Faith and Reality

Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Staction, curator

January 2015

If there is a profound effect, modern science has on the thinking process of the average person; it is the notion that you must have proof to define reality.

I am sure the great thinkers and leaders of Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations would be amazed at our notion of what is real. Remember, the Pharaohs would seek solutions to perplexing problems by going to the temple to sleep so their dreams could show them the way.

Can you imagine a political leader today when asked how he or she will solve a perplexing problem would answer by saying they were going to the temple to seek the answer in their dreams?

That would take care of a politician's decision to retire early. However, on second thought, when you see the condition of the world today could we do any worse if our leaders did seek answers in their dreams? The fact that we have to stop and think about it answers the question. Each time we vote we are making an act of faith.

This is not a new phenomenon. The truth is scientists and theologians have had to change their minds frequently as the years go by. That will not stop each side from proclaiming their new theories with the same certainty and arrogance of past generations.

As for the rest of us, we will have to be content with faith for whatever we believe – faith, reinforced by experience. Subjective? Yes, it is, and that’s okay because in the end - that is all we have.

Kierkegaard and Nietzsche where are you when we need you?