TO TWIST OR TO SUIT FACTS

Ideological extremists and their followers ignore this quote: “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” - Sherlock Holmes in A Scandal in Bohemia

Ideology, when seen through unbiased lenses, is truth. Ideology, when looked upon with the idea that religions (any religion, or all religions) in whole and/or in part, are good, or bad, and/or states of rule – in whole and/or in part, are seen as good or bad (black and white) taint the truth. There are good, bad and neutral in both religious and political ideologies alike. (Yes, religion IS an ideology, where spirituality is not. Most religions force the practitioner into believing there is no distinction betwixt religion and spirituality, when there is a huge distinction). Ideology is about control, fear and/or segregation (us, vs. them), whereas spirituality is about freedom, inclusion and peace.

I include Atheistic beliefs in the religious ideologies category as well. For extreme Atheistic thoughts and their counterparts (for the most part), twist facts to suit their respective thoughts, theories, and/or beliefs. Extremist thinking tends to ignore, pass over or twist evidence to suit their own needs, ignoring vital information, counter to their desires. Pacifist followers of extremist minded people do the same, but at least they do not force others into believing or thinking as they. That is why extremist thinking is so dangerous.

Furthermore and lastly, every single person deserves the same level of approval for being human alone. A person shan't be completely disapproved of, where various individual (traits if you will), thoughts, beliefs and/or actions, may be deserving of disrespect. A belief is in no way the whole person, merely a tiny aspect of that person. To wrap an entire person as being a specific thing, and disregarding the rest, is a part of ideological thinking. An individual is more – far more than any one person can pinpoint! Every single person has aspects to admire, as well as aspects to loath, and yet other aspects to be indifferent of.

Marty R. Woodcock

I welcome your thoughts on this - if you have any.