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Truth Seekers Starter Kit 

The 5 Steps to being Liberated by Truth

Step 1➝Choose Trustworthy Resources

We are daily inundated by far more information than we can ever take in. One of the safest ways forward is to try and listen to those who we know we can trust. Jesus said it best when he counseled, "By their fruits you will know them." So when seeking information in any area, look for individuals and organizations who have the fruits--outcomes and results--in their lives that you want in yours. Then follow the next 4 steps to discern the principles they're teaching, ensure that they are true principles, and begin living them. In this way, you can know the truth for yourself, and it can set you free.

1) Read or Watch: "Why Self-Help Doesn't Help" 

There are vital reasons why self-help literature, coaching, and sometimes even therapy is failing so many of us. Here I take you on my own journey of discovering the nature of truth and how it sets us free. When you're finished, write down your one biggest takeaway. 

Read the Article
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2) Watch: "Natural Law- The Framework for Successful Living" 

In this introduction to the nature of the natural law from the "Mothers of Principle" Masterclass (available in the library), I share evidence, examples, and personal experiences, as well as tools for better understanding and honoring natural laws and principles.  The concept of conscience is also a key theme in this presentation which we'll focus on in this starter kit. When the video is over write down your one biggest takeaway. 

 

Step 2➝Use Principle Centered Reading Skills 

Now that you've been presented with new ideas, it's time to test them for their veracity. This happens through the next two steps. First, we utilize principle centered reading skills, and then compare what we've learned to other sources--especially our common sense and our central classic. This is the process of learning how to identify and prove something is true. There are many skills that aid the search for truth, one important one is asking great questions, which we'll focus on in this starter kit. (For more skills and practice, consider signing up for one of my courses or academies.)

1) Read: "From Opinions to Principles"

In this article, I give some basic information about the difference between principles and opinions and why it is so important to discern in our lives. You'll see why question asking can aid us in this process immensely. You'll then be introduced to the 5 Types of Questions and given examples of them and how to ask them for deeper insight into truth. 

Read the Article

2) Review: Quotes, questions, and principles we've learned so far: 

NATURAL LAW AND CONSCIENCE:

QUOTES

The following are a few of the key quotes highlighting the natural law and conscience.

"These, then, are the two points I wanted to make. First, that human beings, all over the earth, have a curious idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and cannot really get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we live in." ~C.S. Lewis

"I know that some people say the idea of a Law of Nature or decent behavior known to all [mankind] is unsound, because different civilizations and different ages had quite different moralities. But this is not true. There have been differences between their moralities, but these have never amounted to anything like a total difference...Think of a country where people were admired for running away in battle, or where a man felt proud of double-crossing all the people who had been kindest to him. You might just as well try to imagine a country where two and two made five." ~C.S. Lewis

"In a fundamental sense we have two consciences, a divine one and a social one. The divine one is the true one, the light God has given to every person who comes into the world. The social one is also given to us, but this one comes from our human experiences--our upbringing, the culture surrounding us, made up of norms, mores, traditions, values, beliefs--and from the level of our obedience to the divine conscience. If we do not obey that conscience it is gradually subordinated, then eventually eliminated, and replaced by the social one...And whatever is at the center of a person's life forms the fabric of his conscience." ~Stephen R. Covey

"The divine conscience is the repository of truth, which is thereby built into the fiber of the person's soul and nature...The conscience must be educated from divine sources in order for it to be keen and sharp, responsive and sensitive to God." ~Stephen R. Covey

QUESTIONS

The following questions are a quick introduction to the myriad of questions that can be asked on these themes. These questions will enable you to begin examining what you've learned so far and compare it to what you'll read and watch next. 

  • Knowledge: What is the difference between the divine and the social conscience?
  • Meaning: Why does this difference matter to humankind and to me?
  • Principle: What is one principle explaining how the divine conscience works?
  • Interdisciplinary: What does Martin Luther King, Jr. say about the conscience?
  • Application: How can I better honor my own conscience?

PRINCIPLES

You'll learn more about the distinction between natural law, first principles and principles in the library, for now I've listed a few that have been taught in the material so far.

