We live in a time where it is common to just accept the things fed to us by the media, the education establishment, our family, our religious organizations, the medical establishment, or generally, anyone called, “an expert.” We accept these things as “common knowledge,” possibly, dare I say probably, not even knowing why. It is rare to question such things; it takes too much time and energy. For me, COVID caused me to question much of what the government and mainstream media were telling us. Things just didn’t add up, didn’t make sense. As I dug into some of the things being promulgated, I realized that the truth isn’t always what is being presented to us. Once I realized this it made me start to question other things that I believed and just considered common knowledge.
Why do I believe what I believe? That is the question to be answered. If we believe falsehoods and make consequential decisions based upon false assumptions, we will most certainly not achieve the results that we envisioned when we made the decisions. The point of this Substack will be to challenge your beliefs and try to get you to consider why you hold a certain point of view. Many of the questions that I will ask will offend some people. If you are easily offended and can’t fathom your beliefs being questioned, maybe this isn’t the place for you, at least at this time. I will present a topic to be considered with my thoughts and/or conclusions that I have reached about said topic. Much of this will be along theological lines but I do reserve the right to delve into other topics as I feel led. I do not ask you to believe anything that I write. I will provide reference material for you to consider as you delve into the topic. I would ask that you be a Berean, one of more noble character than that of the Thessalonians. The Bereans took what was presented to them and asked, “Is that true?” They then examined the Scriptures to determine if Sha’ul of Tarsus (more commonly known as the Apostle Paul) was telling the truth.
“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.”
― Thomas Jefferson
We will be doing exactly this. Are you up to it, no matter where it leads? We endeavor to strengthen our beliefs and, as Kefa (the Apostle Peter) wrote, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Know why you believe what you believe!
“What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.”
― Mark Twain
We may very well be, and I hope we are, considering questions about subjects that we presume to already “know for sure” what the answers are. You may very well find that, if you are a Berean and have an open mind, that what you thought you knew, “just ain’t so.” I know that I have found that to be true too many times to count. I think that you will find the same thing when you begin to “question with boldness...”
This is not a journey for the weak. As you pursue truth you may arrive at the conclusion that what you previously believed was flawed. That should make an honest person need to change how he lives his life to be in accordance with the newfound truth. This is very uncomfortable! Most people will just take the blue pill and continue as they are; it is far easier. But, for those truly searching for truth, taking the red pill is the only way forward.
I know what you are thinking now, “Marketing Genius!” I mean, who wouldn’t tell people that they will be challenged in things they may have believed their entire lives, if they are weak or easily offended, they probably should just move on. Again, Marketing Genius! Would I like a large audience? Sure. But I am most interested in just pursuing the truth. The people that are meant to see this will. If you are one of those interested in pursuing truth and find this content valuable, you will share this with others in your circle of influence and might even consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Honestly though, you will receive nothing additional with a paid subscription. Again, Marketing Genius!!! I believe the subjects that will be discussed here should not be hidden behind a pay wall as the truths explored are meant to change lives, possibly, even hopefully, with eternal consequences. Sha’ul discusses in his letter to Timotiyos (Timothy) in the fifth chapter that someone “preaching and teaching… deserves his wages.” Income derived from this endeavor will help me to be able to cover my living expenses and allow me to spend less time on my day job and more time pursuing truth here.
You’re still here! Grab your bottle of red pills, subscribe, and let the adventure begin.