Learning to Update My Spiritual Beliefs

"If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhism will have to change... By learning from science about aspects of reality where its understanding may be more advanced, I believe that Buddhism enriches its own worldview." — Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

This quote stopped me in my tracks. It represents a level of intellectual humility that can be rare in religious circles, the willingness to let go of a core belief if the evidence suggests otherwise.

It made me reflect on my own journey, specifically an instance where I had to update a deeply held belief despite the "evidence" of my upbringing.

The Fortress of Upbringing

I grew up in a strict Christian household. The narrative was clear, absolute, and non-negotiable: Jesus was the only way to salvation. He was the only God. It was a worldview defined by religious exclusivity. For a long time, that was my "truth," protected by the walls of my community and my family.

The Shift: From Exclusivity to Understanding

Just as the Dalai Lama invites science to enrich Buddhism, I allowed education to challenge my Christianity.

As I began studying other religions outside of Catholicism and Christianity, the rigid walls started to come down. I started to realize that, at their core, all religions have more in common than they do differ. When you look deeply at a religion and the culture it originates from, you stop seeing "others" and start seeing shared human truths.

I shifted from the belief that "Christianity is the only way to heaven" to a broader understanding: that each religion teaches us different ways to find spiritual healing and salvation.

Enriching the Worldview

I wouldn’t say that my new, pluralistic view is the "right" one, that would just be trading one absolute for another. But I can say that changing this view was profound. It forced me to reflect on so many other things in my life.

By letting go of the need to be "right," I cultivated a deeper sense of understanding and compassion. I learned that updating your beliefs doesn't mean you are losing your faith; it means you are allowing it to grow.