[Traveler]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

I too have worked with religious volunteers and clergy from many faith traditions, including yours, including Jehovah's Witnesses, and including many faiths outside the Christian tradition. And, yes, the all observe the Golden Rule, and would all likely practice the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) as they understood them. But, they did not all offer the Way, Truth and Life. We did not argue or debate who's gospel is right, however, We all let our lights shine, as we ministered to inmates, according to the dictates of our faith.
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Your experiences and your grasp on my perspective, those of others, and, your own confident expression of faith are all admirable.

Your statement:

all observe the Golden Rule, and would all likely practice the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) as they understood them. But, they did not all offer the Way, Truth and Life.

This concept of not offering "the Way, Truth and Life" is of great interest to me. Many years ago while in college I was taking a Philosophy class when a question was raised. Most everyone at some point thinks they have access to truth that others (especially others that disagree) do not have. The question is, “What is the difference between truth and what is perceived as truth?” Or how do you determine when you know the truth from when you think you know the truth?

The logical answer is that when there is more than one that perceive the truth differently there are only two possibilities. Ether all are in error or there is one that perceives correctly and the rest are in error. I know that some argue that because of relativity that there are different perceptions of the same truth but they do not understand that the difference can be logically and accurately accounted for based on the frame of reference. If the difference cannot be accounted for, then there must, in “truth” be a difference.

The point I am trying to make – or ask; is how does one validate their access to the way, truth and life when others are just as sure that the first are in error in their perception and that some different way, truth and life is valid?

If you use the Bible for validation why would G-d change the method of validation of truth based on pre and post compilation of the Bible? And how is the Bible validated – especially when there are different versions both ancient and modern? Some argue that the difference is negligible – but if you are off by even 1 tenth of one percent on your way to the moon you will miss it completely. That kind of error to arrive at the next closest star would be a joke. How much error can there be in way, truth and life to eternity?

The Traveler