Ditmar on sun 22 sep 02
From the responses and reactions over the last few days, there's a very =
general observation you can make that shows why the world as a whole is =
in such turmoil.
Those who don't follow a "formal" dogma, but still believe in a supreme =
entity of some sort, are willing for the most part to listen and =
tolerate.
Those who've been indoctrinated into a "formal" belief system, tend to =
be judgmental and inflexible. It's what the dogma requires of =
them.....and they follow it. Condemnation of non-believers is basic to =
most organized religions.=20
That's why some individuals are moved to bomb abortion clinics and =
others to fly into buildings. Dogma, and the preposition that your =
group is the only enlightened one.=20
Non-believers must be eliminated or converted.
Weird world...but it sure beats the hell out of not being a participant.
Ditmar
Martin Howard on mon 23 sep 02
Ditmar writes:-
judgmental and inflexible. It's what the dogma requires of them.....and they
follow it. Condemnation of non-believers is basic to most organized
religions. >
Having been through 20 years of Church of England; 20 years Roman Catholic
and now after 20 years of Quakerism and Spiritualism, I can say with some
authority that at least one of those disproves Ditmars dictat:-)
Quakerism is very non-judgmental and flexible (UK version in particular).
There are formal belief systems that refrain from condemnation of
non-believers.
They just take some finding.
Rather like finding the right clay, slip and glaze which suits you and your
way of thinking.
What has helped me is lateral thinking in everything. Even scientists, who
should be
very non-judgmental and flexible fall into the trap of channelled vision,
rigid minds and make rules (just like some potter teachers!) when the public
and students should be given glimpses of and encouragement to reach the
wider and broader view.
Martin Howard
Webbs Cottage Pottery
Woolpits Road, Great Saling
BRAINTREE, Essex CM7 5DZ
01371 850 423
martin@webbscottage.co.uk
http://www.webbscottage.co.uk
Updated 6th July 2002
| |
|
