Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenTea 
Again, I agree with your points---but something that concerns me in my own issues with religion is that I sometimes observe myself falling into the trap of, for example, judging people who are judgemental. Sometimes I find myself "increasing the 'otherness' of others" by not seeing through their 'beliefs' to the Being within them that is one with the Being in me. I hope this makes sense.
These questions are really total projections of my own issues--I've been very judgemental of Christianity in particular and I've really made an effort to, for example, not squirm inside when I meet someone and they tell me they're a Christian. I've made some progress, but it bothers me that I am not more fully accepting....
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Hello All,
I am new to this forum so Hi, glad to meet you all! The above quote was on page 1 of this thread, which is as far as I got before wanting to comment. My apologies in advance if you've moved on to other topics.
I think it's okay, and even necessary, to be judgmental, because judging, in the form of thinking critically, is how we decide what's best for ourselves. And the fact is that hierarchy exists, and some belief systems are better than others, "better" being defined as "more conducive to full personal development." In the hierarchy of belief systems, organized religion--which I lump into the category dogma--is quite unsophisticated. And you can determine this through a process of critical thought, observation, and honesty with yourself, something dogmatic believers cannot do (thus their dogmatism), in itself some proof of a more sophisticated belief system.
Many people have a problem with hierarchy, thinking it means not being fair and inclusive to all. But it's impossible to avoid hierarchy, as we are all on different rungs of the personal development ladder and that's just the way it is. So the more rational alternative is to make honest observations and sound decisions for yourself, while striving to understand the appeal of limiting beliefs and have compassion for those who practice them (or, more accurately, are stuck in them). Such a stance allows you to be accepting (inclusive) of people who practice dogmatic, limiting beliefs while still acknowledging their vast and tragic shortcomings. Again, something that practitioners of such belief systems are largely unable to do.
Great topic, great thread, and I am glad to be a part of this community. Thanks!