Why do we fear others' beliefs so much?

[Mystical_Seeker]

Caution: Soapbox rant intended to trigger reactions that go below the surface of intellectual power-rambling into nowhere in particular except ever-improving ways of describing hobgoblins to keep ourselves in fear.

kpeople:

Why are so many Christians so frightened of others’ beliefs, that it’s hard to even have a rational discussion about a topic because it reminds us of a different topic?

Like yoga. It seems like the scrupulous flavor du jour whereby we can’t even configure our bodies in any particular way “on purpose,” lest we mimic a particular pose that some yayhoo somewhere on the planet connects to some stupid stuff.

Jesus didn’t die so we could be scared in our skins that one wrong move is going to send us spiraling through the occult and straight into hell.

Let’s have some confidence, and be at peace. Or, I submit that is possible even in the midst of a discussion over yoga, hell, diet, and gluten-free products.

Jesus gives us peace that we doesn’t go hide every time the wind shifts:

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

The world doesn’t give “peace” it gives “comfort” in some situations, so it is “conditional” and “temporary” in that it lasts only during those conditions. Jesus’s peace is unconditional, and calls us to eternal peace. So let’s quit fearing anyone but the one worth fearing, lest we elevate the Enemy into a position of greater and more frequent focus in our mind, than our Creator.

Ok thank you rant over. Now I shall stand back and hope for some honest discussion that doesn’t require complex strained analogies to compare things from two different worlds, cultures, mindsets.

Thank you, coming back down now… https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...DIcjlw6B1q2GxecCR8On56BDDK_x2xFgJMa-Uwx4E6XEA

 

[puzzledtoo]

Thank you for the rant Mystical. It’s nice to know there is still some sanity on the web. Stay safe.

 

[christofirst]

A few possible reasons come to mind:

1. Genuine concern. I think that some of us feel we are truly helping one another by pointing out what we have somehow come to believe are potentially hazardous activities. This is all the more important where matters of faith are concerned, since the stakes are eternity, and where we will spend it.
2. Control. Some people, I suspect, might enjoy the feeling that they can control someone else’s behavior through dire warnings. This is just a theory of mine. We also, I think, fear losing our own sense of control, so we try to control others.
3. Heightened sense of orthodoxy, right or wrong. Many of us are suspect of anything outside of our own faith tradition. If we broaden our horizons and accept practices or notions from other faith traditions, even those which might indeed be compatible with our faith when properly understood, we fear this might in some way threaten our own faith, or water it down.

 

[Conradine]

Fear is something connaturate with being humans. We fear pain, death and change.
I would not wonder so much about why people feel fear. I would wonder if they do not.

 

[AKDee]

Well I don’t feel a need to rant but agree with your main point.

It reminds me of when Paul said that it’s ok to eat meat from an animal sacrificed for another god- unless you feel its wrong yourself or fear it will affect someone else’s faith. (1 Corinthians 8:4-13) Similarly, I see nothing wrong with yoga poses. I practice yoga as a form of exercise. I do not practice it as a religion or do the “om” thing or whatever. I have no problem with it, and don’t feel it affects my faith. But if someone feels it is wrong, or it affects their faith, then probably they should avoid it. Not because it’s a sin but because to them it feels like a sin.

 

[phil19034]

Caution: Soapbox rant intended to trigger reactions that go below the surface of intellectual power-rambling into nowhere in particular except ever-improving ways of describing hobgoblins to keep ourselves in fear.

kpeople:

Why are so many Christians so frightened of others’ beliefs, that it’s hard to even have a rational discussion about a topic because it reminds us of a different topic?

Like yoga. It seems like the scrupulous flavor du jour whereby we can’t even configure our bodies in any particular way “on purpose,” lest we mimic a particular pose that some yayhoo somewhere on the planet connects to some stupid stuff.

Jesus didn’t die so we could be scared in our skins that one wrong move is going to send us spiraling through the occult and straight into hell.

Let’s have some confidence, and be at peace. Or, I submit that is possible even in the midst of a discussion over yoga, hell, diet, and gluten-free products.

Jesus gives us peace that we doesn’t go hide every time the wind shifts:

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

The world doesn’t give “peace” it gives “comfort” in some situations, so it is “conditional” and “temporary” in that it lasts only during those conditions. Jesus’s peace is unconditional, and calls us to eternal peace. So let’s quit fearing anyone but the one worth fearing, lest we elevate the Enemy into a position of greater and more frequent focus in our mind, than our Creator.

