Link (Archive)
your life begins to change for the better.
~ Karl Forehand
I grew up hearing the phrase, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Since I started deconstructing, these kinds of assumptions have raised many questions and few answers.
First, how do we know God said it without initially assuming that God exists, and how can we verify what He actually said? My friends, over the years, have credited all kinds of things to hearing God’s voice. Back then, I couldn’t trust myself to distinguish between good and evil (because I was taught to think that way), so I believed in an ancient manuscript and accepted the assumptions and guesses that my leaders took from their predecessors.
Second, I came to understand the Dunning-Kruger effect, which describes a disturbing cognitive bias that affects us all. People with limited knowledge in an area tend to overestimate how much they know, and we all have gaps in our expertise.[1]
Looking back over the years, I realize I drew most of my spiritual guidance from these types of men. They were good at recognizing their assumptions, but they rarely looked beyond the comfort of their own beliefs.
If there is a God, He/She/They should communicate more effectively.
When I realized that my beliefs were assumptions, I began to explore other belief systems and worldviews. I understood what I didn’t know for sure, and I looked for answers and understanding without feeling the need to agree entirely with anything or stop seeking what I didn’t know. It was tempting to say, “This is my new truth,” but I resisted, realizing that my desire for connection was guiding me.
From there, I explored what a genuine connection and community truly are and realized that most religious communities are heavily constructed and driven more by dopamine and other chemicals than by having the correct and perfect beliefs about God and the afterlife. I found real community today with my friend, Kyle Butler, when we shared about our relationships with family members. I know this happens at church, but in religion, it’s less about beliefs and more about our natural need for connection and our desire to connect with others.
If we could remove the indoctrination aspect of religion, I see the benefit of “assembling together.” Connection is essential, but when doctrine, assumptions, and influence dominate, the audience loses the plot of being kind and loving their neighbor. The storyline shifts to convincing the world that our assumptions are correct and demonizing anyone who disagrees. “Unbelievers” are persecuted, shamed, and shunned, and others go along with it for their survival. Indoctrinating (evangelizing) becomes the top priority, and empathy, compassion, and love fall behind.
What are your assumptions leading to in your life? For me, it was arrogance, fear/control, and separating myself from my neighbor. I lived in a dualistic, “us versus them” world where I always believed I was right and thought God was on my side. After letting go of this tight-fisted grip on my assumptions, my life shifted toward being a journey of exploration and discovery rather than a need for agreement and control.
Keep asking questions. You can learn a lot more when you realize how much you don’t know.
BE where you are, Be who you are, Be at peace!
Karl Forehand
All Beliefs Are Assumptions
Once you realize all beliefs are assumptions,your life begins to change for the better.
~ Karl Forehand
I grew up hearing the phrase, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” Since I started deconstructing, these kinds of assumptions have raised many questions and few answers.
First, how do we know God said it without initially assuming that God exists, and how can we verify what He actually said? My friends, over the years, have credited all kinds of things to hearing God’s voice. Back then, I couldn’t trust myself to distinguish between good and evil (because I was taught to think that way), so I believed in an ancient manuscript and accepted the assumptions and guesses that my leaders took from their predecessors.
Second, I came to understand the Dunning-Kruger effect, which describes a disturbing cognitive bias that affects us all. People with limited knowledge in an area tend to overestimate how much they know, and we all have gaps in our expertise.[1]
Looking back over the years, I realize I drew most of my spiritual guidance from these types of men. They were good at recognizing their assumptions, but they rarely looked beyond the comfort of their own beliefs.
If there is a God, He/She/They should communicate more effectively.
When I realized that my beliefs were assumptions, I began to explore other belief systems and worldviews. I understood what I didn’t know for sure, and I looked for answers and understanding without feeling the need to agree entirely with anything or stop seeking what I didn’t know. It was tempting to say, “This is my new truth,” but I resisted, realizing that my desire for connection was guiding me.
From there, I explored what a genuine connection and community truly are and realized that most religious communities are heavily constructed and driven more by dopamine and other chemicals than by having the correct and perfect beliefs about God and the afterlife. I found real community today with my friend, Kyle Butler, when we shared about our relationships with family members. I know this happens at church, but in religion, it’s less about beliefs and more about our natural need for connection and our desire to connect with others.
If we could remove the indoctrination aspect of religion, I see the benefit of “assembling together.” Connection is essential, but when doctrine, assumptions, and influence dominate, the audience loses the plot of being kind and loving their neighbor. The storyline shifts to convincing the world that our assumptions are correct and demonizing anyone who disagrees. “Unbelievers” are persecuted, shamed, and shunned, and others go along with it for their survival. Indoctrinating (evangelizing) becomes the top priority, and empathy, compassion, and love fall behind.
What are your assumptions leading to in your life? For me, it was arrogance, fear/control, and separating myself from my neighbor. I lived in a dualistic, “us versus them” world where I always believed I was right and thought God was on my side. After letting go of this tight-fisted grip on my assumptions, my life shifted toward being a journey of exploration and discovery rather than a need for agreement and control.
Keep asking questions. You can learn a lot more when you realize how much you don’t know.
BE where you are, Be who you are, Be at peace!
Karl Forehand
