The Long Journey of Belief: Challenging Truths We Hold dear

Belief is a powerful force that shapes our lives, yet the journey of questioning these beliefs can be both liberating and challenging. By exploring the longest time we hold onto a belief that turned out to be false, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of truth and how our minds operate.

Religion and False Beliefs

Many of us have been taught beliefs from a young age that impact our entire lives. Take for instance, the concept of religion, a belief system that holds profound significance for individuals and communities. In my own experience, I was taught beliefs that turned out to be more fabricated than factual. My childhood was filled with tales of witches putting spells on people, beliefs that were instilled even at a young age. These stories, while fascinating, were, in hindsight, merely constructs created by individuals rather than objective truths.

The Deconstruction of a Beloved Philosopher

From a philosophical standpoint, the truth often comes under scrutiny and deconstruction. I was introduced to a respected philosopher known simply as “Anon,” a mysterious figure who, at the time, seemed to have profound wisdom. As a young boy, I believed that this philosopher offered spot-on commentary on nearly every subject. However, the discovery that “Anon” was actually the word “Anonymous” shattered my admiration. This revelation was a significant blow, leading to a period of doubt and disappointment. The character I had idolized and trusted turned out to be less impressive than I had imagined.

Challenging Inner Beliefs

Beliefs not only come from external sources but can also originate from within us. For example, the commentary that runs through our minds is often a persistent belief that can shape our perception of reality. For decades, I held the belief that the voice in my head, which analyzed my life, was real. During this time, I thought that I was this voice, and my emotions, successes, and relationships were all genuine experiences. Over time, my perspective began to shift. The realization that many of these inner voices and emotions are constructs led to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our emotions. Only the physical reality of our bodies remained constant.

Debunking Faith

Faith can be a double-edged sword, offering comfort and solace, but also sometimes limiting our understanding of reality. One of the most profound realizations in my life came regarding the concept of the “love of money being the root of all evil.” This belief, as presented in religious texts, was challenged when I realized that money, being an inanimate object, cannot love. The idea that loving something inanimate is similar to a battery connection provided a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of love and material possessions.

The End of My Faith

Throughout my life, I held onto the belief in Christianity for over 64 years. However, at 70, I finally lost my faith. This journey was marked by a realization that the truth needed to conform to thought, rather than the other way around. The belief in a god as described in the Bible was challenging to hold onto, especially considering the suffering it has caused around the world. By my late forties, I came to understand that the concept of a higher being, as many religions present it, was a construct that needed reevaluation.

A Lousy Parent

Challenging beliefs also extends to our personal relationships. One of the most difficult things I had to deal with was discovering that my father was not my biological father. This discovery was particularly challenging because I did not have a strong relationship with the man I thought was my father. The emotional turmoil was intense, but over time, I found the strength to move on and build a new sense of identity. The loss of a parent is a profoundly personal and painful experience, and the realization that my father was not biologically related to me brought to the surface a range of emotions. However, with time and self-reflection, I found a way to cope and even find a sense of peace.

Believing something to be true for a long time can be a powerful experience, but it also reminds us of the fluidity of truth and the importance of questioning our beliefs. The journey towards understanding the nature of reality is ongoing, and it is through challenging these beliefs that we grow both personally and intellectually.