Belief, sincerity, and truth

"Belief and sincerity do not define truth; it exists despite belief and sincerity." I wrote this about ten years ago on a newsgroup discussion in which I was discussing with some members about how accurate some alternative health care practitioner's claims were. I don't remember the subject of the debate, but one of the members of the newsgroup picked up my comment and posted it to his page of favorite quotes. There- now I am famous in my own mind!

I still believe what I wrote a decade ago. I am now engaged in a bit of an e-mail debate with a close friend on how to interpret Genesis 1 and 2 and I am struck on how strongly his points are based on his instincts rather than facts. What amazes me (though it shouldn't) is the fact that so many people take very strong positions with equally strong belief and sincerity even though facts are lacking. Poor Wonderful acts as my barometer since she has little interest in philosophy, and so she is exposed to my unadulterated craziness to see how other people would see how my ideas would look. When she has that shocked look on her face I know to keep that idea to myself until it is better developed. What strongly disappoints me is that no one seems to be providing a similar service to Pat Robertson who is now exposing his poor understanding of history and theology- (thanks to nakedpastor for the cartoon)

The point is that just because it seems right to you (or me) doesn't mean that it is right. Truth is often found when we allow ourselves the discomfort of going against our gut feeling and examine the facts.

Pat Robertson obviously sincerely believes that God always makes natural disasters (such as the earthquake in Haiti) to punish people. The fact is that the Bible does not present this as a rule. What was God's punishment to Egypt to allow them a famine of seven years during Joseph's time? Looking at the way God tells the story it was not a punishment, but part of His plan. When I veiw these events I am reminded of the observation in Matthew 5:45 that God causes it to rain on both the just and the unjust. The rain may or may not be a good thing, but Jesus seems to have been saying that natural events may not have any more meaning than being part of God's plan (a point which is borne out in other areas of Scripture). The country of Haiti may not be under punishment of God, and there is no way to see for sure what His purpose is since the Bible doesn't address this particular earthquake. God may use this natural disaster as a punishment for some in Haiti and as a conduit of good for others. Pat Robertson does not speak for God, and I hope he figures out that no matter how strongly he feels his belief and sincerity does not define truth.