I suppose the title is actually two questions. The first a figurative query which ponders the phrase the "edge of skepticism." The second more literal which asks why write this blog entitled the "Edge of Skepticism." I have little on my mind at the moment so I'll go ahead and entertain both questions.
In my rudimentary understanding of religion, philosophy, science, and sociology, I find at the edge of skepticism lies a narrow, snaking path towards the truth. For one who grew up in a family which adhered closely to religion and whose many friends affirm their faith before their name, skepticism might be a bit of a frightening word. To doubt faith, doubt morality, doubt God and His existence itself, one would suggest, would be to take a step in the path of disbelief. I, myself, would have suggested it.
Thus, on one side you have those who claim to hold no doubt. Their ideology is set in unbreakable stone that science and miracle could not change. They have retreated deep into the forest of doctrine where generations of their family have known every tree and corner. They have no need for a torch. In the darkness there is security.
I cannot enter the forest for I am fraught with doubt. A doubt that I once believed led me down many paths I'd sooner forget than discuss. Though I prayed, I found no relief for doubt. Though I learned, I found no facts to break the allure of answerless questions.
One the other side you have the skeptic. The one who is wedded to the question of why. And as any 5 year old would be more than happy to demonstrate, the question of why can continue ad nauseum. They do not seek the truth. They only want to destroy any remnant of belief to justify their own arrogant skepticism.
If I was not one who found security in that exclusive forest of doctrine, was I the arrogant skeptic? Have I been washed out into an endless ocean of questions by a fierce current of doubt?
For years, the question would haunt me. Then I began to realize I was neither drowning in the ocean or sheltered in the forest. I sat on the shore. The ocean's waves rolled gently over the soft sand. The towering trees providing shade from the midday sun.
I found it was not doubt that mislead me. Nor was it weakness of spirit. Rather, it was the suggestion itself. The suggestion that to doubt means to disbelieve. To doubt means to be a skeptic. A suggestion that so many have emphasized with pounding clenched self-righteous fists and judging tongues. A suggestion which paints the world as black and white.
How can I affirm my faith without first having doubt? Afterall, we ask God to carry us forward on the path of the steadfast. A path that is not shrouded in doubt and mystery would not require one to be steadfast.
It is in doubt that we find the miracle of faith. As a Muslim, we believe every person is born with a natural inclination to belief. Thereafter, the child's parents will make them a Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist, and so on. When we allow ourselves to truely and honestly balance on that edge of doubt and faith, we can feel our inclination pull us towards faith.
It is at the edge of skepticism, I find peace in my faith. In our inherent inclination, I find my proof.
As for the blog, my intent is mostly selfish. I have not written much lately and I find myself slowly losing one of my few talents. On this blog, I'll practice my craft and discuss any range of topics from theology to philosophy, current events to humorous and, more than likely, self-deprecating anecdotes.
Since my perspective comes from this figurative land located at the edge of skepticism, I decided it would be the perfect name for my blog.
Well, that and I typically use Edge as an alias to my ramblings on the internets. I guess that would have been a simpler answer to the initial question.
- Edge
In my rudimentary understanding of religion, philosophy, science, and sociology, I find at the edge of skepticism lies a narrow, snaking path towards the truth. For one who grew up in a family which adhered closely to religion and whose many friends affirm their faith before their name, skepticism might be a bit of a frightening word. To doubt faith, doubt morality, doubt God and His existence itself, one would suggest, would be to take a step in the path of disbelief. I, myself, would have suggested it.
Thus, on one side you have those who claim to hold no doubt. Their ideology is set in unbreakable stone that science and miracle could not change. They have retreated deep into the forest of doctrine where generations of their family have known every tree and corner. They have no need for a torch. In the darkness there is security.
I cannot enter the forest for I am fraught with doubt. A doubt that I once believed led me down many paths I'd sooner forget than discuss. Though I prayed, I found no relief for doubt. Though I learned, I found no facts to break the allure of answerless questions.
One the other side you have the skeptic. The one who is wedded to the question of why. And as any 5 year old would be more than happy to demonstrate, the question of why can continue ad nauseum. They do not seek the truth. They only want to destroy any remnant of belief to justify their own arrogant skepticism.
If I was not one who found security in that exclusive forest of doctrine, was I the arrogant skeptic? Have I been washed out into an endless ocean of questions by a fierce current of doubt?
For years, the question would haunt me. Then I began to realize I was neither drowning in the ocean or sheltered in the forest. I sat on the shore. The ocean's waves rolled gently over the soft sand. The towering trees providing shade from the midday sun.
I found it was not doubt that mislead me. Nor was it weakness of spirit. Rather, it was the suggestion itself. The suggestion that to doubt means to disbelieve. To doubt means to be a skeptic. A suggestion that so many have emphasized with pounding clenched self-righteous fists and judging tongues. A suggestion which paints the world as black and white.
How can I affirm my faith without first having doubt? Afterall, we ask God to carry us forward on the path of the steadfast. A path that is not shrouded in doubt and mystery would not require one to be steadfast.
It is in doubt that we find the miracle of faith. As a Muslim, we believe every person is born with a natural inclination to belief. Thereafter, the child's parents will make them a Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist, and so on. When we allow ourselves to truely and honestly balance on that edge of doubt and faith, we can feel our inclination pull us towards faith.
It is at the edge of skepticism, I find peace in my faith. In our inherent inclination, I find my proof.
As for the blog, my intent is mostly selfish. I have not written much lately and I find myself slowly losing one of my few talents. On this blog, I'll practice my craft and discuss any range of topics from theology to philosophy, current events to humorous and, more than likely, self-deprecating anecdotes.
Since my perspective comes from this figurative land located at the edge of skepticism, I decided it would be the perfect name for my blog.
Well, that and I typically use Edge as an alias to my ramblings on the internets. I guess that would have been a simpler answer to the initial question.
- Edge
