I

I have been considering what my friend said about religions just being stories and interpretations.  It is actually a very astute comment to make.   Is interpretation a science?  Is it an art?  Yes, it is both.  

There are facts, there are stories, and there are interpretations of those.  Interpretation has "invisible" complexities.   Culture impacts both how we see facts and how they are communicated to others.  Previous experience impacts interpretations. 

For example, I have a person in my life who is trying to go from a blue collar lifestyle, doing manual labor, to a white collar job making money in the stock market.  They are doing this so they can spend more time with their family and provide financial stability for their family's future.  When discussing this person's lifestyle change with other family members, there are individuals who think this action is stupid and worthless.  For them, they are interpreting this change as a futile attempt  putting their family at greater risk.  Other family members, who are hopeful for a better life for this family are interpreting this change with great hope for a better future for the family.  

Same basic facts, but the belief and interpretation of the situation is very different according to the individuals background.  And the "belief" of the future outcome will drive future discussions and actions.  

This is a simplistic example and you probably already understand  this point.  

I   Every discipline has its own rules, assumptions, and cul 

I

I

I