It occurs to me that considering perception is the most important thing to remember in communication. It has been said that in a conversation between two people, one must never assume to be fully understood, nor to fully understand. In writing, this is a most distinct responsibility. It is a one way conversation in which the author must become responsible for managing misunderstanding. In the world of writing, the most broadly defined consideration for this idea is capture in two words: target audience. In coaching writers, a prerequisite topic of discussion is that of perception. How is your story presented? How will it be perceived? How should the author communicate presuppositions? These questions pound rhythmically in the mind of an editor. They can be learned by anyone.

As a person of faith and a professional editor, I meet many people who want to publish their faith experience. There is a great responsibility that comes with a testimony. That is to share it both freely and with discernment. Consider perception when crafting statements of purpose and communication. In the area of faith, perception presumes a more distinct role in communication. The process of human spirituality and divine authority is unique to individual ideals and cultural realities. While many belief systems default to one authority, it is truly a mystery when millions of people yield to a single interpretation. After all, any divine purpose laid in the hands of humanity is sure to cross a source of contention. And isn’t that a wonderful reason to write from a faith biased perspective; in order to share through the lens of unique human perception, spirituality.

Using the Christian Bible, one can see that narratives are rooted in various perceptions of faith and spirituality. The Genesis narrative points to God, Creator, laying the foundation for monotheism*, which was a revolutionary concept of spirituality when this story was told and retold, eventually written down for preservation. For those who followed the One God, this written word was a lifeline of hope and remembrance. To other nations, still heavily polytheistic*, this was foolishness. Writing down the testimonies of generations preserved not only a cultural truth, but a truth relative to later generations of monotheists. These stories have the benefit of a perceived value of rich historical heritage. The attributed value cannot be ignored by a present day reader. Not when the Bible remains the most popular piece of literature.

When authoring a personal testimony, consider possible perceptions that may cause difficulties in communicating certain truth. Write to address these perceptions; seek to unveil the mystery of understanding. Addressing the obvious conclusions will eliminate a the mass of misperception. Seek to be a bringer of truth in a meaningful way.



*simply, monotheism is belief in one God; polytheism is belief in many gods.