Phat writes:
At this point, my gut level reaction was that if I can falsify my assurance that something is most definitely true, I have weakened my certainty of faith!
Just for clarification:
It will not weaken the certainty of your faith.
The actual veracity of your faith is as it always was - unknown.
It may, however, weaken your perception of your certainty of your faith.
And, it's a personal question that only you can answer:
Does Phat want "certainty of faith!" regardless of the actual veracity of that faith?
(Prioritize personally feeling good - regardless of reality's truth)
or
Does Phat want "certainty of faith!" in things that are, actually, likely to be true?
(Prioritize reality's truth - regardless of personal feelings on the matter)
For certain things, it is an easy pick.
One will always prefer "reality's truth" over "personal feelings on the matter" when deciding whether or not to look both ways before crossing the street.
For other things, it is not easy, and it is a personal decision which is best.
Sometimes, "feeling good" can (and should) be prioritized over reality's truth. (Usually when "feeling good" gets blurred in with "reality's truth")
For example: Someone choosing to deny/ignore/refuse-to-accept-credibility of certain historical events in their past in order to be happy in the present.
Like a rape victim choosing not to focus on the event because it is too painful and debilitating to even attempt to heal through therapy.
It's up to you to choose which is best for you in which situations.
And, of course, up to the rest of us to do the same ourselves.
When the two path's cross - it can be difficult to "hide one's aversion to reality's truth" when discussing with someone else who prioritizes "discovering reality's truth regardless of personal feelings" on any particular matter.
Best practice is to be able to identify which one you're doing.
-when you want to avoid reality; then avoid situations where others want to investigate reality.
-when you want to investigate reality; avoid actively seeking out people-minding-their-own-business and forcing them to listen to you.
It's the only way everyone can do what they want with their personal lives without affecting others.
™ Version 4.2
