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Hadden Turner's avatar

I am struck by the question: "It is true?"

We are often told to seek truth, and in one sense, this is indeed true and good. But, what you, Paul, have alluded to here is that not all truth is to be sought. There is some truth that is too high for us - the mystery of the workings of the Trinity being one (incidentally, trying to probe too deeply into this truth has led many a heretic into a myriad of falsehoods), and some truth is too dangerous for us - the knowledge of good and evil was truth for Adam and Eve, but not something they should have pursued. Same here with the truth (or otherwise) about our "greatness". It may be true that in one area or another, we excel and are the "best" but this is not for us to know and dwell on otherwise pride will come rushing into our lives like air into a vacuum.

It takes wisdom, therefore, to discern what truth to pursue, and what truth to leave to the One who knows all things and in whom there is no falsehood at all.

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Susanne C.'s avatar

We cannot have too many warnings about spiritual pride. It lies behind every judgment we make of others, and as this story clearly shows we are never so old or experienced in religious life as to be free of it.

Thank you for writing this, I really appreciate the turn your writing has taken.

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