Questioning Belief System

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Hello everyone, Thanks for being here…I’m Alicia, and my subject today is, “Questioning Belief System.” There seems to be a type of Global restlessness, plaguing humanity for centuries and Freud would argue, that this is one of the biproduct of what he calls "Civilization and Its Discontents."

I’m however not here to discuss Freudian ideas, yet the subject of “Belief or the Lack-thereof”, is undoubtedly one of the major plight or grave dilemmas, of human inner conflict and unhappiness.
 

Now, A belief system is defined as an ideological construct or set of principles, that we humans have created, to help us to interpret the world and our everyday reality.
These constructs would then manifest in our world, in the form of religion, political affiliation, philosophy, spirituality, Existentialism, Liberalism, Feminism, Freethought, Secularism, Atheism, and so forth…

 

These beliefs, don’t stand alone as one idea, but are shaped and influenced by multiple layers of other complex factors…
And so, down the Rabbit hole we go…

Now, where I want to cast the lens of this conversation, specifically, is when it comes to matters of Faith or the Lack thereof…

And so how about we begin with two basic explanations of Faith:
Faith is seen as is having complete trust or confidence in someone or something or concept.
And also, in the context of religion…Faith is a strong trust in God or in the doctrines, that is moreover, based on a type of spiritual implication or acceptance, if you will – by Acceptance, it is inferred that proof of God, is neither affirmed or denied, yet in order to hold such strong convictions - it is enough insofar as the mind is merely aware of what it believes…here faith seems to suggest that it is a conscious, subjective, personal experience.

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Consequently, a great example of this Faith in Action is:  Mother Teresa - we are told, that Mother Theresa, experienced a prolonged period of spiritual darkness and feeling of abandonment by God, that last for almost 50 years. She wrote of how she was plagued by insurmountable Inner Turmoil: Despite her outward appearance of unwavering faith and dedication; Her internal struggled with a sense of God's absence, would speak of a spiritual desolation, a profound sense of emptiness and loneliness, a type of deep inner dark wilderness that literally mirrors the "Dark Night of the Soul" experience, as described by St. John of the Cross.  Nevertheless, some theologians and spiritual authorities, suggest that her prolonged darkness and unwavering commitment to her work despite this inner suffering, is seen as a testament to her great faith and love for God.  Her perseverance through such profound spiritual anguish has inspired many, in demonstrating that Faith can persist, even in the absence of tangible concrete spiritual consolation or comfort.

I went on a bit more on the story of Mother Theresa, I know, but without apology, I am so deeply moved with compassion and empathy, as I can identify, with sometimes feeling that thick tangible, silence of the Divine.

Now on that note, here seems like a good place to explain what we mean when we say God:

See, the concept of God is indeed one of the most complex and debated topics in human history, with a wide array of interpretations and beliefs.

For many religious traditions, God is the Absolute (capital T – Truth); An omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent being, who is the ultimate source of all existence. From this perspective, God who is seen as the creator and sustainer of all life - provides a foundation for understanding the cosmos and our place within it – hence, offering purpose, meaning, a framework for ethical behavior and the basis of worship and devotion.

By contrast, other philosophical and theological perspectives argue that God is fundamentally unknowable.
This view suggests that the divine transcends human comprehension and exists beyond the limits of human language and understanding.

Mystical traditions within various religions, such as Sufism in Islam, Kabbalah in Judaism, and certain strands of Hinduism and Buddhism, propose that God or the absolute reality, is an ultimate mystery, which can only be experienced directly through mystical insight, clairvoyance, prophetic abilities, reveal knowledge, or enlightenment. These traditions often highlight the limitations of human intellect and language in capturing the essence of the divine, encouraging practices like meditation, prayer, and contemplative silence to approach this profound mystery.

Allan Watts, a prominent interpreter of Eastern philosophy, offered a unique perspective on this subject by suggesting that the concept of God is largely a human invention.
He argued that many traditional views of God are projections of human traits and desires, shaped by cultural and psychological factors.
Watts believed that humans created gods in their own image, attributing human-like characteristics to the divine, to make the concept more relatable and understandable. He critiqued many religious doctrines and advocated for a more fluid and dynamic understanding of the divine; that offers, interconnectedness of all things and the continuous flow of life, with more flexible and inclusive approach to spirituality.

