Recently I’ve been thinking about the concept of “your perception is your reality.” While this is absolutely true there is another side to that concept, just because something is a perceived reality doesn’t mean it is the truth. Let me explain…

A little while ago, I found myself in a heated discussion with a friend. We had been discussing a controversial topic, and it seemed like our viewpoints were irreconcilable. I firmly believed I was right, and I felt that my perception of the situation was unquestionably the absolute truth.

As the discussion continued, I became increasingly frustrated. It felt like my friend was intentionally ignoring the facts, and I couldn’t understand how they could be so blind to what I saw as the obvious reality. I even started questioning our friendship, wondering how someone I cared about could hold such misguided beliefs.

Then, during one particularly intense exchange, my friend paused and said something that stuck with me ever since: “I understand where you’re coming from, and I respect your perspective. But remember, your perception is your reality, and so is mine.”

Those words hit me like a revelation. I realized that while I was convinced of the righteousness of my position, my friend was equally convinced of theirs. We were both seeing the same situation through our unique lenses, shaped by our life experiences, values, and beliefs.

After some reflection, I decided to take a step back and consider my friend’s viewpoint more seriously. I began researching the topic from different angles, seeking out various opinions and sources of information. In doing so, I discovered that the issue was far more complex than I had initially thought.

As I gained a deeper understanding of the subject, my perspective started to shift. I saw that my initial perception, while valid in many aspects, was not the whole truth. It was a humbling realization, and it taught me the importance of humility and open-mindedness.

This experience served as a reminder that in our interactions with others and our understanding of the world, it’s essential to acknowledge that our perception is just one piece of the puzzle. Embracing the idea that your perception is your reality, but just because something is a perceived reality doesn’t mean it is the truth has since guided me in approaching disagreements and complex issues with an open mind and willingness to learn. The truth often lies somewhere in the middle, influenced by objective facts and multiple perspectives.

Ultimately, my friend and I didn’t completely agree on the issue, but our friendship remained intact. We had both learned a valuable lesson about the nature of perception and truth. It became clear that while our perceptions were our individual realities, there was often a more nuanced and multifaceted truth that required exploration and empathy.

Just because something feels true doesn’t necessarily make it an absolute truth that applies universally. Our perception is like a filter through which we view the world. It can sometimes distort or color the reality around us. It’s like wearing tinted glasses; the world may look a certain way through them, but that’s not how it appears to someone else with a different pair of glasses. (Occasionally, we wear rose-colored glasses, making it extremely challenging to notice red flags.)

Our beliefs, experiences, and upbringing all come together to create our personal worldview. And there’s nothing wrong with that – it’s a fundamental part of being human. However, true reality often exists beyond our perceptions, influenced by objective facts and varying viewpoints. Recognizing the distinction between our personal reality and the objective truth is essential for open-mindedness, empathy, and personal growth. It reminds us that there’s always room for learning and evolving our understanding of the world.

Imagine a room with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Each person might describe the room differently based on where they’re standing or what they’re focusing on. Their descriptions would be their personal realities, shaped by their unique viewpoints.

Growing up in the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) community, I was surrounded by a set of beliefs and practices that were presented as absolute truth. From a young age, I was taught that our way of life was the only path to righteousness. This community was my entire world, and my perception of reality was shaped by its teachings.

One of the core beliefs in the IFB was the notion that the outside world was a morally corrupt and dangerous place. We were repeatedly told that secular influences were leading people astray, and that our isolation from these influences was crucial for our salvation. This belief was ingrained in me to the point where I viewed the outside world with suspicion and even fear.

As a result, I grew up sheltered from many aspects of the real world. I was discouraged from pursuing friendships with non-believers, and my education was filtered through a strictly religious lens. While I believed that I was living a righteous and protected life, I was also unaware of the diversity of experiences and perspectives beyond my community.

It wasn’t until I was an adult that I began to question my perception of reality. As I ventured into the wider world, I encountered people from various backgrounds and beliefs. I realized that the “dangerous” world I had been warned about wasn’t so perilous after all. People from different walks of life were kind, compassionate, and lived by their own moral codes.

This awakening challenged the core belief I had held for so long: that the perception of reality within the IFB was the only valid one. I began to understand that my upbringing had provided me with a narrow view of the world. While the IFB had taught me that their way was the absolute truth, I came to see that truth is often subjective and influenced by one’s perspective.

The IFB had instilled in me the idea that their perception was the only reality, but leaving the community had shown me that my reality through their view was limited and biased. I learned that just because something is a perceived reality, it doesn’t necessarily equate to the universal truth. This realization encouraged me to be more open-minded, empathetic, and willing to engage with diverse perspectives.

In retrospect, my journey out of the IFB taught me that questioning one’s perception of reality is essential for personal growth. It’s a reminder that our beliefs, no matter how deeply ingrained, should be subject to scrutiny and self-reflection. While my time in the IFB was a part of my reality, it’s not the only truth, and I now embrace a more inclusive and open-minded outlook on the world.

The distinction between our personal reality and objective truth is vital. It reminds us that there’s always more to learn and discover. It encourages us to be open-minded, to listen to others, and to consider alternative perspectives.

Disclaimer: It’s important to acknowledge that this is my opinion based on my own life experiences. While this discussion explores the concept of perception and reality within life and in the context of the IFB, I fully understand that there are individuals who find genuine fulfillment and happiness within religion and the IFB community. People have diverse experiences and perceptions, and some may genuinely enjoy and benefit from their involvement in the IFB. I ay disagree, but unlike what I experienced while in the IFB I do not intend to diminish or invalidate those positive experiences but rather seeks to highlight the complexities of personal perspectives and their role in shaping our understanding of the world.