There are two ways to gain knowledge about the world we live in
(and I mean both physical and spiritual worlds). First is that
we can believe in the things that are told to us. Second is that
we can try to find answers on our own. Let us call people who
prefer the first way "believers", and the second,
"investigators". No person is a pure "believer" or a pure
"investigator", because in our life we all combine those two
approaches to gaining knowledge. Even the most skeptical of us
don’t question a number of things just because they have no time
and no desire to prove them. And even the most convinced
believers do have their own doubts over certain aspects of their
life.
It is up to us whether we choose to be "believers" or
"investigators". This decision is based on our priorities.
For example, it is better for those who are looking for
certainty to become "believers" and not to ask too many
questions. People of such a kind are more interested in
traditional, Fundamentalist religions. Basically, they are good,
trustworthy and reliable people, good spouses and citizens,
highly acclaimed by their neighbors, and it is not my intention
to put them down.
Are you looking for certainty above all else? My advise is this:
find a church that you like the best (which depends on your
personal preferences), and become its faithful member. Believe
all things that you hear from a pulpit. Don’t ask questions.
Assume that your minister knows it all, anyway, he (she) spent
so many years in seminary and in ministry. Give him (her) your
money in exchange for a dose of certainty every Sunday. If you
will ever hear some people who don’t agree with your church
doctrine, have a pity for them, because they don't see the True
Light. Be blessed, and be happy, for millions of godly people
around the world are doing just the same. It is a way that they
choose, and there are no reasons to condemn it. Actually, their
religion may be a good one!
However, if you think that such a lifestyle limits you and does
not agree with your deepest desires, you can choose another way,
and to become an "investigator".
People from this category are more interested in their own
personal development rather than certainty. They act like true
scientists, who are always willing to challenge their current
knowledge of reality in order to gain more accurate knowledge.
They like questions, because every question gives them an
opportunity to rise higher in their understanding. They boldly
face difficulties, because they are sure that life's problems
make them stronger, wiser and more loving.
If we are looking for continuous personal development, let us be
prepared to live in an uncertainty of new questions and new
challenges. And if an outside world seems to be slow in bringing
us new challenges, let us challenge ourselves!
Personally, I tend to be an "investigator". When I hear a
statement that Christians should believe, or behave in such and
such way, my first silent question is, "Really? Are there any
other options?" My intention is not to be skeptical (as a matter
of fact, skepticism often reminds me a religion), but to be
flexible in mind. I don’t want to be settled with a number of
cliches. I don’t want others to steal my joy of discovery, and I
don’t try to steal it from others.
I think that the Bible encourages, and not discourages seekers
and investigators. "Seek, and you will find, knock, and it will
be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7), said Jesus. However, what so
many people fail to understand is that the process of seeking
and finding is meant to be eternal. Our spiritual unfoldment is
meant to be eternal. My opinion is that we cannot stop our
search on "getting converted", finding "the true church" or "the
true doctrine". God, the Reality of Being is infinitely higher
than any church, any dogma or any person, even the most
enlightened one.
I have a lifelong love affair with the Reality of Being.
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