h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Some of you may be aware that I was, not long ago, undergoing something of a 'crisis of conscience'. As is often the case with such things, that was not the end, but merely the catalyst for a strange and eventful journey that has recently seen me placed in a curious situation, which not only suggests the way to go on from here in the vaguest terms, but also that I was already going in the right direction.

Even stranger, although I came to this conclusion independently, it is nothing that was not described and followed millenia before my birth, and (somewhat irritatingly) isn't actually a way to absolute truth so much as a roadmap to everywhere.

It all started when a little detective work uncovered some unpleasant truths about my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I won't bother discribing them, since anyone interested can simply direct themselves to my previous journal entries. They were, after all, no more than a catalyst for the simple logical deduction that followed.

My problem was, simply, that my faith was based around an intensely 'spiritual' experience of a few years ago, which convinced me that I was following a path to absolute truth that required no further qualification.

The practices I discovered led me to question my faith rather seriously, and suddenly I found myself lying in the path of a charging dilemma: either my own subjective experience had misled me, or I had to completely ignore irrefutable proof in the face of my personal beliefs.

If I take route A, then I am forced to ignore my own experience as irrelevant, devaluing both me and my spirituality. If I take route B, I must travel the path of a solipsist, ignoring all facts which don't fit into my world-view. The first destroys my sense of self-worth; the second is pure arrogance on my part.

Of course, there is a middle line. However, simply saying 'take the middle path' doesn't actually solve the problem - it simply delays its solution.

The revelation came when, through a discussion with another young man, I considered my problem in the context of absolute truth (absolute truth is simply the incontrovertible truth or truths on which all reality is predicated). First we ask, is or is there not such a thing as absolute truth? If not, then by definition reality cannot be said to exist in any definite way, since there is a fundamental indeterminacy in its existence - thus, contradiction. We must presume that there /is/ an absolute truth since the alternative is not even possible.

What is the relationship of morality to absolute truth? This looks like a painful question, but the answer is obvious: if there is a definite absolute truth, then since all reality is predicated upon it, any valid moral system can be derived from it.

This might initially look like a pointless deriviation. It says nothing that we do not instinctively or logically realise to be true. Surely there is no one in the world who does /not/ follow a moral system consonant with what they believe to be absolute truth?

However, it is directly and supremely important in consideration of my own situation. My concept of absolute truth has been pulled from under my feet, and I no longer have anything on which to build a moral system. I am trapped in indeterminacy, unable to rely fully on my own judgement or on the judgement of others. I am in moral stasis.

But wait! If all morality depends on absolute truth, then surely to act morally I must find this absolute truth? And further, the only moral way for me to act is to search for absolute truth!

A simple yet profound statement. By now, the logicians amoung you will be asking how this is pertinent to my dilemma. It doesn't actually answer it at all, but it does something far more important: it puts my mind at rest. So long as I am searching for truth as dilegently as possible, considering and analysing my own morality and ACTING AS MORALLY AS I FEEL I CAN, I am acting in the most moral capacity that I can.

Another way to state it would be that the path is at least as important as the goal.

I haven't answered any real, important questions, nor have I solved my dilemma. However, I may have found a way to ignore it as trivial -what is important is to continue searching. I have decided, in complete good conscience, to continue investigating my system of free-will ethics. Finally, I have found peace of mind. I am Zen.

Really, I should just have listened to the Buddhists in the first instance.

- Jordan

I accidentally posted it twice, sorry! I'm only subscribed to this one, though...

- Jordan

hola Jordan,

I've never been convinced that any sort of absolute truth exists. But this has never stopped me from acting as morally as I feel I can.

It sounds like you are living your life in a good and moral way.

If you ever discovered 'absolute truth' how would you know?

Why does this matter so much to you? I'm honestly curious.



az

ps

Yes, the path *is* often as important as the goal. And I wish you much luck on yours. And many adventures.

az

Hi Az!

I figure there's an absolute truth not to fulfil any mystical requirements, but through logical deduction. There have already been a few statements of why, through necessity, a consistant logical system must exist which resulted in our present reality; the one I like best goes thus: If there is nothing, then there are no constraints on what can exist, so anything can exist. Therefore, contradictions occur, thus some consistant system must exist.

This consistant system, I guess, would encapsulate 'absolute truth'. Rather than working forwards to it, though, it seems more productive to work backwards.

