You can have certainty, but not certitude.
It’s not so much the precise definitions of the words, but the connotations. The latter implies something outside of you, a basis in external reality, while the former is distinctly internal. In that sense, certitude is the desire, the myth, the demand of fallen souls, seeking an anchoring point in this realm of existence. Certainty is possible only because you can reach beyond this realm.
Even if I use the term “astral plane” it still assumes the Platonic-Aristotelian model of the universe. It’s rather like a cheap imitation of the real thing. While the term might serve well enough as a parable, that’s only because it is still something lesser than the reality. It’s indicative, but the definition falls short.
Here’s the crazy part: When we find symbolic images from the ANE, a significant number of Western scholars assume a literal meaning. These scholars are convinced ancient Hebrews uniformly believed in a flat earth. It’s as if symbolism cannot exist and that figures of speech are not permitted the ancients.
How do we break through this barrier?
We don’t. Could we rewrite common education, it would still take at least three generations to return to the ancient truth. We’d still have to deal with a literal bloodthirsty rage from those determined to keep materialism alive and dominant. Much of human government assumes the necessity of stamping out any hope of escaping their power. Thus, if you bear the certainty that this world really isn’t that important, you are a major threat, because there’s really nothing they can do to you.
Prepare yourself to explain the truth, but don’t presume to assertively sell the idea to those not seeking it already. Until you establish the credibility of your internal sense of peace from Heaven, you have no grounds for discussion. At the same time, it’s not as if we are pressing something new, because hints of this truth can be found all over the place. God is not silent. Your simple choice to walk in this truth will speak to the souls of those not spiritually dead.
Portray that certainty.
