It seems a fair question to ask of God, and in searching for an answer Clara Bow voiced the often further and companion question “Why can’t we know?” concerning an afterlife during a Liberty Magazine interview. In this interview and in many other ways she proved her deep mind and thoughts were far beyond her Hollywood celebrity status. Despite anecdotes and jokes to the contrary beauty and brains often go together, but there is no denying that celebrity is no guarantee of a profound mind like that of Clara Bow’s, and too often the media seizes on some celebrity’s comments as though they had the weight of oracular utterances.

This thing called “faith” is getting a lot of attention because of the present political contenders, but if I got any of these alone I would ask them what it is they think they are supposed to believe? However, unlike politicians celebrities are more prone to act like human beings and as such are subject to the same doubts and uncertainties as anyone, so it isn’t surprising when we hear of some of them getting involved with sects and cults, attending séances and looking for spiritual advice of one kind or another proving themselves to be normal human beings trying to find answers to questions we all have.

The question we don’t hear is “What am I supposed to believe?” No doubt the question is there, but somehow it remains unasked. One reason being some think it a sign of weakness as though being cast in the role of a supplicant. Some seem to have the confidence in someone having the answer to such a question that implies a great deal of trust in that person, while others are content to let some organization like a church handle their beliefs concerning the metaphysical. And some simply leave it in the silence of their own minds, turning it over and over without let.

As to Clara Bow’s question, the majority of people who have searched for answers to the ultimate questions of life and death confronting what they are supposed to believe have asked the same question since the beginning of human history. The religions and philosophies abounding are the human inventions attempting to find an answer to the question. But at what point in our lives does the question first enter our minds? Do you recall when the question first entered your own mind? Does the question have something to do with the formation of the soul? We don’t believe infants are capable of such questions concerning the soul and an afterlife, questions concerning the soul and immortality, but at what point in the child’s life do such questions begin to form? Is the seed of a soul only planted, and as with all seed may or may not germinate and come to full flower? Just how do expressions such as “food for the soul” gain credence? Why would the Scripture have it “The soul that sinneth shall die!” as though such a fate is possible?

When it comes to the metaphysical we have many questions, but Clara Bow’s preeminent one remains unanswered. However, once such questions begin to insinuate themselves upon our minds we begin to grapple with the question what am I supposed to believe? Unfortunately for our species this question seems to remain unasked by many of those born and raised to certain beliefs, and to question these beliefs is to invite punishment in one form or another and all too often very harsh punishment.

Clara Bow was fortunate to be living in America and at a time in our history when she had the freedom to even ask her question knowing it would be published in the media without fear of being punished for doing so. Sinclair Lewis and others were writing their books calling many things of religion and government into question, and taking full advantage of the safety America offered them, not fearing being burned at the stake as heretics or witches.

Freedom of speech and of the press are among our most important and cherished freedoms as Americans. When these are abused, especially to promote politicians, we find ourselves asking what we are supposed to believe? But in respect to the questions of God, of immortality, the soul and an afterlife it is only reasonable we ask ourselves and even God, most especially God just what are we supposed to believe? It’s as though the question is there and won’t go away, the search for an answer accounting for so many and diverse attempts to find some meaning for our lives.

Here in America we are very fortunate we can express our doubts and fears, even our opinions openly, but I am not qualified to tell anyone what they are supposed to believe when it comes to spiritual matters; nor do I think anyone else holds such a divinely ordained distinction. The really troubling thing is the great many people who seem to think they are qualified to answer the question for others. And whether it be celebrities drawn to Scientology or ordinary people sitting in conventional pews it is troubling to me so many seem willing to abdicate their personal responsibility for what they are supposed to believe to any other person or organization. In just this way religious hatreds are taught and spread as well as the ideologies of tyrants.

It may be the ancient prophets and Jesus had some insights to the mind of God. And during my Biblical studies I have found much to which I can relate. But when it comes to what I am supposed to believe, ah, that seems to be my personal quest for answers and I won’t, and perhaps can’t, abdicate this to any other human being, though sharing my thoughts with others like-minded brings me much comfort in the search for answers. However, this like-mindedness is established on the basis of the sharing of thoughts rather than any telling others what they are supposed to believe.