Ok thank you rant over. Now I shall stand back and hope for some honest discussion that doesn’t require complex strained analogies to compare things from two different worlds, cultures, mindsets.

Thank you, coming back down now… https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/...DIcjlw6B1q2GxecCR8On56BDDK_x2xFgJMa-Uwx4E6XEA

The thing about yoga is that many people do not know where the line is between workouts inspired by yoga and the mystical /spiritual yoga. Also, many (not all) yoga instructors, even ones at the local gym, are into the spiritual yoga.

Yoga is the first step along the Tantric path (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra)

Tantric path

For Tibetan Buddhist ideas, see Anuttarayoga Tantra.

Long training is generally required to master Tantric methods. Pupils are typically initiated by a guru.

A number of techniques are used as aids for meditation and achieving spiritual power:
Yoga, including breathing techniques and postures (asana), is employed to balance the energies in the body/mind.
Mudras, or gestures
Mantras: syllables, words, and phrases
Mandalas
Yantras: symbolic diagrams of forces at work in the universe
Identification with deities

The process of sublimation consists of three phases:
1.Purification
2.Elevation
3.“Reaffirmation of identity in pure consciousness”

and

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra#Yoga

Shaiva tantra produced the Hatha Yoga manuals, such as the 15th-century Hathayoga Pradīpikā and the 16th-century Gheranda Samhitā, from which modern yoga derives. The earlier (pre-Tantric) form of yoga, dating back to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, became known as Raja Yoga:

Yoga as it has been inherited in the modern world has its roots in Tantric ritual and in secondary passages (pādas) within Tantric scriptures. The practices of mantra, āsana (seat/pose), sense-withdrawal (pratyāhāra), breath-regulation (prānāyāma), mental (mantric) fixation (dhāranā), meditation (dhyāna), mudrā, the subtle body (sukshma shārīra) with its energy centers (chakras, ādhāras, granthis, etc.) and channels (nādīs), as well as the phenomenon of Kundalinī Shakti are but a few of the tenets that comprise Tantric Yoga. While some of these derive from earlier, pre-Tantric sources, such as the Hindu Upanishads and the Yoga Sūtra, they were greatly expanded upon, ritualized, and philosophically contextualized in these medieval Tantras.

A few possible reasons come to mind:

1. Genuine concern. I think that some of us feel we are truly helping one another by pointing out what we have somehow come to believe are potentially hazardous activities. This is all the more important where matters of faith are concerned, since the stakes are eternity, and where we will spend it.

I think for MOST people, it is rooted in genuine concern. The thing is that everyone learns differently, therefore, everyone teaches differently.

 

[Micosil]

As a former agnostic/atheist who grew up in a moderate/liberal Muslim household who now is in the process of converting to Catholicism, I’ve been around the block myself, so I am accustomed to hearing people of different beliefs (or lack thereof, as was my own case a few years ago), and enjoy debating people of different religious/spiritual backgrounds.

So for me, it’s quite the opposite – for many people, discussing faith systems that fall outside of their own tradition or culture could make them feel vulnerable or perhaps worried that they may fall out of their own faith somehow; for me, however, I find that discussing faith-related issues strengthens my own faith, and also makes me learn what other people believe.

I’ve also noticed what the OP is saying, not just about Yoga, but about holy books of other religions; someone creates a thread asking which version or translation of such and such book is the better one, or where it can be found… and the answer is sometimes, “Forget that book, read the Bible!”

As far as I am aware, reading the Bhagavad Gita will not automatically turn your into a Hindu, for example, nor will the Book of Mormon somehow compel you to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; to wit, my own conversion process did not start with a reading of the Bible. These books, other than their religious or spiritual content, also have a historical and anthropological value, and can be read with this in mind, from a completely objective point of view.

 

[tweedlealice]

