Blog #247--When Doctrine Prevents Truth

I knew my book “It’s a Secret, So Pass It On: a Toolbox For Life” would go against some of the tenets and rituals of various Earth religions when I wrote it. After all, these belief systems have influenced large numbers of people for millennia; they are fortified to counter any threat to their power and authority. And their followers are easily guided to serve as a vast army of protectors. It was not my desire to destroy any religion or do anyone harm in any way. As I said in the book, I am happy for people whose religions give them peace of mind and love in their hearts.

Unfortunately, many of those followers are not secure enough in their beliefs to allow for individuals with independent points of view to share their ideas without attacking them. It’s got to be their way or else. That attitude encourages people like me to fight for the right to disagree when necessary. During the Inquisition, I would have been burned at the stake for opposing doctrine. Of course, while the followers thought they were doing “God’s work,” their leaders were confiscating land, money and possessions. One wonders about their true motives for so many killings, besides trying to make everyone in the world bow down to them.

While we are not in the midst of another Inquisition (yet, at least), the attitudes that led to it are still in abundance. I was especially shocked to discover one of my relatives, a woman who seemed to share many concepts with me at one time, couldn’t read my book once it was published. She started it, but she quit because I had opposed doctrine. We were both raised Christians, and my book is consistently compatible with the quotes attributed to Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible.

But that wasn’t good enough for her. Any time I questioned something from the Bible, I became her enemy. If everything in the Old Testament was correct, would there be any need for an avatar to appear on Earth? Some things Jesus taught were contrary to thoughts shared in the Old Testament, but we are supposed to believe that contradictory concepts are both true. That makes no sense to me. If there are differences, it seems to me we should consider the more recent concepts with an open mind before discarding or accepting them. Not all new ideas are sound, but we needn’t be afraid to hear them.

This problem of doctrine has festered within me ever since the book was published and my relative admitted her feelings. It was brought to a head when I watched a Star Trek: Voyager episode entitled “Distant Origin.” In this story, a group of dinosaurs had evolved into highly intelligent beings while living on Earth. When they discovered a mass extinction event was imminent, they took off in their space ships to find a home suitable for them. However, their creation doctrines excluded that ancient trip, making them assume they originated on their present planet.

One of their archaeologists discovered conclusive proof they were distantly related to the humans on Voyager. He was excited to share his discovery but was quickly accused of “heresy against doctrine.” The concept of being “immigrants” from somewhere else was too demeaning for their egos to accept. What may have been their greatest achievement as a race was missing from doctrine. They forced the archaeologist to withdraw his distant origin theory and admit his error. He was also required to accept employment far afield from his knowledge and experience.

All egos are instinctively afraid of change, despite the fact change is constant. We allow for small changes, but the more we hold onto a concept, the harder it is for us to let go of it. It took a thousand years from the time it was proposed before it became acceptable to state the Earth revolves around its sun and not vice versa.

Since this behavior is predictable and instinctive, it is also forgivable. That doesn’t make it any easier to make change when it is warranted because most people don’t understand instinctive behavior or forgiveness. Many times in the past, people changed their views only when they were forced to by their religious hierarchies. In Christianity, it wasn’t until 325 AD that King Constantine forced his people to accept one religion by blending five major belief systems into a new amalgam at the Council of Nicaea. The first version of the Bible was created as a result.

I’ve made major changes in my thinking over the years, but only after an explosion of new awareness blasted me out of my assumptions and gave me a whole new set of concepts to consider. I found these concepts made sense, so I explored further. After 36 years, I was ready to write a book on what I learned.

Unfortunately, my relative has made changes in that time as well, although she has become more judgmental and resistant to alternative ideas. A couple of fear-inducing experiences in her life contributed greatly to her present situation. She turned back to orthodoxy for support during those difficult times. I would love to ask her what specific doctrines are negatively impacted by my book, but she would likely refuse to answer in order to avoid an argument.

I believe my book can add to our understanding of how the world works. I believe it can actually strengthen the core beliefs of many religions. Doctrines and rituals are less important than learning how to become more spiritual ourselves. This requires both faith and logic since we are born with both. What good is faith without a logical consort? We might just follow false teachings simply because that is what we were taught when young. How can we know for sure those we follow know what they are talking about? Might they have ulterior motives that encourage deceit on their parts? We need to think for ourselves to determine that.

I am not surprised some people will oppose the book. If it ever reaches the public domain, it will likely receive significant amounts of negative publicity. This might be a good thing since those who think for themselves are likely to take an interest in the book precisely because it is opposed by people with whom they disagree. But it will be a bumpy ride regardless.

I likely won’t be around to see the long-term results of the seeds I’ve planted since my days on Earth are about over. I sincerely hope it can be received with the understanding I wrote it because I love the Earth and all its life forms and want only the best for everyone. If the book doesn’t help with that, so be it. If a few readers learn to overcome their doctrinal limitations and begin to think for themselves, that would be a good accomplishment. Even if my book has major errors, maybe others with open minds can correct the problems and add new solutions. I truly hope that is the case.

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