We See What We Want to See (Updated from 7/6/2015)

"Our visions begin with our desires."

-- Audre Lorde (1934-1992)

I would be interested to know if an atheist would see an angel in this picture, or if their rejection of religion, of spirituality, is so complete as to prevent even acknowledging what most everyone else might see... just a cloud.  Maybe they would default to a fairy, or some demonic, bat-winged, fiction.  Of course, I suppose this default would also allow them to acknowledge the angel, since, to them, it would be just another fiction... for the simple-minded.

We see what we want to see, whether imagined or real.  We humans tend to see with our hearts. And then, we shake off our initial reaction and jump into analysis.  Angels, bleeding and crying religious icons, ghosts, and flying saucers, all send our imaginations into overtime... for a moment.  Those of faith will analyze for facts while keeping their mind open, for what they hoped they saw.  The skeptic analyzes to prove their hypothesis.  Now, we are waking up to another theory, which I think has its roots in Quantum Theory, though I may be wrong. It is called "phenomenalism":

Everyone is interested in what happens to things when we aren't looking at them. Scientists have carefully studied this problem and some of them came to a simple conclusion – they disappear. Well, not quite like this. Phenomenalist philosophers believe that objects only exist as a phenomenon of consciousness. So, your laptop is only here while you are aware of, and believe in its existence, but when you turn away from it, it ceases to exist until you or someone else interacts with it. There is no existence without perception. This is the root of phenomenalism.

Read more at: http://www.learning-mind.com

What of the woman who recently had a car accident where the car flipped into a river? When finally found, the rescuers could hear her crying for them to save her baby.  They reached the vehicle and saved the child only to find the mother had died some time before their arrival.  Several of the rescue team attested to hearing the voice, clearly.  Difficult to explain. Yet, I'm certain some perpetual disbeliever will arrive at swamp gas, or cats in heat, to dismiss any supernatural explanation.  Disbelievers love to suck all the color from life.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

-- C.G. Jung (1875-1961)

I have met many people who feel looking inward, as Jung suggests, is a waste of valuable time better spent doing something constructive, like proving the non-existence of God so they can be vindicated as if anyone of faith really cares what they think or find.  That's why they call it faith, and why they aren't trying to prove the atheist is wrong.  

You cannot create faith for someone incapable, or unwilling,  to open their mind to possibilities while they remain mired in only that which is probable.  They tie themselves to the physical world without any dreams of transcending into what lies beyond.  I would love to see the face of the skeptic who dies, goes into the light, and upon reaching the other side, as a caterpillar, thinks to themselves, "Oh, crap..."

“I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons... it all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?”

John Lennon (1940-1980)

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com