Passing over and Returning: Discerning What to Believe by Kevin Treston
- Kevin Treston
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
We live in a world replete with an avalanche of opinions, conflicting ideologies, social media, cultural heritages, AI, inspirational and degrading stories. How do we make sense of it all?
Have we learned to settle on choices about what to believe and what to discard? How do we discern those inner truths which shape our life journeys? Do we acquire skills and discernment to access ideas and information which flood our public discourse, internet and algorithms?
Some years ago, during a semester at an overseas Catholic University, I was greatly enriched during a semester in a doctoral program. The theme of the semester was leading us through a process of ‘passing over and returning’. A key text in the semester process of ‘passing over’ was ‘passing over’ to the Hindu scriptures Upanishads, a text relatively unknown to many of us. We were invited to reflect on whether our own faith consciousness was touched or modified in the ‘returning’ after ‘passing over’ to the Hindu text? Or was it touched at all?
I propose there are at least three phases in the experience of ‘passing over and returning’?
Firstly, there must be a personal openness to learn from other sources, such as in conversations, information, texts, media discourse or internet sites. No real ‘passing over’ can happen from any closed personal frame of reference or rigidity in intellectual closures.
Secondly, one must sometimes patiently wait for insights to emerge, insights which may challenge or even contradict my own perspectives and beliefs. Perhaps I may dwell for several years of living in a kind of virtue wilderness or confusing contradictions? I ask myself, ‘How might my own beliefs and life stances be modified or challenged by these new conversations, readings, programs, relationships, happenings or life perspectives?’
Thirdly, in ‘returning’ from the ‘passing over’, I ask myself what different or confronting insights have I gained? Did these interactions concur with or contradict my own beliefs or expand my life horizons? For example, what did this person’s shared life experiences evoke in my own consciousness? How has my religious faith been transformed?
And how might Sophia, God ‘s Wisdom Spirit, lead me to a fuller inner holistic truth?
I keep an icon of Sophia in my wallet to remind me of a personal commitment to my life journey’s quest for ‘passing over and returning’.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - Kevin Treston
Kevin Treston has participated in various ministries for seventy years throughout all the dioceses of Australia and in several countries. His ministries include Catholic school teaching and renewal, school and pastoral leadership, spirituality, renewal in parish life, Christian historical heritage, creation theology and spirituality and personal development. He is the author of over twenty books and numerous publications. Kevin lives with Kathryn in Brisbane.
Comments