Truth

My anthropology training taught me that Truth is relative. My upbringing in the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition taught me that Truth is a matter of individual seeking and community decision, a commitment to justice and an openness to changes in understanding. Our cultural obsession with "scientific realities" teaches us that we can prove right and wrong, that there are yes and no answers, that everyone recognizes some realities and to deny those is to lie.

I believe in all of those. This, as one might expect, can be frustrating and confusing.

There are things I know to be true that other people simply do not believe. Neither I nor they are wrong, or silly, or delusional. Our truths are defined by our experiences and our philosophies, our deeply held beliefs and our educations. We must be accepting of these differences.

At the same time, there is also a point when we must insist that our truth is a reality. Cultural relativism has its limits, and if we deny that we deny our reason, humanity, and potential. For example, I hold it as absolutely and undeniably true that queer folk are NOT an abomination. This is not a personal belief, an attempt to preserve my own image and self respect, or a point of condescension. It is a reality, and to reject it is both cruel and foolish. To respect it as my truth and not yours to demean both me and that truth.

How, therefore, can different truths exist in harmony? If respect and tolerance are acts of condescension and acceptance is a charade, how can there ever be an honest gathering of realities. Are those we call close minded and bigoted and those too cynical to consider the viewpoints of others the ones who have the right of it after all?

I don't think so, but it's something I struggle with. Once I open myself to declaring definite truths, am I giving up my declaration of open-mindednesss? Am I losing my status as a respectful participant in the public conversation? When should I stand up for what I believe, and when should I sit down and listen- not because of etiquette but to truly understand? Do I always want to understand?

And what is the difference between a truth and an opinion? Surely there must be a space for opinions- particularly in areas of preference and politics and personal choice. At the same time, it may be insulting to refer to a truth as an opinion, or hyperbole to speak of an opinion as a truth.

I don't want answers, I just want these questions to be out there.