...it's not the way it IS! One of the biggest hurdles for a human, and especially an American human to jump, is the idea that "the way they see things" is just that, it's their perspective, not reality! When I first heard that there are hundred's of 'realities' and as many perspectives as there are people, I was indignant and sure poetic license had exaggerated just a wee bit.
Since that indistinguishable day I have taken great comfort in knowing that my viewpoint does not constitute reality, it's just the way I see things for the moment, or maybe the way I have seen things for decades. So what is Reality? Who decides what is real, Reality? When do we move from Perspective to Truth? Truth and Reality are close kin, and so that immediately elevates this discussion beyond my pay grade...but I do have an opinion, and a perspective! [Grin]
Interestingly, people in recovery, AA, OA, NA, etc, have believed that they have peeled back "denial" and come to Reality when they quit: using, lying, buying, looking, eating, etc. For our discussion purposes, I would like to propose that God defines Reality, His view is Real, and not just a perspective, and our view is limited by time, and two or three dimensions at best. One of His favorite words is "Glory" and one of the multiple meanings is "the view and opinion, which is reality." So, "His Glory" means His view and opinion, which is reality!
The classic picture of Perspective versus Reality is seen in the guy who parks his car at the top of a hill, and as he walks away, sees it begin to roll down the hill. "Don't worry, the car is rolling away from me, I'm going to lose my car." The guy at the bottom of the hill looks up, hearing the man proclaim his view, and says "NO! The car is coming toward me, I could lose my life."
And here's the rub: Who is RIGHT? This one question is what keeps the debate raging, I think. Right and Wrong; fairness; the Law; the evaluation of "good" and "evil" has a great deal to do with what we decide/feel or see is Reality, I believe.
"Our traditions begin the moment we insist that we see." This is a fascinating statement that I found in one of Dr. Richards books. As Christians we create theology based on what we see and experience, rather than on what the Bible says is reality! We are so self-righteous that we believe what we see more than what God's Word says is truth. "All that we must do to 'see' is to honestly consider other possibilities [realities]." This quote is a wonderful jumping off point to life!
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Mimi, it is so true that we too often come to conclusions about what is real or true based on our subjective, limited view rather than on what God says is true in His Word. So many of my conclusions about myself, others and God are based on my experiences of being hurt or let down rather than on the reality of God's love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!