The Essay

In his treatise, The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell reviewed how and why humanity’s concept of knowledge is so muddled. In chapter one, Appearance and Reality, he explains, "Is there any knowledge in the world which is so certain that no reasonable man could doubt it?" This question, which at first sight might not seem difficult, is really one of the most difficult that can be asked. When we have realized the obstacles in the way of a straightforward and confident answer, we shall be well launched on the study of philosophy, for philosophy is merely the attempt to answer such ultimate questions, not carelessly and dogmatically, as we do in ordinary life and even in the sciences, but critically, after exploring all that makes such questions puzzling, and after realizing all the vagueness and confusion that underlie our ordinary ideas.

The issue A Cry From The Heart addresses is that although absolute truth, as Russell explains, is most illusive, it has not kept tyrants from alleging their truth throughout history. The author's thesis statement is a 29,000 word personal essay addressing one question: How might a person distinguish veritas (our personal reality, which may or may not be absolute truth) from firmly held but un-testable beliefs? The author presents a common sense analysis of how and who made the intergenerational passing of beliefs (or lies) as facts and suggests such misrepresentations hinder the people living now from thinking critically about their "reality." Lawrence believes this historical deception blinds people and prevents them from separating dialogue from indoctrination, or belief from fact. The author concludes that by not being able to think critically people are living mindless lives. He also concludes that mindless thinking makes it hopeless that our world will ever be at peace.

The essay presents an historical review of some of the philosophies and theologies that were the molds used by societies to present beliefs as facts, but the essay does not advocate a philosophy, new or old, and neither does it present a theology, new or old. The author submits that if we collectively agree that living in peace with one another is a goal to achieve we must collectively eliminate the presumption one person has a right to impose his/her will on another and we must learn how to think critically.

Most of the literature about God, religion and government, past and present, is debatable. The speaker or author argues for or against the validity and acceptance of one side or the other. A Cry From The Heart is presented as the author’s answer to the life-long question he has asked, "Why have we never lived in peace?" Readers are free to consider and accept or disregard his thoughts. That being said, the logic and evidence Lawrence brings to bear on his thesis is compelling. After reading his essay, a person may feel uncomfortable after disregarding his conclusions.

A Cry From the Heart by Lawrence McGrath presents an original perspective on conflict, miscommunication, and the dogma so prevalent in modern thinking, particularly religious thinking. How we perceive our beliefs and how we distinguish facts are critical factors in molding our worldview. Lawrence offers up a clear review of the historical factors that have created the present conditions for the rule of dogma over critical thinking.

In the past, when the government, schools, church, and social convention all said the Earth was flat, it was extremely difficult for a person with a curious mind to ask, “Why do I see the top of the mast before I see the ship as it approaches the harbor?” The flat Earth concept is still an example of the stumps that still exist in our culture which inhibit critical thinking. Critical thinking is not a particular way of thinking, it is rather a way to live a deeply examined life. A critical thinker has the humility to suspend judgment, to examine beliefs contrary to his/her own, and explore and appreciate the facts and cohesion of the other person’s discussion. Critical thinking is an attitude that exists in concert with many other attitudes: humility, self-confidence, and morality. It is possible to gain this critical attitude, and in the process, regain an essential part of what it means to be a compassionate person. Told in clear English and intuitively organized, A Cry From the Heart spells out an unambiguous explanation for why we have strife in the world, and offers lucid and actionable guidance on how we can regain the balance between what we believe and what we know. Lawrence has written an essay that will inform and educate, but more it will inspire you to a higher order of thinking.

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