Now, on the more abstract end of the spectrum, Ignosticism (a unique group of religious philosophy) suggests that discussions about the existence of God are essentially meaningless unless a clear and coherent definition of God is provided first. Ignostics emphasize the importance of understanding and agreeing upon the specific concept of God being discussed - arguing that without this clarity, any argument for or against God's existence is futile – (basically, you tell me what your idea of God is and I’ll tell you mine, otherwise if this is not first established, we can be talking to each other, but having two totally different conversations). This perspective, grounded in the philosophy of language and logic, demands rigorous conceptual clarity that many theistic and atheistic arguments lack. By focusing on the definition, ignostics highlight the usual ambiguous vague and varied interpretations of what people believe God might be; his view challenges both believers and non-believers to articulate their positions with precision, to avoid unclear, obscure hazy claims.
 

Now, The Question Is?

Given that we have laid some sort of a foundation for Belief, Faith and God…

Why then, do we Believe, what we believe?  Let’s take a deep dive into this…

and as usual, this is where I take a moment and give a big shout-out, to the real trooper who are still with me in this conversation…Thanks so much for your attention and do remember to Like, Share and Subscribe.

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And now that that’s out of the way – let’s get into it:

Historically, Beliefs are formed through a complex interplay of various factors:
Factors such as:

1. Cultural and Social Influences: The culture we grow up in, including family, friends, community, society and Traditions, norms, and values passed down through generations - have informed our understanding to significantly shapes our beliefs.

2. Personal Experiences: Our own experiences play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs. Positive or negative experiences with people, places, and situations can reinforce or challenge our existing beliefs.

3. Education and Knowledge: The information we are exposed to, through formal education, books, media, and other sources, helps shape our beliefs. Critical thinking and learning new concepts can lead to the evolution of our belief systems.

4. Psychological Factors: Our personality traits, cognitive biases, and psychological needs influence our beliefs. For example, the need for certainty, belonging, and identity can lead us to adopt certain beliefs.

5. Emotional Influences: Emotions can strongly affect our beliefs. Fear, love, hate, and other emotions can lead us to adopt or reject certain beliefs, and sometimes it is regardless of logical reasoning.

6. Authority and Expertise: Beliefs can be influenced by authority figures, such as parents, teachers, religious leaders, and experts. We often trust and adopt beliefs from those we perceive as knowledgeable or trustworthy.

7. Spiritual and Religious Beliefs: Many people’s belief systems are deeply rooted in their spiritual or religious upbringing - often linked to culture and geographical location on the planet. These beliefs often provide a framework for understanding life's purpose and moral ethical guidelines.

8. Media and Technology: In the modern world, media and technology play a significant role in shaping beliefs. Social media, news outlets, and online communities can reinforce or challenge our beliefs through exposure to diverse perspectives.

9. Biological and Evolutionary Factors: Some beliefs may be influenced by biological and evolutionary factors. For example, beliefs related to survival, reproduction, and social unity, can be traced back to evolutionary needs, such as avoiding physical harm, avoiding disease, making friends, attaining status, acquiring a mate, caring for family…and so forth.

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I think that, knowing and understanding why we believe what we believe, is critical and can help us become more aware of our biases and allow us to be open to different perspectives, and lean towards more homogenous inclusive societies.

 

Now, I want to talk about the Roots of Beliefs: and that is:

Myths, Metaphors and Religions of Ancient Beliefs:

From ancient times, belief systems have played a crucial role in human societies. Early civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, were deeply religious, with deities/gods and myths that explained natural wonders.

So, As the foundation of many religious beliefs and practices, Mythology is significant as it plays a role in allowing us to understand and question the origins of belief systems; it serves as a cultural framework that carries deep-seated truths, values, and existential questions, that helps us comprehend the symbolic and ritualistic aspects of faith - prompting re-evaluation of most spiritual foundations.

Myths are used to gain insight into different cultures and contain archetypal narratives that resonate universally, and These stories explore fundamental human questions about life, death, purpose, and the nature of good and evil – they serve to explore fundamental human questions and encourage us to reflection on our own beliefs. As expressions of the collective unconscious, as suggested by psychologist Carl Jung, (who believes that) myths provide psychological insights into the human psyche, to reveal the motivations and fears, that shape belief systems. Through symbolic language and metaphor, myths help us to understand complex ideas and concepts, that might be difficult to express literally; they challenge assumptions, begs deeper contemplation and interpretation…hence leading individuals to refine their understanding of themselves and the world.

