I keep seeing the following line of reasoning from evangelical gatekeepers (et al.):
"All that matters is truth. Bias may be bad, but it's a secondary concern. Figure out the truth. Then ask how bias may affect those who are wrong (i.e. those disagree with you)."
"All that matters is truth. Bias may be bad, but it's a secondary concern. Figure out the truth. Then ask how bias may affect those who are wrong (i.e. those disagree with you)."
(Aside: *of course* the truth is what matters. That's why we're all here, having this conversation. The moment I realize that my interlocutor has made a conscious decision not to care about truth, the conversation is over: it would be pointless to continue.)
The problem with the gatekeepers' way of thinking, obviously, is this:
How do *you* know, dear gatekeeper, that *you* don't suffer from some bias that prevents *you* from clearly perceiving truth in the first place?
How do *you* know, dear gatekeeper, that *you* don't suffer from some bias that prevents *you* from clearly perceiving truth in the first place?
Their answer is, "Because Bible--just read it and see what it says. It's right there, clear as day."
To which the appropriate reply is:
Right. Just like the segregationists and the defenders of slavery before them. They, too, had their proof-texts that were clear as day.
To which the appropriate reply is:
Right. Just like the segregationists and the defenders of slavery before them. They, too, had their proof-texts that were clear as day.
True believers have committed all sorts of atrocities based on their own sincere beliefs about the plain, clear-as-day meaning of the Bible (or some other sacred text).
The foundational problem is a refusal to admit that one's understanding of the Bible is merely that--one's understanding of the Bible.
As long as you insist that you alone know the truth, the truth will continue to escape you.
As long as you insist that you alone know the truth, the truth will continue to escape you.
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