Epistemic Humility

I realize that I have not blogged for quite some time. Therefore I have decided that it is time to blog again before my blog becomes obsolete ;)

Reoccurring thoughts keep running through my head. Why is it that I have no idea what epistemic humility looks like? Realizing that it is important to have absolutes, but at the same time realizing how equally important it is to be open to dialogue. Why is dialogue so important? Perhaps that is why I have a blog to some degree. Without dialogue we cease to be human. Yes we are all existentially separated from one-another but Christ has come and through the incarnation we are brought back into communion (and covenant) with the Transcendent Reality. I think through the incarnation we are also brought back into communion with one another. This was severed, we have severed it, but it has been restored. Well that is all fine and nice, but what does that have to do with dialogue? Well simply put……everything. Without language we cannot express our world our meanings our experiences our sensations to one-another. Without language I would have no way of communicating with those around me. Some would even question if one is human without language. The ability to communicate justifies my existence and makes it apparent. My image is validated through language through a connection with another human being. In fact, it is beautiful. Some would even argue that our world is as big as our language is. So what is the importance of dialogue? OUR HUMANESS! Without dialogue you and I are once again existentially separated. To be separated is to once again be confined to our self awareness and nothing else; to be utterly alone, in perception and existence. Let’s face it; it is a shitty place to be.
I think it is also equally important to note that I must remain open to dialogue with ALL humans, not just those that agree with my world-view and out-put on life. This includes the fundamentalist Islamic, to the Ghandi worshiping social revolutionist. Is it also fair to admit, that despite my biases and perspectives I could be wrong? Or despite my epistemic out-look I may be flawed? There are some things that I have done extensive research on have come to many conclusions regarding such. But I also see the importance of walking with an epistemic humility that engulfs the reality that I may be erroneous? I am fully aware that I am not God, and to pretend for one moment that I know something exhaustively is outrageous (yet I act like i do!) I can THINK about walking in humility, but it is invalid unless I LIVE IT OUT (and you with me). So how do we do this? I am not entirely sure, but I know that part of it involves remaining open. It is apparent to me, that once I have closed off the dialogue by stating that my perception is the way and that I will not change it, I have trumped all other dialogues that may happen. The conversation is ended; there is nothing left except the utter realization that I have severed all contact with another human being. How do we then dialogue about the issues that are so close to the makeup of our beings? If we come into contact with those that fundamentally disagree with out worldview? I don’t have an answer, but I am looking for one. My vague answer at this point is epistemic humility but also much love and grace, enough to be passed around ten times over. The problem is, once we have asserted our opinions and view-points trumping the other, it is hard to build up trust again and hospitality is shot. I no longer feel safe, I no longer feel that I may disarm and relax in their presence (nor they in mine). How do we foster an environment of safety and hospitality? I think a lot of it has to do with facing that existential loneliness that is inside of us. By realizing that despite what I may think, despite what everybody may say about me, despite if all of my life is lies… realizing that God exists outside of these things. Though my world-view be shattered to pieces, though everything be stripped away from me, some-how in the depths of my being I know it will be o.k.…..there is a reality greater than me that knows what IT is doing. Realizing that I may in fact be wrong, but it is o.k.….realizing that my worldview will be smashed, but it is o.k.……it has something to do with faith, and trust. Even if you disagree with my perspective, I still exist, God still exists, and love still exists. I think these aspects need to be addressed, lest we be hostile every time we are confronted with a separate perspective. The most important thing is to continue to be open to dialogue to validate one another’s humanness through communication.