<<Christine there has to be one absolute truth. Not all belief systems or religions can be true.>>
Tom, this is the part of your post from yesterday that I didn't address yet, since my response already seemed so long. This represents the basis of our disagreement, I think, because you believe that only one religion can be true, and I believe that many can.
I can explain why I think there is no one absolute truth. Everyone is born into a world that looks slightly different, because each individual perceives it idiosyncratically. The Eskimo will think snow is powerful, and respect the animals who survive there, and look them for the answers to life. A child who grows up on a tropical island where the winds power all life and coconuts have a hundred important functions will see things quite differently.
Since we are not made alike, why should we all be identical in our beliefs? If God wanted us to all be Christians, why did Christ come along so late in man's history? Why was the Buddha gifted with so much wisdom, if it has no significance?
I believe you when you say you are no longer searching for the meaning of life, because you have found it. I think this is wonderful for you. What I have a more difficult time with is the reasoning that it should be the same truth for all men. Obviously, you found YOUR truth. I just do not see how it is the same for everyone. |
