Why Are We Insulted?
If you’ve lived on this Earth for even a few years, one thing becomes clear: not everyone will agree with your beliefs - and that includes your religious or spiritual beliefs. I’ve been at many meetings and conferences where people will listen to a speaker or lecturer at the event and get very annoyed because they believe the speaker has “insulted” their religion.
(Note: In this message, I am only referring to those instances where someone makes verbal statements challenging a particular religion or practice but does not make any threats or attempt to incite violence in any way.)
Why do we sometimes get “bent out of shape” when someone questions the validity or truth of our religion or our spiritual beliefs? Who or what are we protecting when we criticize others (and judge others) who express an opinion that we believe is at odds with our religion?
Surely, God (or the Source, or Spirit) does not need our protection. Do you really believe God can be insulted by the words of a human being? I can’t imagine God saying, “How dare that person question me - what nerve!” Unless you believe that God is a man with a long white beard sitting on a throne in the sky, I don’t think you believe that God needs us to defend his honor.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the individual who feels insulted when his religion is attacked or questioned. Does this make any sense to you? Why be concerned with what someone else thinks?
If you’re insulted, perhaps your faith isn’t as rock solid as you claim. When someone says something that angers or annoys you regarding your faith, it’s usually because it brings out a doubt that is within YOU. If you have a strong connection with God or Spirit, nothing can get in the way of that. No words from another human being can disturb that.
Personally, I believe the spiritual path is always about you and your realization of God as you perceive God to be. No one else has to think or believe as you do. When you put your attention on what others think or say, you are taking a detour on your own spiritual journey and getting further away from your divine connection. We simply don’t control the spiritual paths of others, and when our hearts are filled with love and peace, there is no room for insult.
– Jeff Keller
(c) 2007