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In religious and spiritual context, mythology often forms the basis for many beliefs systems; Therefore, understanding the mythological origins of religious narratives, a person would have to be able to discern a call to the Awakening…A Come To Jesus Moment (if you will), to allow for a deeper contemplation – though much discomfort - one has to become the blasphemous heretic, to challenges some of the assumptions and biases, that were inherited by Indoctrination. Truth be told...whatever we believe or not believe...has all been part of our social conditioning, from birth to present!  Are our Convictions, truly are own?...We should want to reflect on this question; "The unexamined life is not worth living" is a famous dictum supposedly uttered by Socrates.

See, religious texts like the Bible are not merely a books but rather a library - a collections of various metaphoric, symbolic writings - histories, poems, prophecies and laws – which sometimes boarders on the realm of the mythological otherworldly awes – of which have all been sifted through many layers of interpretations , through many languages , at different epoch and were composed over many centuries.
The canonization process of the Bible, was complex and often contentious, leading to the inclusion, exclusion, or alteration of many texts. For instance, some books might have been omitted due to doctrinal disagreements, while others were lost to time or modified during translations and transcriptions.
Knowing this historical context, would  adds layers of complexity to interpreting these texts as sources of absolute unquestionable Truth - especially when it is written in the very sacred text, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it"; How then can we question God or God's Word or man's interpretations and transcriptions?

Hence, the reason many would argue that, absolute objective truth transcends the capacities of language, intellectual faculties, and earthly instruments. Such truth, if it exists, may require revelation through direct spiritual experiences or divine intervention, bypassing conventional means of knowledge. This perspective suggests that ultimate truth emerges, arises and come to light, as spiritual revelation and deep insight, fostered by intimacy with the omnipresent Spirit of Christ/Christ consciousness abiding. Believers can experience this both subjectively and collectively, suggesting that such profound enigmatic truths, defy universal articulation through science or other human constructs. This view underscores the limitations of human understanding and the need for spiritual communion to grasp the ineffable, indescribable, force and greatness of the Supreme.

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And out of Mythology came:

The Rise of Organized Religions
With the dawn of major world religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, belief systems became more organized and codified. These religions offered comprehensive doctrines, rituals, and moral ethical guidelines, that profoundly influenced societies and cultures.
The medieval period, particularly in Europe, was dominated by the Christian Church, which held significant power over political and social life.
Organized religions established sacred texts, such as the Vedas in Hinduism, the Tripitaka in Buddhism, the Torah in Judaism, the canonizing of the Bible in Christianity, and the Quran in Islam. These texts provided a foundation for religious Indoctrination (i.e., teachings and practices). The development of organized religions also led to the establishment of religious institutions, such as temples, churches, and mosques, which became centers of community life. Religious leaders, including priests, monks, rabbis, and imams, played key roles in guiding and shaping the beliefs and behaviors of their followers.

 

Then came:

The Reformation and Enlightenment

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century marked a significant shift, that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. The Reformation, initiated by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, sought to reform the doctrines of the Catholic Church, which was perceived as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of the people.
Consequently, this fragmentation of Christianity, into multiple denominations, led to increased religious diversity and competition.
This period was followed the Enlightenment, by (there seems to be a constant yet organic type of evolution happening). Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism.
Enlightenment thinkers, then challenged traditional religious doctrines, advocating for a separation of church and state and the pursuit of knowledge through empirical evidence.
The Enlightenment further eroded the authority of the Church by promoting critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific method.
Philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant championed, the idea that human reason could lead to progress and enlightenment.
René Descartes, another prominent figure of the Enlightenment, famously declared, "I think, therefore I am," emphasizing the importance of doubt and critical thinking – hence the rise of the Ego…attributing a type of godlike omniscience to the human mind.
Descartes' method of questioning all beliefs to establish a foundation of certainty (but wait a minute - what exactly is the foundation of Certainty? Or Objective truth or Absolute Truth?…and could it be possible that Faith or revealed knowledge or the Divine, exist in a realm outside of evidence-based certainty that is at the mercy of our five senses…could it be that we are limited in our humanity to measure the Divine with such tools? Perhaps the very premise, is flawed?).

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This of course would lead to:

Modern Secularization and the Decline of Traditional Faith:

The Age of Reason and Science began:

The Enlightenment laid the groundwork for the modern age of reason and science. Advances in science and technology have provided explanations for wonders, that were once attributed to divine intervention; and This has fueled the decline in the influence of traditional religious beliefs and an increase in secularism.
The scientific revolution, with figures like Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin, transformed our understanding of the natural world; The theory of evolution, for instance, challenged the biblical account of creation, while cosmology provided a scientific explanation for the origins of the universe.
 