  1. First principle: All people everywhere and at all times know there is a right and wrong
  2. First principle: All people know that they should pursue the right
  3. Principle: Our divine conscience is a guide to help us know the right
  4. Principle: Our divine conscience must be educated to enable us to resist the social conscience
  5. Principle: Asking quality questions of different types gets us closer to truth

Step 3➝Compare to Other Sources, Including Your Central Classic and Common Sense

Now that you've learned some new concepts and gained a couple new reading skills, its time to take this information--including the questions and principles listed above--and compare them to other trustworthy sources. Look for connections to the themes of natural law/law of nature and the conscience (King doesn't use "divine" and "social" in relationship to the conscience but he definitely says things that will remind you of the distinctions.) Look for ideas on which the previous authors, King, and your central classic align (i.e. scripture), different ways in which they may be teaching the same principles, and additional insights into the themes discussed so far. Ask questions, mark the reading, and really try to dig deep to see what you can discover. When you're finished with the reading, write down your biggest takeaway. 

1) Read: "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr.: 

For those who know much about U.S. history, Martin Luther King, Jr. looms large as a man who made a dramatic difference during the Civil Rights Movement by speaking and teaching truth. This is a letter he wrote in Birmingham Jail to his critics while after his arrested for peacefully protesting. (For more on his life and methods, listen to my podcast here.) As always, when you're done reading, write down your biggest takeaway.

*I've also included the "Reading and Discussion Guide" for this letter. These guides are included every month with your Audrey Rindlisbacher Library subscription to accompany that month's chosen reading. 

Read "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" Reading and Discussion Guide

2) Watch: Stephen R. Covey's Example

In this excerpt from the "Mothers of Discernment" Masterclass (available in the store), I share an example of natural law and conscience working together from an experience Stephen Covey had. In sharing the principle of chastity with a group during the 60's, he received a lot of backlash from his audience, until he explained the importance of principles and encouraged them to listen to their consciences. When you're done watching, write down your biggest takeaway.

 

3) Make connections to your central classic like these: 

My central classic is scripture and below I've included connections I made. Take out your central classic (the book or resource that is your standard for truth) and compare what you've learned so far to what you find there. Take note of your references and insights. (You can also learn more and practice this in the library.)

"I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." Jeremiah 31:33-34 

"Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness..." Romans 2:15

 

Step 4➝Discuss the Principles With Someone You Trust

Quality discussion is a lost art today, but historically it was a vital way in which people connected, learned, and developed their minds and souls. I cannot emphasis enough how much your experience with what you've learned will be deepened and expanded by discussing it with other truth seekers. 

 

1) Watch: "8 Reasons to Discuss": 

In this presentation (excuse the quality it was recorded a long time ago :), I give you 8 reasons why you should discuss your ideas and insights with others in order to get closer to the truth. 

 

 

2) Hold Your Discussion

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Bring all the questions you've written to your discussion--especially one each of the 5 Types of Questions. The following are some additional questions you could use when discussing the themes, principles, and ideas you've learned in this "Truth Seekers Starter Kit". 

  1. What do they all seem to be saying about the natural law and conscience?
  2. What do all these authors and thinkers agree upon?
  3. Why do they emphasize these ideas in their writings?
  4. Why should I care about these ideas?
  5. What do we know about their personal lives, their pursuit of truth, and the good fruits they manifest at home and in the world?
  6. What have they said that resonates with me?
  7. What principles can we distill from all we've learned?
  8. In what ways could we live these principles?

Step 5➝Choose One Principle and Brainstorm Appropriate Applications 

Now it's time to apply what you've learned by taking one small baby step. I've chosen the following principle for you but if there's a different principle you feel drawn to, consider ways you can live that principle better. Remember, this is a practice--we are practicing principles. We are truth seekers, and far from perfect in our efforts. But God loves effort, so be sincere in your efforts, focus on practice, and God will help you along the way. 

1) Practice this Principle: "Educating my divine conscience increases my personal peace and confidence." 

In attempting to better practice this principle, your applications must come from you. (Remember how I explained the problem with modern self-help in my article.) But I can offer some applications I have focused on:

  1. Acting more promptly when I am inspired with a good thing to do for someone
  2. Better meeting my own needs
  3. More genuine prayers including utilizing a prayer journal
  4. More time in books, movies, and music that elevates and inspires me
  5. Organizing my life and home so I can better hear my divine conscience
  6. Learning from great men and women how they developed and honored their conscience

2) Send me your takeaway! 

I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from this Starter Kit, and how you plan to begin practicing this principle. While I can't answer every email, I read them all.  

Shoot Me a Quick Email!

Bonus Step ➝Get MORE of the Tools to Keep Seeking Truth for a Lifetime! 

Consider purchasing my book,  masterclasses, skills for principled learning, Mission Driven Mom or Teen Academies, or other courses and resources to become the most stellar truth seeker you can be!

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