I was reading the debate on the Bibles. I,swanney,the words are interchangeable in a thesaurus. (I’m from Philly but I live in the south now, so I can swanney) I see the messages as the same. Most of translations are translated from the Greek, Latin Vulgate, King James and original Hebrew, etc.
New Age massage therapy is something to be cautious about. One must ask," who is your source." If the individual is a Christian and meditates on the Holy Spirit, Jesus or the Trinity. One could accept the Therapeutic touch, Quantaam touch or Reiki therapy. Right now Reiki is forbidden by the church. They do meditate to a level where one nurse I know saw her dead relatives. The book I read on Quantaam touch is just a delivery of love centered where the pain is. I use Jesus as my love source. Same w Therapeutic touch. Actually, I never took a course. I consider what I can do as a gift from God. I visualize Lazarus’s tomb. Jesus is standing there and saying, " Father, you are in me and I am in you." I picture me squeezing in the middle and pray for the pain to go away. God has released a frozen shoulder. Took a poor soldier in total muscle spasms and relieved them all. One soldier had a sore shoulder and by God’s grace his shoulder pain was gone but what was hilarious was he kept slapping his R cheek. I asked what was wrong. He has a tight muscle in his face that he lives with. His students know when they aggravate him
by his snarl. It was gone. It was so funny. God is so good. His snarl came back but his shoulder stayed pain free. God is so good. I am humbled to be used by Him.
All praise to God.
Yoga??I showed my daughter this site and she saw something about a snake and yoga. Yoga is a religion and an exercise. Ask the teacher what religion she practices. Bless yourself w Holy Water and bind annoying evil spirits and claim this as an exercise and be healthy.
We do have a spirit. Some people see our halos. Therapeutic touch is massaging the halo. I can feel your halo and your pain can be relieved w/o me touching you. Headaches are easy for God and me. I feel that is because of barometric pressure and the ears.
Going to church and worshiping w a friend once. It is the same God. The praise music is wonderful. The fellowship is wonderful. Go to mass on Sat and share worship on Sun. It is interesting when you find anti-Catholic brochures in the foyer. I took the brochure to the Pastor and stated that our job is to preach the good news not condemn other denominations that are centered on Christ and the Bible.I used it as a loving educational moment of education. Did he take them off the book display? Did I change his heart?
BUT I know the sweetest Southern Baptist nurse I worked with,she kept bringing stories about me and my love and service to God home to her anti-Catholic Dad. She had gone to Moody University. I love her dearly. She isn’t anti-Catholic anymore. The Dad?
There should be no fear in these experiences. Opportunities present themselves for education.
in Christ’s love
tweedlealice
He who the Son sets free, is free indeed. Be spiritually responsible.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

Thank you for some really good replies!

These are some great points. One thing that occurs to me about genuine concern, is that someone who is scrupulous may exaggerated concerns, resulting in an reduced sense of freedom and maybe peace, joy and other fruit – and yes I’m just throwing around generalities.

On the other hand, I tend to be more open to new ideas because it helps me put mine into perspective. I think a lot of people would prefer to focus on one way of doing it, and that’s fine I suppose, if you like to stay within that limitation. I’ve known some people who have gone so far the other way, that being very careful is an exercise in retraining themselves to be more sensitive.

 

[johnnyc176]

I wouldn’t say it is fear. Just a prudent awareness of our adversary. There’s a reason we ask St. Michael to defend us in battle.

Pope Francis speaks a lot about being on guard…

What does Satan do to distance us from the path of Jesus? Firstly, his temptation begins gradually but grows and is always growing. Secondly, it grows and infects another person, it spreads to another and seeks to be part of the community. And in the end, in order to calm the soul, it justifies itself. It grows, it spreads and it justifies itself

.

And of course St. Paul’s advice in Ephesians 6:10-18 is not given out of fear.

 

[marlap2]

I wouldn’t say it is fear. Just a prudent awareness of our adversary. There’s a reason we ask St. Michael to defend us in battle.

Pope Francis speaks a lot about being on guard…

.

And of course St. Paul’s advice in Ephesians 6:10-18 is not given out of fear.

from George P. Alexander, Ph.D, teacher of World Religions at Biola University states, “Many Westerners who practice yoga today are unaware that the physical positions assumed in yoga symbolize a spiritual act: worshiping one of the many Hindu gods.” He maintains, “To a Hindu, yoga is the outward phsyical expression of a deep spiritual belief. You cannot separate one from the other” (The Sacred Scriptures command us to “abstain from things sacrified to idols” (Acts 15:29)

Personally, coming from a past that opened practically every door to the mystical (including Hatha and Kriya, TM, occultism) and finally rejecting it 20 years later and surrendering and being freed, by the Grace of God, I speak out out of concern.

