Fourth Principle - A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

1. An earlier version of this principle was Aa free and disciplined search for truth and meaning.@ Why do you suppose that word was changed? What does it mean to engage in a Aresponsible@ search as opposed to an Airresponsible@ search? At one time, exploring pagan beliefs would have been seen as an irresponsible embrace of Asuperstition@ (and maybe still is by some people.) Does Aresponsible@ mean the same as rational or analytical?

• AResponsible@ suggests careful study and reflection in choosing beliefs. We don=t quickly and easily adopt a belief because it Afeels good.@ The use of reason and analysis are part of this search but not all of it.
• The Asearch@ for truth recognizes that truth is evolving and open ended.
• AMeaning@ has a personal, emotional dimension - each individual=s unique way of making sense out of the world and her/his place within it. It doesn’t always correspond to more abstract Atruths@ that many people can agree on.

2. What is the difference between truth and meaning? What are our criteria for deciding if something is Athe truth?@ Can something be meaningful without being what others would consider the Atruth?@

3. When UU's say that truth is open-ended and evolving, not fixed and eternal, does that mean that we can never arrive at anything that we can say with confidence is the truth? How about these principles? Why do they ring true to most of us?