There are two kinds of truth; those that are according to universal truths and those that are true to beliefs. Universal truths are those that we all observe and can agree on. Murdering innocents is wrong as is lying, stealing, hate and bigotry. These have positive principles they support such as the sanctity of life, the pride of accomplishment and understanding others. The list can go on, along with the particulars for each. For instance, we might lie about a surprise party and consider it a white lie. But we can all agree in general on things that are good and bad.

Truths according to beliefs would be those that belong to an association. A politician’s view on lies or corruption would be more liberal than a common person. They become white to them when it pertains to getting into office or they might justify it by thinking the things they do are good for everybody. Religions have their beliefs too. Every sane person is rightly enraged when something violates a universal truth such as beheading an innocent person. But some religions and political movements in the past have considered it a necessary thing. We should be intolerant of associative beliefs that violate universal truth. But associative beliefs that follow universal truths should be acceptable to everyone.

When we talk about having understanding, it pertains to having the ability to sort these things out. Religions and political movements will all have aspects of universal truths mixed in with their beliefs. The universal truths are the attraction and then the others are added. Those who don’t understand this will be judgmental and argue with others about things that pertain to their beliefs. Most conflicts result from lacking the ability to recognize universal truth while championing associative truth.

There can be symbols that pertain to the universal truths in a religion. A cross can be a universal symbol to everyone of altruism; giving ones life for another. The ten commandments are a symbol of a community coming together with an understanding of universal truths. Of course the first commandment puts the name “God” as the universal originator, but we can all agree, although dated and lacking particulars, the commandments represent good sound principles.

Secularism isn’t a bad thing but is simply a declaration that the principles will be universal even if they came from a religion, political view or a philosophy. Our laws should reflect and be based in universal principles. This is where a nation comes together. Once understood, we can read things that may not reflect our beliefs but have good sound principles. We aren’t offended by symbols or things that people say since we are well grounded in what is right. We can savor the good things in other points of views and throw away the associative nonsense.  It makes reading, being a citizen and life in general more enjoyable when these things are sorted out and put in perspective.