I suggest that you consciously ask for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Discernment, when certain doors or pathways are offered to you. If a Catholic says to me, "bosh, there’s nothing wrong with ______, I will ask him/her these questions…
". Which parish do you belong to? Who’s the assistant pastor? If they can’t answer simple questions, that usually means they don’t attend Mass frequently. "What kind of relationship do you have with the Real Presence? Do you pray? What’s your opinion of the sacrament of reconciliation? Do you want to pray with me now? Sometimes, (frequently) if a person is beginning to embrace these other doors/pathways, their sensitivity to the reality of sin, and the Holy Spirit’s ability to assist them with the gift of discernment is dulled. They may not even know what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is (until you say Confession) If they haven’t gone to confession in years, and they don’t really believe in the Real Presence, then what kind of honest answer are they giving you when it comes to things like yoga, meditation … etc? If that is the case, their opinions of that particular thing becomes moot to me. I fought too long and hard to find the truth and the reality that awaits to throw it away on something that will break or destroy my real relationship with God.

I’m pretty confident that if one has an active prayer life, frequent confession and reception of the Eucharist and a constancy in faith, they will have no interest or curiosity in those things that will lead away from the Truth.

I have one suggested reading: Spiritual Deceptions in the Church and in the Culture. A comprehensive Guide to Discernment by Moira Noonan, OSB, Oblate, and Ann Feaster.

oh… and I have no fear, but only joy in what the Lord has given me I’m been active in many small faith groups that investigate and respect each other’s faith traditions and histories. Together we have visited in each other’s places, from mosques and synagogues, worship centres, and gudwaras. I believe it’s always important to practice peace and loving attitudes towards our brothers and sisters and neighbours. It did not dissuade me from my own faith.

 

[christofirst]

Thank you for some really good replies!

These are some great points. One thing that occurs to me about genuine concern, is that someone who is scrupulous may exaggerated concerns, resulting in an reduced sense of freedom and maybe peace, joy and other fruit – and yes I’m just throwing around generalities.

On the other hand, I tend to be more open to new ideas because it helps me put mine into perspective. I think a lot of people would prefer to focus on one way of doing it, and that’s fine I suppose, if you like to stay within that limitation. I’ve known some people who have gone so far the other way, that being very careful is an exercise in retraining themselves to be more sensitive.

When it comes to the pernicious, never-ending yoga debate I am pro-yoga, with the understanding, as the previous poster said, that I am a Catholic who does some yoga stretching for my health, and I am not interested in becoming a Hindu or Buddhist, or conjuring spirits, etc. Like you, I guess I tend to be open to new ideas from religions and traditions other than my own, and between the guidance of the Church and the good sense God has given me, I can discern those things which are compatible with my faith and those which are not.

This brings up another issue: Why do I become defensive when someone tells me that a practice such as yoga or certain ways of meditation are unacceptable for Catholics, especially when my research says otherwise? (See? I’m getting defensive just writing this ). Sometimes I honestly disagree with the person. Their sources say one thing, or their interpretation of Church teaching disagrees with mine, so I feel compelled to set them straight. But often, I am also like a little boy: **“You can’t tell me what to do!” **and I need to watch that this does not become my primary reason for continuing an argument or debate.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

It has to do with those who have en ego-identity connection to their religion.

It isn’t spiritual, so much as a group identity connection.

Anything that threatens the group is a threat to the ego and they react offensively.

It’s the same in politics as it is in religion, which is why people are told to not get into discussions on religion or politics.

Jim

 

[johnnyc176]

from George P. Alexander, Ph.D, teacher of World Religions at Biola University states, “Many Westerners who practice yoga today are unaware that the physical positions assumed in yoga symbolize a spiritual act: worshiping one of the many Hindu gods.” He maintains, “To a Hindu, yoga is the outward phsyical expression of a deep spiritual belief. You cannot separate one from the other” (The Sacred Scriptures command us to “abstain from things sacrified to idols” (Acts 15:29)

Personally, coming from a past that opened practically every door to the mystical (including Hatha and Kriya, TM, occultism) and finally rejecting it 20 years later and surrendering and being freed, by the Grace of God, I speak out out of concern.

Always good to hear from someone who actually experienced what harm it can do.

I suggest that you consciously ask for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Discernment, when certain doors or pathways are offered to you. If a Catholic says to me, "bosh, there’s nothing wrong with ______, I will ask him/her these questions…
". Which parish do you belong to? Who’s the assistant pastor? If they can’t answer simple questions, that usually means they don’t attend Mass frequently. "What kind of relationship do you have with the Real Presence? Do you pray? What’s your opinion of the sacrament of reconciliation? Do you want to pray with me now? Sometimes, (frequently) if a person is beginning to embrace these other doors/pathways, their sensitivity to the reality of sin, and the Holy Spirit’s ability to assist them with the gift of discernment is dulled. They may not even know what the Sacrament of Reconciliation is (until you say Confession) If they haven’t gone to confession in years, and they don’t really believe in the Real Presence, then what kind of honest answer are they giving you when it comes to things like yoga, meditation … etc? If that is the case, their opinions of that particular thing becomes moot to me. I fought too long and hard to find the truth and the reality that awaits to throw it away on something that will break or destroy my real relationship with God.

