In our last blog post, we began to talk about knowing–specifically, knowing if something is true. I would like to further point out that this is particularly important in direct relation to the consequences involved.
For example, I have often been involved in the ketchup/mustard controversy that surrounds the eating of hot dogs.. You see, most of our kids are in the ketchup camp, while my wife and I have always come down on the side of mustard (especially with onions or sauerkraut!) But really, what does it matter? What is the big deal? As my stepfather used to say:
It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other.
But think of other, more serious issues, like voting, or family or religious matters. The stakes are higher, as are people’s passions. And the consequences of our ideas, and our decisions are more serious.
consequences: " a result or effect of an action or condition," " importance or relevance." (Bing)
How do we know if we’re right?
I suggest that it is–ultimately–a matter of authority, and since each of us is responsible for our own decisions, we each get to decide who to give authority to. And we all do, everyday, about all kinds of issues:
authority:"the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience," "the power to influence others, especially because of one's commanding manner or one's recognized knowledge about something," "official permission; sanction." (Bing)
Here are examples of examples of things or people to whom we tend to grant authority:
- experts
- books/authors
- magazines/newspapers
- movies/TV
- news
- science/scientists
- doctors
- experience
- tradition
- parents
- pastors
- priests
- presidents
- rabbis
- teachers
- society
- consensus
- intuition
- revelation
The question that comes to mind is Why? And how do we know that our authorities are right?
Isn’t all knowing really a matter of believing and trust?
belief: "an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists,""something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction,""trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something."
trust:"firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something," "believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of."
Do yourself a favor. Give this some consideration. Be willing to wonder if–perhaps-you might be granting a bit too much authority to someone who might–possibly–be a tiny bit less reliable that you first thought they were. Just think about it, will you?