried, "Ho, what have we here, so very round and smooth and sharp? To me 'tis mighty clear this wonder of an Elephant Is very like a SPEAR!"

The Third approached the animal, and happening to take The squirming trunk within his hands, thus boldly up and spake: "I see," quoth he, "the Elephant is very like a SNAKE!"

The Fourth reached out an eager hand, and felt about the knee "What most this wondrous beast is like is mighty plain," quoth he: ‘Tis clear enough the Elephant is very like a TREE!"

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear, said: "E'en the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant is very like a FAN!" The Sixth no sooner had begun about the beast to grope, Than seizing on the swinging tail that fell within his scope, "I see," quoth he, "the Elephant is very like a ROPE!" And so these men of Indostan disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly in the right, and all were in the wrong!

The Blind Men

Each of us are like the blind men - groping around trying to define the reality of the elephant (the universe, the plan, the purpose of life, happiness, etc. - AKA truth) by our limited capacity of perception and understanding.   Forgetting that the elephant was created by someone who is on a different plane of understanding - and that we are incapable of understanding in our current state. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.    In all thine ways acknowledge him, and he shal direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil" (Proverbs 3:5-7)  

Sure, we have aids and evidences. Some believe their leaders or peers or traditions or even their nation have them on the right path. Some believers blindly follow the bible or prophets or local ministers, trusting the 'committee of they’ have already obtained the truth.  Others choose to develop spiritual alzhemiers and instead utilize their own logic and reason, with fierce loyalty to being objective in their search.  But, in all honesty, we are still drawing conclusions based on our limited experiences without understanding the entire picture.

So what hope is there of defining truth at all, if everyone claims to have it, and yet every claim is originated on an assumption (theory or faith) at some point.  Is it even possible to really know what is the truth? 

Proof of Truth

There have been many attempts to provide proof that something is true through evidence, theories, logic, etc, but there is only one source that can PROVE, beyond any doubt, with ultimate authority, the most primary of sources, and cannot be disputed.  That is from the author and origin of our reality. God himself confirms truth through his spirit.

But this confirmation of truth is not easily obtained.  It is not a whole elephant at once solution.  And the requirements to obtain this proof is based on worthiness, diligence, and intent. 

"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (D&C 50:24)

Consider the parallels between the Scientific Method and the Spiritual Method.

Scientific Method                                      Spiritual Method

*Ask a question                                          * pray about ……

*Do background research                           *Search scriptures/ponder

*Construct a hypothesis                             *Receive inspiration/impressions

*Test hypothesis by doing an experiment  *Experiment on the word/exercise faith

*Analyze Data and draw a conclusion       *Become converted/born again

*Communicate your results                        *Share testimony/missionary efforts

The process for obtaining enlightenment is the same in almost every problem to solve, and although each process provides evidence and/or solutions (such as the conclusions of the blind men), only one provides the proof of the actual reality.

I think it is safe to say that there is a certain amount of absurdity in using the wrong instrument for a job.  For instance, washing a window with toothpaste won’t create a very transparent visual of what is on the other side.  Likewise, using candlelight to see in a dark room when it is a bright sunny day just on the other side of the door may provide functional sight but the shadows and obstructions prevent perfect illumination.  But yet, many search for spiritual, eternal, universal truths in such a manner.  Seeking understanding while discrediting the spiritual approach simply because they can’t see the entire “elephant” right away (also known as doubts).  But content with the line upon line, here a little and there a little approach through science, or trial and error. 

I’m gonna have to say I don’t understand this “logic”.   

Sure, faith doesn't have all the answers - Uhmmm . . . it couldn't be called faith if it did.  But it is the only sure way of obtaining all the answers or discovering the proof of truth.  

To refer to President Uchtorf's address, click here.