Logic and Truth

Aristotelian logic is like Newtonian physics. It is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the visible, tangible world in which we live. Because it has such power, particularly with respect to thoughts and events we encounter every day, we often forget that logic itself is just a theory -- a working hypothesis. Therefore, when we encounter things that cannot be explained “logically”, we reject them and deny their existence.

Just as quantum physics has disclosed the existence of a level of reality that transcends Newton’s theories – a universe of energy that does not obey the laws he propounded (which many thought were absolute and incontrovertible) -- spiritual thinkers are aware of a world of conscious energy that obeys a logic beyond Aristotle. In this world, miracles are commonplace, and there is no distinction between thoughts and objects or events.

In this world, and only in this world, free will exists. The world of Aristotle and Newton is inherently deterministic, though philosophers tie themselves in semantic knots trying to incorporate free will into that mechanistic universe. In the transcendent reality of Spirit, there is no such difficulty, for that reality begins and ends with Will. The will of Spirit to manifest itself in us and in our physical universe is the basic creative principle. The Universal Field of energy, in which our individual pesonalities are transient eddies, is constantly engaged in creative acts. By our own wills we draw, direct, and contribute to that creation. Through it we create our own individual universes according to our wills.

When an adherent of Aristotelian determinism faces the assertion that Spirit exists – and is all that exists – he is likely to consider that belief totally unfounded. He may deny or simply refuse to consider it because he cannot understand how its truth can be demonstrated. Indeed, there is no way to demonstrate the universality of Spirit by the methods of syllogistic thought, any more than there is a way to explain the esoteric phenomena of quantum physics in Newtonian terms. This does not mean that those phenomena do not exist. It is one’s belief system, not reality, that must be adjusted to resolve the conundrum.

To those who have experienced, even momentarily, contact with the bedrock reality of Spirit and Universal Mind, the truth is incontrovertible. There may be no way to convince the disciple of Aristotle of that truth, but to relieve his frustration and pain we can counsel openness and exploration of alternative means of understanding. Meditation, the study of the self, and acceptance of the peace found in stillness, if practiced lovingly and without reservation, will reveal the truth to the skeptic. Then there will be no further need of demonstration, of reasoning or of logic. One who has experienced the Truth knows it and will strive, to the limits of his strength, to retain and deepen that knowledge throughout his physical lifetime.

Each person must discover the truth in himself. I told a person that each of us is a manifestation of Universal Spirit; a shining soul that has chosen to surround itself with its own particular interpretation of a physical universe. He replied, “that is only your belief; you cannot know it to be true.” For a moment I was taken aback as I struggled to recall the false distinction I once made between knowledge and belief. Finally I replied, “If that is what you believe, it is true for you.” Recognizing the impossibility of explaining my truth to one who lacked the vocabulary of Spirit, I could say no more.