Response-Ability
Where we visit the perceptions of others.
These interviews are full of rich information, and provide a great stake in the ground for establishing some much needed conversation relevant to our time.
In the world of credentials I'm the least, but as a student I always do my best with honesty (even to myself), sincerity, and integrity. I will always be a student, because a student's job is to learn, and mature in a subject always ready to adjust their perceptions. Nobody knows everything, but we'd all know a lot more if we kept a student's heart.
My favorite subject is the Bible and how it pertains to our reality, but that's a pie with so many slices! Denominational doctrine presents so many perceptions that it makes it challenging to get an accurate perspective. There's so much muddy water out there it's hard to find a spot to drink. Other religions have to be considered too. They are not mutually exclusive, because as you will discover they started on earth before Christianity's base religion. Context is critical, and must account for all variables. Everyone is a slice of that same pie, even if their piece has ingredients that conflict with others. So as you're reading through this, I would encourage you to stay with me at 30,000 feet looking at the big picture. We can dive into the details as needed, and I will provide documentation for my positions, but the beauty is in the simplicity of consistency from 30,000 feet.
As students we can gain a better perspective of reality by letting iron sharpen iron. These people presenting their views are renown for their accomplishments and understanding. They are tops in what they do, and even though there's going to be disagreement it's all for the search of truth. Is there a perspective that addresses the differences consistently? When we encounter a difference of perception we either document our way out... or amend our understanding. Both result in growth and clarification. Both are iron sharpening iron. The better student gets the sharpest blade, but both grow if they try.
In the end will measure my personal growth by my ability to ensure no contradiction across the responses to source materials (interviews, documentaries, etc.). We will cover the issues denominations battle over, and science trips over. We will separate traditions from discernment, and doctrine from confusion. Hopefully by reviewing these things we can all get a better understanding of this thing we call life.
I'm not asking you to stop believing what you hold dear. God is not testing you on your knowledge of the scriptures. How many souls would be destined to perish if that were true? God is testing our hearts as we come up through our cultures and deal with our realities. That doesn't mean a truth isn't out there. It will become known in its time, and that truth has to answer for the whole of existence, not just accounting for one denomination. If you are a Christian then there are many truths you already know. A denomination is not right or wrong. It's brackish. I'm asking you to consider the consistency in the perspective I'm referring. It's that very consistency that becomes evidence. Evidence turns into knowledge, and now you have something to work with. That's when the brackish water becomes clear enough to drink.
I'm challenging the clarity of the water presented, so it would not be fair to only tell one side of the story. I do try to provide enough quotes and summations to ensure the reader is kept in the flow. However, there will always be a link to the source material. Hearing the original first will give you a deeper understanding of their perception. Knowing that will make is a lot easier for you to follow the response.