Sincerity Versus Truth

Sincerity versus truth- who wins? Sincerity is a noble quality found in many humans, but, does it win over truth? Many will argue, "it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere"! so then, sincerity is often linked with innocence as a sincere person does not intentionally mislead or spread falsehood. However... if a sincere person trusts another who tells them an untruth, and... they believe it sincerely, and then... they repeat it to others, does it then convert itself somehow into a truth because of prolific repetition, or because it is sincerely believed? Some will argue "there is no absolute truth" and they say it with such conviction perhaps wanting to convince themselves and others, that it is true, so that they can live life as they please, without consequences. but, is that statement really true? When you see a story in a tabloid magazine about a celebrity, do you believe it to be true? Do you repeat it, as if it is true? What if the celebrity sues the magazine, saying it is untrue, and it is proved in court, and the magazine is found guilty of liable, and slander and must pay a fine in the millions of dollars? Is there absolute truth? Absolutely! Let's say for example you are driving a little distracted, and you go through an intersection and you think to yourself, it's ok I'm sure the light was yellow you then receive a ticket in the mail charging you with going through a red light, with a fine of $300.00. Your friend, who was with you says I'm sure it was yellow too, we both can't be wrong! I think you should fight this injustice. Your court day arrives and you plead your case to the judge who then proceeds to show you a photo of your car, your license plate, and the red light. Is there absolute truth? Absolutely! And in judgement truth will always win over sincere belief. Fast forward to reality... So sincerity although noble, will always lose to truth. Sincerity alone does not make a person blameless, he/she will always be found guilty in a court of law. We all do well in asking ourselves: Do I sincerely believe that all good people go to heaven? Do I sincerely believe there is a hellfire where souls are tormented forever? Or, could there be another option that is true? Do I sincerely believe, that all religions are different roads leading to God? Do I sincerely believe, that what I believe is true? Do I sincerely expect to be found blameless, because I am sincere? John Derek Hamilton July 17,2016