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TOPIC: Gordon, Samuel Dickey - Quiet Talks on Personal Problems (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 11. Perplexed Searchers.
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Perplexed Searchers.
At one time I used to meet frequently, for a short while, at a hotel dining-room table, a bright young college man who was well informed and attractive. One day he introduced the subject of religion. He doubted the divinity of Jesus, or rather he said he did not believe that He was divine. Again, he as openly said that he did not believe the Bible. I said to him as gently as I could, so as not to seem to be arguing, that I presumed he had examined rather carefully into these questions on which he expressed himself so positively. To my surprise he calmly admitted that he had not. He had not given the Bible one careful reading through, neither had he examined the facts about Jesus. When I mildly expressed some surprise at his willingness to give such a positive opinion regarding matters that he had not examined he did not seem concerned, but rather to enjoy restating his opinions.
When the conversation turned on other subjects, especially those connected with his profession, he seemed quite cautious about expressing an opinion except where he had fully informed himself. As we talked, there would come creeping into my thoughts unbidden a certain subtle feeling that he thought as he did because he wanted to. It suited his purpose, or his way of living, or for some reason he preferred to think as he did, and so he did think that way. It was an extremely handy way of fixing up one's opinions to suit one's wishes.
This man was not a doubter. That word implies perplexity, questions, a desire to know what is true. This man did not seem perplexed, had no question to ask, and was not seeking for anything. He plunged at once to the conclusion that seemed to suit his purpose or desire, and there he calmly stuck. I seem to have met quite a number of his clan. This talk about doubt, let me say frankly at once, is not meant for such as he. It is meant for those who are, as I was, perplexed about the reason for the great verities of life and faith, and being perplexed seek to learn at first hand for themselves the reason for things.
In contrast with that incident, many a time, a young man or a young woman in college has sought an interview, and with eager face has told of the sore perplexity that has come in study, regarding some of the old sacred truths learned first at a mother's knee. And as I listened I seemed to read between the lines the story of a mental awakening, a brain bristling with interrogation points as to "the reason why," the earlier habit of thought shocked to find such questions arising about such sacred things, but the questions insistent; withal an earnestness of purpose to find the truth that was to me fascinating. Then would follow the quiet talk together, sifting between essentials and non-essentials, bringing in fuller information sometimes, getting facts into clearer, broader perspective, and getting hold of the keynote of all such research, then a bit of soft, quiet prayer together, and then the pleasure of seeing the steadier step, the returning peace of spirit as the fellow went back to his study, and back to a life controlled by truth.
These latter were the true doubters; they were wavering in their thoughts; they questioned old opinions in the face of facts new to them; they were earnestly and actively seeking for information; they watched for every opportunity to get new light; they were not content to rest in their doubts but were bent on finding the truth. It is with such, and for such, that this present simple talk is intended. It is not meant for those who want to doubt. There comes a time in the life of every one who wakens up mentally, when that awakened mind asks that the great truths of life come up to the bar of his reason, and prove their right to be accepted.
To think is to doubt; that is, to be perplexed, to question, and sift into the reason for things. To think more is to doubt less. To think clearly through is to find the truth. Enough truth can always be found to rest upon while more is coming. The great truths that are used to shape and control the life, and bring peace to the spirit, are few and simple. One never finds all of the truth. It is one of the delights of living to be always finding more of truth. This, too, will be one of the great delights of the upper after-life. There will always be the zest of finding new treasures.
Some people never doubt because they never think. Of course, I mean, think for themselves into the reason of things. Some people never doubt, for they live in that sweet, peaceful atmosphere, made by their elders or others who have doubted, and thought, and thought through, and now rest upon the rock of found truth. Some people never doubt because they have doubted, have searched and sifted, and found enough truth to rest upon, and to control their lives. These latter are the real leaders of thought here. They are still learning, studying, questioning, but the element of perplexity has gone. They rest in what they have found, as they eagerly search for more.