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I found the key to every person's belief lies in the definition of a set of "key words".
It seems to be impossible for anyone to describe their beliefs without using one of these key words. The confusion we experience in communicating our beliefs is due to the contradictory definitions of these key words. These key words are the "puzzle pieces" in the wall. Consequently, the worldview depends on defining these key words in a non-contradictory fashion. In order to identify specific definitions we need to apply S.I. Hayakawa's "Ladder of Abstraction" to these key words.
The classic explanation involves Bessie the Cow. The most specific word to describe her is "Bessie". The word "Bessie" can be seen as appearing on the lowest rung of the ladder. The next rung up could be "Cow". This word does refer to "Bessie", but it can refer to "Elsie" as well. Continuing up the ladder, the next rung could be labeled "Livestock". The subsequent rung could be labeled "Farm Assets." Finally, for our example, the last rung could be labeled "Wealth". All of these words apply to Bessie.
When we want to be inclusive, we move up the ladder. For instance, if I want to talk about Bessie and you want to talk about Elsie, it is easier for us to talk about "Cows". The farmer could have a discussion with the CEO of a multi-national corporation if he discussed "Wealth". Moving up the ladder makes us more comfortable with others.
However, if we want to solve a problem, we need to become more specific. We need to move down the ladder. In fact, one could say we need to become more intentional. Failures to communicate occur when people operate on different rungs of the ladder.
If someone talked to me about Bessie and spoke of a Farm Asset, I may ask whether he was going to use unleaded or diesel in his Farm Assets.
When he says he is talking about Livestock, he has moved down the ladder. However, I may then ask him what kind of saddle he has for his livestock. At this point he would talk about Cows. We would be unable to have a non-contradictory discussion until he moved to the bottom rung. You will notice other examples of people speaking on different rungs. For instance, this is what occurred when Jesus spoke of "eating his flesh" or "living waters". We will see Jesus did this to determine who wanted to be intentional. On the other hand, some politicians do this to create confusion. Unfortunately, most clergy also do this when they give sermons. Actually, all people refer to the key words with definitions that are 3-4 rungs up the ladder. This is because the current Christian worldview is at this level of abstraction. In order to identify a non-contradictory model, we have to get all of these words defined at their bottom rung.
When I had these definitions I discussed the worldview with theologians, clergy, professors, Christians, and non-believers. For the last four years, no one has been able to find a contradiction. In fact, the proof of the accuracy of the model has been the ability to show others how they can intentionally increase their faith or holiness in the next 5 minutes. After all, if you understand the bottom-rung definitions of the key words (e.g., "faith" and "holy"), you will know how to intentionally increase each attribute.
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