I think most of us want to know if something of importance to us is true. It matters in deciding what persons and policies to vote for in elections. It matters when you read or hear something in the media. Is it really true or did Artificial Intelligence make it up?

We come to decisions about truth with presuppositions. For example, I was brought up as a child going to church with a particular faith group. Maybe you grew up being taught all truth came from scientific evidence. We know scientific understanding has changed over the years. In my case, I found positions and beliefs I held for years were wrong also.

So, does believing in something for a long time make it true? Reflecting on my personal journey, I suggest history answers that question in the negative—whether in science, theology, or personal relationships.

When I am confronted with ideas that challenge my current beliefs, what is my almost immediate reaction? “Well, that can’t be really true!”  What was my next logical or maybe  really the next emotional step?  I went searching for evidence that proved my position was true.   As a scientist, perhaps your next step would be to search for reliable journal articles that acknowledge your point of view.  As a Christian, I read various commentaries—my favorite ones of course.  As with many Christians I found individual scriptures which, when put together, validated my beliefs. 

In essence, our natural tendencies are to search for evidence for what we already believe to be true.   That done, we don’t have to confront the implications that opposing evidence might surface.

Perhaps like you, I think real change is hard and in many cases very stressful.  So, resistance is natural.  I might easily accept certain facts that may be true but  that doesn’t change my real opinion.  One easily can see this every day in personal relationships.  Typically, one might say “I know that may be true, but….” 

Many of us can accept certain  things to be true and realize this needs a change In behavior.  Actually, going from acceptance to recognizing the need for change in behavior, and actually committing and carrying it out are different steps for me. In my Christian walk this has meant being humble enough to recognize it is better to adhere to truth than to always think I am right. 

For me this meant proceeding with discernment as many of my fellow Christians had not come to the same understanding.  Some of my friends who are not Christians proceed in life with totally different belief and actions.  Some of my Christian friends refuse to acknowledge what they practice is only tradition and not bible truth.  I need to recognize actually acting on different beliefs  is one of the most difficult changes one can make.

What if I was the one who had to change beliefs? What would it actually take for me  to acknowledge that something I have believed for years is wrong?