I'm not sure how I would find absolute truth. That, you see, is the source of my dilemma: do I rely on my own instincts or on pure logic, or even on someone else's authority? I have decided that, since I'm making no headway on it, I should concern myself with the system which seems, logically and intuitively, to be the most harmonious: free-will ethics, namely the system I'm developing myself.

It's very important to me for several reasons: -

1. From a sense of moral duty. In any given situation I want to be certain that I'm doing (to the best of my knowledge) 'the right thing,' as opposed to the easy thing or any other alternatives.

2. Out of real curiousity about the world around me, and I want to understand it as fully as I can.

3. As part of my own journey for spiritual growth.

4. Because things keep coming into my head and I can't help but consider, combine and collect them.

Hmm... I'd like to ask you a few questions too. Firstly, how would you describe your own moral system or beliefs? And secondly, why don't you think there is an absolute truth?

I think it's time for me to hit the sack soon, so night night!

- Jordan

hi Jordan,

How would I describe my own moral system or beliefs? Hmmm . . . not sure.

I guess that my moral system is a combination of who I am and what I was taught. From that I chose things that felt right for me.

For example, when I was growing up, my family was not big on stuff like self-respect and treating themselves or others in a respectful manner. But instead of becoming like them (which did not feel right to me) I looked around at society and other people and how they lived. Also, I had a half-@rsed RC upbringing, just enough to scare the heckity out of my when I was little. So I found I also didn't agree with the concept of original sin and heaven and hell and all that. And so when I was older I read about other myths and religions and found my own personal god concept that has nothing to do with belonging to a religion.

As for the 'me' I kept using as a sounding board for what felt right or wrong, that I don't know how to explain. It's just me, I guess. Since we are all born having distinct personalities.

As for why I don't believe in an absolute truth, again, I find this hard to explain. Possibly I don't understand what an absolute truth could be. Like, an absolute truth that would say . . . what? Exactly? And how would we ever know it was absolute? Wouldn't we need to believe it was an absolute truth to make it true?

The four (very good) reasons you gave for wanting to find an absolute truth are things I also strive for. But without the need for the absolute truth bit.

Also, I think it is sometimes a good thing not to always think *so much* about things and rather just live and experience them sometimes. Our bodies also contain wisdom and knowledge and memories that can teach us a lot. And as we live on this green and blue planet full of various life forms, feeling a real connection with our environment is also good for us I think.

I hope I have made some sense.

az

hay Jordan nice to see you on-line again
i hope this year has less problems for you than the last one
you know what my stance is on religion and moraltity havinfg descused it with you in person meny a time...
we all need something to beleve in (most of us do anyway) Athisium is too hard a path for me to take i need belife... if its not a "proper" religion then what do i care i simply try to be the best person i can be... and truly i beleve thats all you need to be


Anthea

Hi Jordan

"So long as I am searching for truth as dilegently as possible, considering and analysing my own morality and ACTING AS MORALLY AS I FEEL I CAN, I am acting in the most moral capacity that I can."

And welcome to druidry

Blessings,
Matholwch /|\.

hi Math,

Why should what Jordan said have anything specifically to do with druidry?

I always act as morally as I can without feeling any need to belong to any sort of religion.

Nothing at all against druidry, you understand. And quite possibly I would make quite a fine druid myself! Heck, maybe I am a druid but I don't even know it.

pantheistally yours,
az

Hi Jordon,

I am glad you have found the path for you.
I believe that ultimate truth is only known by God and so I try to do every thing I do by what The Quran says I can and can not do or act like.

I origanly replied on your other version of this ooops. anyway some one who follows some thing blindly is stupid, one should always question there faith and what they believe, I hope you have found your answers.

Adib

When all else fails, go for the chocolate bikkies and the pepperoni pizza!



az

failing that the ice cream
i have found it works for me

Oh, Jordan, I have replied to the other one! It's nice to see you back - - I am answering your question about absolute truth that you asked to azahar. Unlike her, I *do* believe in such a thing - and believe like Muzaakboy, that it's to be found in relation to God. I would never be involved with the LDS (and believe me, I have a lot of knowledge of what they're about - I lived across the road from a 'Sister B' (name suppressed to protect the annoying - she sent missionaries across the road to me every chance she got, and I worked for her for a while.))
I respect your quest, and hope you find it, as Howard Jones says in his song about God, on the album, 'Humans Lib' (1984 and highly recommended.)

Hi Azahar .

"Why should what Jordan said have anything specifically to do with druidry?"