And now, here it comes:

Secularization and Its Impact

Secularization refers to the process by which religion loses its influence over various spheres of life, including politics, education, and public policy. In many Western countries, secularization has led to a decline in church attendance and religious affiliation. According to recent surveys, a growing number of people now identify as "nones," (More than 1 in 4 American adults identify as "religious nones," meaning they consider themselves to be in the category of "atheist," "agnostic" or "just nothing in particular,") - meaning they do not affiliate with any particular religion.

The separation of church and state, is now enshrined in many modern constitutions, has diminished the political power of religious institutions. Secular education systems have replaced religious instruction with scientific and humanistic curricula. The rise of secular values, such as individualism, human rights, and democracy, has further marginalized the role of religion in public life.
As a result, many people now find meaning and purpose outside of traditional religious frameworks, turning instead to secular philosophies, personal spirituality, or ethical humanism.

Now to counter the limits of Reason, right at the dawn of Secularization:

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche declared that "God is dead." Nietzsche argued that the decline of religious faith would lead to a crisis of meaning and values – and a lack of moral compass). He believed that the rise of secularism eroded the foundations of traditional morality and individuals were now left to create their own values and purpose in the absence of divine authority - (and) navigate in the world, without the certainty and guidance, that was previously provided by established doctrines. Nietzsche's concept of the "will to power" emphasizes the importance of self-overcoming and the pursuit of excellence. The challenge was to create new values and find meaning in a way that is authentic and resonant with contemporary life. This existentialist perspective, encouraged individuals to embrace their freedom, while owning their personal responsibility and the need to find meaning through experiences, actions and choices.
Sometimes the enemy can be the "inner me." Personal responsibility requires a willingness to engage in self-reflection and take proactive steps toward personal growth and development. It involves recognizing and addressing one's own shortcomings and actively working to improve oneself. By taking ownership of our actions, our attitudes and decisions, we can foster a greater sense of agency and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

This idea of finding meaning and resilience in the face of life's challenges, was brilliantly yet brutally described in:
Victor Frankl book “Man Search for Meaning” … the book is a profound psychological memoir and philosophical exploration of finding purpose in life. Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, reflects on his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and how they shaped his understanding of human resilience and meaning.

He emphasizes how prisoners who found meaning in their suffering were more likely to survive. Frankl observed that those who had a purpose, whether it was to reunite with loved ones or to complete unfinished work, were able to endure unimaginable hardships.

Frankl introduces his psycho-therapeutic method, called logotherapy, which is based on the belief that the primary drive-in human beings is not pleasure or power but the pursuit of what he calls "meaning." Logotherapy focuses on helping individuals find meaning in life, even in the face of dire suffering, by identifying values and goals that are personally significant.

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Despite the decline of traditional religious beliefs, many individuals still believe in the existence of a higher power or divine source; This belief can provide a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as a framework for understanding the mysteries of existence. This belief is not necessarily tied to organized religion but can be a personal and spiritual conviction. The belief in a higher power or divine source can take many forms, from theistic conceptions of God, to more abstract notions of a universal consciousness or cosmic energy. For many people, the idea of a divine source, offers a sense of connection to a greater whole, fostering feelings of awe, wonder, and reverence; and It can also provide in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties, offering a sense of stability and continuity.

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However, there are still modern trend of questioning and skepticism, that leave individuals yet searching for truth in a fragmented and relativistic world (meaning that truth and right or wrong can only be judged in relation to other things). The challenge is to find a balance between critical thinking and the need for meaning and purpose.

This of course, requires a willingness to explore diverse perspectives and engage in continuous self-discovery.
Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity is also crucial; And the need for, Accepting that some questions may not have definitive answers can be liberating and can open up for new possibilities of personal growth and understanding.
The journey towards truth is often more about the process of exploration and discovery than arriving at a final destination…the poet, Rumi's phrase "What you're seeking is seeking you" suggests a profound connection between our deepest desires and the universe. It implies that our genuine pursuits, such as love, truth, and enlightenment, are not only meaningful but also reciprocated by a greater cosmic order. This idea encourages introspection, suggesting that the answers we seek externally are often found within ourselves, and aligns with the concept of the law of attraction, where our intentions attract similar energies back to us. Ultimately, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and inspires hope, reminding us that our dreams and goals are recognized and responded to by the universe.

