How does one know if he really knows. For instance, a JW elder or board member will probably think he would qualify as knowing the truth, although a DF'd JW would think otherwise. Also the DF'd person would probably think that he qualifies as knowing. Am I missing the boat here? Would God be the final answer?
Hi Phil,
The original line from the proverb actually says, “He that he knows that he knows, follow him”. I have changed it to learn from him due my personal belief of never following anyone regardless of what they know or who they are.
As far as how can you identify “he that knows” is a question of finding the expert in a certain context. In order to do that you must have some criteria for what you are going to consider expert. This takes us to relativity meaning that it’s going to be relative to your own personal criteria, values, belief system, etc. etc.. In plain English your criteria for expert may differ from mine but ultimately it’s your call. You will have to live with the consequences of what beliefs you buy into. The more at stake the more the criteria and the longer time required to change my beliefs.
My criteria for finding, “he that he knows” is:
a)
Can he give me both sides and the complete panoramic view of an issue?
b)
Can he help me to ask the right questions and direct where I can do my own research, to come to my own conclusion?
c)
Can he explain to me how he came to his educated opinions?
d)
Does he have original fresh ideas or is he merely repeat what he has been indoctrinated with?
e)
Does his knowledge resonate as true or does it sound hollow?
f)
Does he have a vested interest in me believing as he does?
g)
Can he tell me what his critics would say of his opinions and can he in a simple and concise way explain to me what facts his critics are missing to not concur with him?
h)
I ask myself what are the consequences of believing and not believing this new opinion as fact.
I make it my policy never to listen nor take advice from anyone who had not done successfully what I am attempting to do. While I am a trained skeptic, I am at times skeptical of my own skepticism when it comes to spiritual truths. This allows me to be open but not gullible. As far as God being the final answer I would say yes and no. No in that he gave me a brain with unlimited potential to be used in my best interests. Yes when I have done all within my power and I still am missing something. This is when I surrender to that higher power to lead me to find what I need.
