Quote:
Originally Posted by Narz  What is PD territory?
Obviously there is a reason I feel the way they do. Most likely because I was subject to abuse by superstitious and religious people and organizations as a youth (no, I was molested by a priest, praise Allah!).
I see critical thought as our one defense against stupidity, mob-rule, witch burning, mental laziness, collapse, etc. The environment is being destroyed by people who believe that God will save them from their ways. Who have a skewed view of right & wrong (it's ok to destroy the environment and kill innocent civilians for oil but not ok to have sex with the same sex).
I also believe that a world in which most world leaders were atheists would be a MUCH happier and more peaceful place.
Imagine people examining belief systems with no moral-imperatives, no delegating responsibility to a "higher power", no claiming righteousness or "evil" based on any terms but scientific, humanitarian worldly ones?
I can't think of anything much more beautiful than that! |
Hey Narz, I agree with much of the sentiment you're raising here and your frustrations obviously have a strong basis in reality. I, myself, also had a bit of a rant about the environment the other day
The Personal Development issue I was offering up for your consideration, however, is based on the psychological concept of projection and also the 'new age' equivalent that says that before we look at the world outside of us, we first look inside oursevles and then project what we see onto the world. Hence some people see the glass half full, etc.
This doesnt mean, of course, that what you are seeing in the world is not real - but what it does mean it that to some degree it exists inside of you too. And if you really want to effect change - as the cliche goes - you really need to change yourself first.
Following from this logic - can you see that by attacking religious people and being hostile to people you consider as being a part of this 'unacceptable' paradigm, you are really attacking this aspect in yourself. In other words you are subconsciouly continuing to reject your own undesirable aspects.
It follows, therefore, that if you could try to be more tolerant and accepting of these people and try to demonstrate a more loving stance towards them, THIS will bring about the change you seek, because by doing so you will begin to accept these aspects within yourself, and this is how you will bring about change in the world around you. Remember the insight - its not about
them, its really about
you. That is the illusion of life.
Consider the responses to your current approach here - does it appear that it is bringing about healing, or an even greater polarisation? Have you EVER seen this approach work anywhere? Force achieves a reluctant compliance at best, but love gains respect, connection and understanding.