The free word of the day is free-thinking.At first glance this is such an innocent little word, and one we would all want to have applied to ourselves.
Freethinkers do not accept or reject ideas unless there is evidence, knowledge and any reason to do so. Freethinkers form opinions based on fact, scientific inquiry and logic. No authority, generally held opinion, culture, prejudice or tradition is allowed to obstruct the freethinking process.
This is all well and good.
But thoughts and beliefs are two very different things.
Who would have thought a word that looks so innocent could harbour such a riptide of meaning.
I believe, whole-heartedly, in the individual right, and duty, to think. To be free to think.
But I also respect each individual’s right to suspend disbelief and to allow faith to join the dots created by the stars in the universe.
Free-thinking must allow people to think that scientific inquiry and logic are only as perfect as our imperfect knowledge allows.
So here’s to free-thinking, to the self-determination of the individual, and to faith.
Not what I would call a fun-damental post.
What do you think we need to be free to think about?
