The Other Side of Beliefs (Reader Comments)
If you did not read my previous message, The Other Side of Beliefs, (October 31, 2008)you can read it at www.YourSpiritualJourney.net .
Here are some comments I received from subscribers on this subject:
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“This has come up a lot in my home lately. I have always been passionate about politics and the past few months have been intense. I finally had to decide to unplug. The fear and negativity had become overwhelming. After a few weeks of disconnect I think I was better able to see how silly even the people I agree with had become.
I still feel strongly about our freedoms and protecting them but I recognize that we can not see the bigger picture. Everything happens for a reason and there are lessons to be learned, maybe as a nation.”
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“The political race that is going on now is bringing out the best and worst in us as an American people. So many of us confess that we are Christians and that we love God, but the word says “how can you love God, if you hate your brother whom you see every day…”
We can’t worship together because of the color of our skin or our beliefs are a little different. But, has anyone thought about heaven, which we as Christian say we are going. The Bible that I read, does not say we will make it into heaven based on the color of our skin, wealth, health, but only on those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior and belief that he died on the cross for EACH of US. I pray for the people of this world and not the world, because the world itself is beautiful, it’s just us as people living in it.
The word of God says, 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
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“You said it - “We defend our belief systems and see other belief systems as wrong.” This is where the problem is. This is where intolerance starts.
If we can accept that others have their beliefs and respect their right to follow what they believe whilst the others accept that we have our beliefs and respect our right to follow what we believe, the problem can be mitigated. The tolerance level will go up. It was like that in India. And that is how the people were united to achieve independence.
However, thanks to political leaders building their vote banks and religious leaders building their religious followings, the tolerance level is going down where the fuse is getting shorter (disgustingly so).
And I believe that all philosophies of life need to be reviewed and changes made in the way they are followed to make a better world. This includes Hindu philosophy (which I follow), Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, et al. Because in the philosophies themselves, again in my opinion, nothing is wrong.”
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“I couldn’t agree with you more about the political climate. I do have my own set of beliefs, yet I remain open minded about opposing beliefs and listen to the other side before I tell them they are wrong. Being fair I adhere to the old saying “let’s be open minded about this before we decide my way is correct.”
Note: This subscriber was kidding. We all need to lighten up and find the humor in these situations!
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“I believe that you can hold on to your beliefs without minimizing or criticizing others beliefs. Just respect theirs like you would like them to respect yours. Have discussions without putting others down for what they believe. It’s all about diplomacy and tact.”
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“Your thoughts about beliefs are thought-provoking. I don’t however, believe it is beliefs that cause so much problem as it is that a certain belief tends to be missing which might go something like this: “No matter what positions a person holds, he or she is a person made in the image of God and therefore needs to be treated with respect, including how one responds to their opinions.”
Everyone is coming from somewhere and if we had the time to listen to each other we would all make a whole lot more sense to each other because we would see it is understandable why we believe as we do. Is there not a belief that counters the tendency to polarize people and positions and is consistent with the spirit of Christ to unite all things in Him?
I suspect your caution is about how people hold their beliefs, not so much that they have them.”
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Another subscriber pointed out that this polarization of beliefs also applies to sporting events, where we root enthusiastically for our team and against the other team. I think this is quite true. We tend to suspend our notions of fairness and respect for the other team and its fans, as our main concern is WINNING.
As a result, insults are hurled between the fans of the opposing teams. Fights break out in the arena. It seems like we forget all about respect and love, the values we claim to be our spiritual foundation.
There is no doubt that certain beliefs contribute to the quality of our lives. Beliefs are not evil. However, the human mind gets wrapped up in some beliefs and we end up doing and saying things that are not consistent with our professed spiritual principles. Be vigilant in monitoring yourself when your beliefs start to pull you away from your spirit.
– Jeff Keller
© 2008