Corruption

I was given a link to surf in here, and while reading, I got to thinking. [Thats a good thing btw ;-) ] Here's what I ponder'd:

Everything that is of good report has a tendency to find corruption(like the effect Christmas treats have on my figure!). Ancient Temples are another good example of this. At one time it was a place where scholars gathered to share and discuss knowlege of math, the cosmos and philosphy. As knowlege became diverse and debateable, Universities and churches were born. Temples were once a place where taxes/tithes were paid/offered, money exchanged hands, loans were issued... we now have banking institutions for this. Temples were a place where disputes were settled, and contracts made. We now have the courts to govern such things. The poor, the travel'd, the sick and afflicted, found comfort and refuge in the temples. W we have welfare, motels, and hospitals to provide such aid now. Not only corruption motivated the branching.. but necessity as populations increased. The scripture that tells us "there must needs be opposition in all things" takes my mind directly to the quantum realm of positive and negative charges wich keep energy and new life in motion... or stops it.

Temples were a place where baptisms, covenant marriages, blessings and sacred ordinances were performed. This remains the function in Temples where they exsist today. Idealy, it is those things still held sacred that persist in the Temples. One hopes that that couldn't be corrupt, so a question of authority comes to mind. By what authority are these ordinances performed?

Is it not then our objective or responsibility, to sift thru the charges that surround us, finding that wich lifts us in the cosmos? With all the information, ideas, philosphies and corruption "out there", some of it so ancient, how does one "know" the truth? I believe we can "feel" our way thru alot of it, and when/where we can't, how great is it that we can REASON!?! I value knowlege. I value truth. As Descarte is famous for coining..."I think, therefore I am." Forever in persuit of truth.