No argument from me but kind of hard to do on a forum. I just put forward thoughts and experiences from people I trust like Dan Burke here…

ephesians511blog.com/2014/11/05/an-indian-catholics-problems-with-the-condemnation-of-yoga-are-answered/

In some case it seems it doesn’t matter because the person is so entrenched in their ‘you can’t tell me what to do’ thought process that they will not listen anyway. But it should not dissuade us from putting forth helpful advice.

I’m pretty confident that if one has an active prayer life, frequent confession and reception of the Eucharist and a constancy in faith, they will have no interest or curiosity in those things that will lead away from the Truth.

Always good advice to stay close to the Sacraments.

I have one suggested reading: Spiritual Deceptions in the Church and in the Culture. A comprehensive Guide to Discernment by Moira Noonan, OSB, Oblate, and Ann Feaster.

I will check it out and offer as a suggestion The Spiritual Combat and a Treatise On Peace of Soul by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli

oh… and I have no fear, but only joy in what the Lord has given me I’m been active in many small faith groups that investigate and respect each other’s faith traditions and histories. Together we have visited in each other’s places, from mosques and synagogues, worship centres, and gudwaras. I believe it’s always important to practice peace and loving attitudes towards our brothers and sisters and neighbours. It did not dissuade me from my own faith.

Here I would disagree and not out of fear but to take heed at what Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says here…

catholicworldreport.com/Blog/3466/pope_emeritus_benedict_xvi_dialogue_cannot_substitute_for_mission.aspx

“In fact, many today think religions should respect each other and, in their dialogue, become a common force for peace. According to this way of thinking, it is usually taken for granted that different religions are variants of one and the same reality,” the retired pope wrote. "The question of truth, that which originally motivated Christians more than any other, is here put inside parentheses. It is assumed that the authentic truth about God is in the last analysis unreachable and that at best one can represent the ineffable with a variety of symbols. This renunciation of truth seems realistic and useful for peace among religions in the world.

“It is nevertheless lethal to faith. In fact, faith loses its binding character and its seriousness, everything is reduced to interchangeable symbols, capable of referring only distantly to the inaccessible mystery of the divine,” he wrote.

 

[phil19034]

It has to do with those who have en ego-identity connection to their religion.

It isn’t spiritual, so much as a group identity connection.

Anything that threatens the group is a threat to the ego and they react offensively.

It’s the same in politics as it is in religion, which is why people are told to not get into discussions on religion or politics.

Jim

Jim - I really don’t believe this is true in regards to religion. Sure, it might be true for some, but I don’t think it’s true for all. I believe that most do it out of pure intentions (even politics too).

The reason why people say “never talk about politics or religion” is because for both (esp religion) what people believe they are correct and everyone else is wrong. With politics, compromise is possible, though it doesn’t happen often. And with religion, compromise isn’t possible, but agreements are possible but don’t happen often.

The truth is when talking about these two subjects, people often become passionate. Two passionate people disagreeing with one another can often turn into an argument. When people argue, they focus on their disagreements rather then finding common ground.

 

[marlap2]

Here I would disagree and not out of fear but to take heed at what Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says here…

catholicworldreport.com/Blog/3466/pope_emeritus_benedict_xvi_dialogue_cannot_substitute_for_mission.aspx

Oh, I do agree with you J. Indeed. I believe though, as I am in an RCIA team, it’s important to understand at least a basic knowledge of comparative religions and faith traditions, so that when a person of a different faith comes into the class you can reach out to them with kindness and respect. We’ve had Sikhs, Buddhists, Jehovah Witnesses and Jewish people (and of course many protestants) come in to the faith over the years. That’s why I made the decision to get involved with a “faith of our neighbours” group.

 

[Coco82]

I don’t get it either. I’ve known people/had friends of all different lifestyles and beliefs and not cared. We have Sikh neighbors and are friendly with them and know Mormons in the neighborhood too. I’m not out to convert anyone, esp. through arguing with them. For me, as long as someone isn’t hurting themselves or the community they aren’t a problem or a threat in my eyes. I’ve been to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and not been harmed, been given and read various holy texts. I read the Maharahbata in part in college and wrote an adaptation of it into a play as was our task. I’ve been exposed to all sorts of people and not been harmed. I think some people sweat the small stuff too much.