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The loss of traditional belief systems can have both positive and negative consequences for mental health.
On one hand, individuals may experience a sense of liberation and intellectual freedom when they question or abandon doctrines that no longer resonate with them.
While, on the other hand, the absence of a belief system can lead to feelings of existential torment, uncertainty, and isolation. The search for meaning and purpose in a secular world can be challenging, and some individuals may struggle to find a sense of belonging and direction.
The loss of community and social support provided by religious institutions can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection, increasing anxiety and depression.
Belief systems or Faith (as some call it) offer coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and grief.  Studies have shown that individuals with strong religious or spiritual beliefs often experience better mental health outcomes, including reducing stress and anxiety lower levels of depression and higher levels of life satisfaction. Studies that have shown that individuals with strong religious or spiritual beliefs (whether it can be proven or not) often experience better mental health outcomes. IT IS FAITH - HOW DO YOU PROVE FAITH - Does it only dwell in the realm of the metaphysical (metaphysics refers to the studies of what cannot be reached through objective studies of material reality)?

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Now since, belief system, is known to provide a framework for understanding and coping with life's challenges – in the absent thereof, would lead individuals to seek out new sources of meaning and connection that resonate with contemporary life and provide a sense of fulfillment.

And in the resent past…

Virtual social connections have become the norm - the need for community and connection becomes even more critical.
Humans are inherently social beings, and a sense of belonging is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Building supportive communities and fostering meaningful connections can help individuals navigate the uncertainties of a secular world and find a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can involve seeking out like-minded individuals, participating in community activities, and fostering relationships based on mutual support and understanding.

 

My Final thoughts

The questioning of belief systems is a complex and multifaceted endeavor, shaped by historical, cultural, and philosophical influences. From ancient mythology to modern secularism, humans have sought to understand the nature of existence and their place in the universe. Whether rooted in religious traditions, personal experiences, or philosophical inquiry, our beliefs influence our understanding of the world and our place within it.
While the modern trend of secularization, has promising to fill the deep emptiness of humanity, by presenting financial wealth and material possessions, as the measure of success and fulfillment (words formally associated with the term “being Blessed”). This focus on materialism has detracted from spiritual/religious pursuits – and ultimately become the personal prioritize.

However, on the flipside, the relentless pursuit of wealth and status is deceptive, as it can eventually create a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, prompting individuals to seek meaning and purpose beyond material possessions.
The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money; Then he turns around and sacrifices his money to recuperate his health.
Consumer culture, promotes the idea that happiness and success can be achieved through the attainment of goods…and we all know now that this is a big fat lie.

The belief in a divine source can offer comfort, hope, and a framework for understanding life's challenges. It can also inspire acts of kindness, compassion, and altruism. For many, the divine source is seen as the ultimate reality or truth, transcending human limitations and offering a glimpse of the infinite and eternal.

Belief is important - be it shallow or profound…

we need to believe in something…because that something, anchors our identity, informs our decisions, and gives us a sense of purpose, which collectively contribute to our psychological stability and social coherence.

Without belief, we struggle with a lack of direction, which potentially could lead to feelings of disconnection and alienation and ultimately into that dark place of Nihilism…

 

 

Every decision starts with a belief and in the absence of beliefs or inability to tap into them, people feel disempowered.

Belief empowers people by giving them unshakable resolve. Belief is what animates the ability to respond to any situation with extraordinary toughness, tenacity, and determination.

Moreover, beliefs have the function of guiding behavior:  because it lets us know how to act on and in society and in the world.

 

Engaging in this quest reflects the depth of our humanity, embodying our eternal search for meaning and connection. It is through the act of questioning that we uncover deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us. This journey demands courage — the courage to challenge long-held beliefs, to embrace uncertainty, and to remain open to the vast spectrum of human experience.

 

As we traverse this path, we learn that wisdom often resides in the spaces between certainty and doubt. It is in these moments of contemplation and introspection that we find the seeds of personal and collective transformation. The diverse perspectives we encounter along the way enrich our understanding, fostering empathy and a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of human belief and experience.

 

Whether through the rituals of traditional faiths or the solitary reflections of personal spirituality, the pursuit of meaning and purpose is a universal endeavor that unites us all. It calls us to live with greater intention, to seek out connections that transcend the mundane, and to embrace the profound mystery of existence.

 

Ultimately, the journey towards truth and understanding is a lifelong adventure, one that continually shapes and reshapes us. It inspires us to live with authenticity, to approach life with a sense of wonder, and to cultivate a deep, abiding respect for the diverse expressions of faith and belief that enrich our world. In this shared journey, we find not only ourselves but also a profound connection to the greater whole.

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See entire video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/WFxXQaL-y5w?si=GfQNrfh7IFJSQC5F