Many beliefs, one reality

Many beliefs -one reality 

By Jimmy Henderson FRC

We are daily faced with the paradox of so many different religions and belief systems which all lay claim to the truth. Yet if we accept the idea of a single reality, this paradox can be explained in terms of a metaphor in which, what each of us, either as individuals or groups, see or understand of the world, can be seen to be only different pieces and shades of cloth cut from one universal fabric.

Perhaps I can explain this better by also using the analogy of a puzzle. If we present a 3000 piece, complicated cardboard puzzle to a group of small children, due to their immaturity, inexperience and limited ability to reason, it is unlikely that they could ever complete it. However, if we separate the puzzle into much smaller pieces and give each child a section to complete on his or her own, be it a corner, a border or a certain patch of colour, it is quite possible that they will all be successful in putting together their small sections. And later, as long as they agree to work together and combine their different sections, the entire puzzle will take form.

This analogy implies that each school of scientific, psychological, philosophical or religious thought in the world today could be said to be holding a small piece of the great puzzle of reality and have at least some answers to the mysteries of life and the existence of mankind and the universe. However, the problem at present is that each group believe that their small section is the completed puzzle and are prepared to vigorously defend their views. This leads to the ongoing arguments and strife we see in the world as to who is right and who is wrong. The groups are all unable to see that what they each have is only a small part of a universal, many-faceted and multi-layered explanation of Mind and reality. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive scientist and metaphysician, His books are available on Amazon.com (Jimmy Henderson) or through his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com