 

[schaeffer]

I think it’s important to distinguish what is “fear” and what it “prudence”.

And what is “syncretism”.

Avoiding the teachings, rituals and practices of another religion isn’t always out of fear, it may be out of prudence. We do pick up things from people we hang out with, from things we hear etc. We can’t and do not need to avoid all contact with others and differing beliefs, but it may be prudent to refrain from participating in activities that are connected with other faiths.

Hearing how yoga, tantric healing, etc totally revitalized the life of someone we like and respect may indeed lure us to not only the particular body position, but lead us toward openess to other modes of spiritual practice etc etc. And many of those practices ARE efficatious and do lead to spiritual experiences etc…but also lead one away from the practices of the Catholic faith.

There is a difference between “fearing” yoga (since that is the example being used) and avoiding it out of prudence. We know as humans that we have that vulnerability. Refraining from taking part in those things can be an act of humility, obedience, and even an opportunity for spiritual growth by committing on a deeper level to immerse oneself in the practices of the Catholic faith.

Some may be able to do yoga, guided meditations, and attend a Course in Miracles class and still be totally faithful to the Church and be able to pick and choose from those other things only that which is unchallenging to their faith. They may be able to boldly go where no angel dares to tread. I believe there are Saints who have done just that. But not all have that gift, or calling.

And syncretism is very easy to fall into. “Oh, I don’t believe that nonsense…I’m just cherry picking the good stuff, no problem at all” but the practices, music, talk we hear begins to sink in. Hey, we can be faithful to Christ and have some pretty crystals on the windowsill, and take a bath with certain essential oils believed to open the fourth Chakra…because we only use them because they smell nice. And wow, the sound of the singing bowl is so relaxing…

God warns repeatedly in the Old Testament of adopting pratices of pagans, syncretism can be insidious. One doesn’t even realize, or doesn’t believe it is happening. They don’t recognize their own practices and reasoning to have anything to do with syncretism. They believe they are incapable of falling into such.

I say this because I have seen it happen many many times to those around me. “Hey, you know, I never thought I’d like this but I tried it because a friend recommended it to me and it makes SO much sense, and I feel so good after I do it, so I got a few books about it from the library…”

In older times, religion and culture were one and the same. Foods, festivals, practices etc were all part of a whole. These days it seems less that way, and so we think that we can always clearly delineate what is “faith” or religion based, and what is “everything else”, but many of those practices stem from a time and culture where there was no “everything else”, and some things can’t be teased apart into “spiritual” and “not spiritual”.

Some people are very aware of this and make intentional efforts to maintain their culture and this often includes faith practices, because those ARE culture.

It is good to respect the cultures of others. It is good to respect our own culture as well, and one way of doing that can be to stay true to it’s own practices and refrain from those of other cultures.

During Seder the story of the original Passover is shared. This is what we do, and this is why.

When I was growing up, the Polish culture was shared. The Christmas customs were explained, this is what we do, and this is why. No other culture was despised, we simply did what we did.

Same with Catholicism, when I was growing up, it wasn’t our religion, it was our way of life. This is what we do, and this is why. Others have their things, that lead to their own conclusions. But this is what WE do, and this is why.

When I would ask, “but why don’t we do THEIR thing” the answer was “Because we have this beautiful thing that has been passed down to us and we have the responsibility and grace to maintain it, benefit from it and pass it to others”

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The truth is when talking about these two subjects, people often become passionate. Two passionate people disagreeing with one another can often turn into an argument. When people argue, they focus on their disagreements rather then finding common ground.

They become passionate because they’re defending their ego, which is attached to their political and religious group identity.

FYI, people get passionate in the same when when they defend the diet they’re following.

I’ve seen arguments over diet become as heated as those about politics.

Jim

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

They become passionate because they’re defending their ego, which is attached to their political and religious group identity.

FYI, people get passionate in the same when when they defend the diet they’re following.

I’ve seen arguments over diet become as heated as those about politics.

Jim

Great point!

So far I’m still reading all of the posts on the thread, but not moved to post too much of my own views because I’m still shaping them.

So yeah, later in the thread I may not support stuff I wrote earlier in the thread. That’s just me though – I allow others’ opinions to weigh in, when trying to discern my own, and I’m open to changing them if given good reason.

Listening to opposing and even “offensive” opinions from others before making up my own mind, is not for me a threat to my relationship with God, but only a threat to whatever story my ego is trying to promote and defend.