It doesn't, specifically, but generally it's a fairly good summary of much of our philosophy. And, of course, there are Christian Druids.

"And quite possibly I would make quite a fine druid myself! Heck, maybe I am a druid but I don't even know it."

I think that you would, and if you ever want to take that step let me know. I'll find someone a darn sight wiser than me to guide you .

"Heck, maybe I am a druid but I don't even know it."

Many people are, Az, many people are .

Bright Blessings,
Matholwch /|\.

Jordan

First I must say I find your attention to both logic and theology refreshing. So many theological thinkers are logically deficient, and so many logical thinkers are theologically deficient. They believe that having an understanding of one exscuses their ignoracne of the other.

Anywho, I know a little of LDS (I dated a really sweet Mormon for awhile). Let me caution you not to throw out all of your beliefs or spiritual experiences just because you find flaw in their origin. Many LDS beliefs are downright terrific, and totally worth living by, no matter what you believe. (I especially like that they encourage people to dance. )

As far as your previous spiritual feelings go, don't doubt that you really have been the subject of God's attention. God doesn't just care about those who know Him perfectly. None of us knows Him perfectly. I think He focuses on those who seek Him, which you have been doing all along.

God Bless,
WonderNewt

So both the Christians and the Pagans are trying to claim Jordan for their own in the concept of him looking for an absolute truth.

I say, why not opt for Jordanism?

Jordan, you are a bright and intelligent guy. Why do you feel a need to find an existing religion and god concept that suits you? Why not just create your own and happily live with and within the things you believe and hold close to your heart?

I tend to believe in the possibility of all the various gods, though I don't hold any one of them as my personal god. Mind you, I've never been much of a 'group person'. So I don't ever want to belong to a religion or group that thinks they have all the answers. Probably because I don't ever want to cut myself off from the possibility of learning something new in the future. So I am quite happy to live with my own personal god concept for the moment, without it telling me anything about any sort of universal truth. Because tomorrow I might learn something else that totally blasts my god concept out of the water and makes me reconsider . . . and this won't make me feel that my previous god concept was 'wrong', only that I have moved on and am now living with an updated version of a god concept more in line with whatever new knowledge I have discovered.

I think life is an adventure. I want to learn as much as I can all the time. And this includes learning about various god concepts. All the time. In the end I think you will find that you are your own god concept. Maybe.

az

Well, I'd like to thank everyone. It's great to see reflections of so many different views, beliefs, religions and moral mindsets which have been spinning around in my head, and your consideration and support in this matter are heartwarming. Now...

Azahar, your own 'god-concept' and moral system gives me the impression that you have thought carefully and reflectively about your life. Your personal approach to religion, while not new, is stated in such honest and reflective language that it constitutes a revelation in itself. I love the way you understand not only your own morality and requirements, can state them explicitly and feel no need to enforce them on others. It's as beautiful as it is unusual.

Matholwch, I suspected I was treading dangerously close to druidry when I started on these lines. Heck, druidry encompasses so much that I'd have an impossible time avoiding it, so I suppose I'll have to live with being forever, in some sense, a druid-wannabe. (Bloody tree-huggers get everywhere! )

Anthea, you've been a source of love and support for so long I can hardly imagine making a big decision without telling you about it. Thank you for always being there with friendly advice and good humour, and I hope I'll always be there for you in turn.

Adib, your devotion to Islam and your open-mindedness when talking to representatives of other religions are both equally suprising. I really hope you walk diligently on your path to absolute truth, that the Quran guides you well and that you achieve the goal you are searching for.

Della, you're always sublime, even when you seem angry about something, and your respect means a lot to me. Thank you.

Finally, WonderNewt. I have no intention of throwing out the baby with the bathwater, and many of their principles are excellent. The issues I have are mainly with the old church, though I have my quibbles with it in its modern incarnation. Now, as you say, my experience might indeed have had some meaning, and words to this effect have been positted by one of my Christian friends. However, both this and any other 'spiritual' experiences I have will be as subject to the rigors of my analysis as anything else I encounter.

Thanks one and all, for being here for me at the beginning of a new path, and I hope we'll still be in touch when I reach my journey's end - or even its beginning.



- Jordan

I hope we will be in touch throughout the entire journey. It's interesting to share this with you.

kisses
az

Jordan i hope we will always be able to confide in each other

Anthea

It has been a week, and still no reply over the secure channel.