BAPTISM

Imagine for a moment being born into a society where, for the last thousand years, everyone has believed the sky is red. One thousand years ago, this society decided that every citizen had to wear glasses which make the sky appear red to every citizen. For the current generation this is a simple fact. It is not disputed, and any thought to the contrary is rejected with incredulous looks and disdain. You know the truth, however, after rebelliously taking your glasses off and seeing that the sky is actually blue. This revelation fills your body with excitement and dread. How will people respond to this news that is contrary to everything they have ever heard? You tell your family and your friends, but all of them refuse to take their glasses off and look for themselves. “I can clearly see that the sky is red. Are you crazy?"; "Someone could hear you saying such things; please keep your voice down--that is forbidden,” they respond. This process is infuriating. It is maddening. Why won’t they just take their glasses off? Why won’t they look for themselves? Perhaps it is because the truth scares them. If the sky is really blue, then that would change the entire dynamic of their lives. They could be rejected by society or--worse--their friends and family. Perhaps they think it is better to hide from the truth, simply not looking at it. It is difficult to break free from a lie told since childhood. Accepting truth takes not only time but also courage.