I received a really good book from a friend over Christmas called, ‘The Song of the Bird’ by Antony de Mello. It is a collection of short stories and poems with hidden meanings. One that has particularly struck a cord with me is ‘The Devil and his Friend.’
‘The devil once went for a walk with his friend. They saw a man stoop down and pick something up from the ground.
“What did that man find?” asked the friend.
“A piece of truth,” said the devil.
“Doesn’t that disturb you?” asked the friend.
“No,” said the devil. “I shall let him make a belief out of it.”
(The Song of the Bird by Antony de Mello)
Each religion/philosophy would argue that they have the fullness of truth. They guard it, hold onto it and cherish it, with each one claiming to be doing what is pleasing to God. Many are not willing to budge over certain issues and some even resort to violence to justify their views.
What if these beliefs are only elements of the truth and reality? What if they are meant to evolve and change? Should we allow them to grow and mature? Is a truth worth holding onto if it is only partial truth and if from that truth come other beliefs that are of human creation and not divine?
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