I have had a few discussions lately about people being ‘open-minded.” I am wondering about the truth of this term and how important is it to be open-minded? For some people being open minded is their goal in life, but I think that is because some people are just afraid of ‘absolute truth.’ It is good to be open-minded but it is better to find ‘absolute truth.’ For instance Jesus was not open-minded when it came to salvation. He clearly said that He was the only way to heaven. People who value open-mindedness more than absolute truth would be offended at that kind of statement. But I find it comforting that there are absolute truths that can be found. I think we should all be open-minded when we are not sure of a specific situation but once we find out the ‘truth’ I think the time for being open-minded about it is over. Actually some people value being open-minded about everything so much, that they actually become closed-minded to the idea that there is ‘absolute truth!’
Also, I wonder how ‘open minded’ anyone really can be. We all carry with us, our world view which is developed by our own values, experiences, family upbringing, economic status and religious beliefs. So no matter what we hear, we have to process that information through our own world view. In a sense we are all biased and make decisions based on our biases. We should always be open to hearing new ideas, respect those who hold views different than ours, and be willing to learn new things. We should make every effort to try to hear both sides of every argument. But in the end we need to make some conclusions about life and about our eternal destiny. I for one, do not want to live my entire life, being ‘open-minded’ and never knowing what awaits me after death. For me that issue was settled with Jesus resurrection. How about you what are your thoughts on being open-minded?
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Wow! Bravo! What a great message. You have nailed it. I am, of course, in the open minded camp. You are absolutely correct that one's world view and all it encompasses filters every iota of information we receive.
ReplyDeleteIn my experience there are no absolute truths. Not in science, not in politics, and not in religion. There is only perception. It is not to say truth does not exist but that we are limited in our ability to percieve it. If a person is blind from birth how are they to know that the color 'blue' exists? They are incapable of percieving the color and must rely on the perception of others and have faith those who see speak truth.
I do not claim to see nor do I believe others see with more, or less, clarity. I simply acknowledge others' rights to their own perceptions and try to "see" how their perceptions compliment or contrast my own. Maybe I'll learn something. Maybe not. Either way, I will always admire their convictions and hold them, as well as myself, accountable when either of us stray.
Alex Bush