Posted by Dena on July 2, 2008, at 23:58:26
In reply to Re: the freedom to express, posted by Dr. Bob on July 2, 2008, at 3:38:27
> > it seems odd to me that those of us WITH various spiritual beliefs cannot be given the freedom to express those beliefs, if only in an educational way, for the benefit of others to better understand us -- and it CAN, and SHOULD, be done in such a way as to be "this is what I believe" rather than "if you believe anything differently you are a nincompoop."
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> I agree, it may be helpful here to have the freedom to express one's beliefs in certain ways.
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> > I believe that unless and until we, as inviduals in various stages of growth, can take responsibility for our own reactions to others, and to examine why we are offended, we're stuck, at the mercy of everyone around us.
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> Some individuals may be stuck, but I'd like them also to feel supported here.
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> > I see that Lou has been in this community for many years, and has invested a lot of his time and energy into relationships here. I see that he is trying to share something which has been personally meaningful and important to him, with the rest of us here. I would like to honor him, by listening to him, by reponding to him, and allowing his experience to benefit me in whatever way that seems good to me.
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> Thanks for supporting Lou. Would you be willing to give him some input on whether, and if so, how, to post his beliefs? Since it would be about what to post, that discussion would need to take place some other way, for example, by email.
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> Thanks,
>
> Bob~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr. Bob -
I'm not sure that I understand what it is that's acceptable, and what's not... so I'm not sure that I can advise Lou.
It seems that he's not free to speak about what Judaism teaches. He's seeming to want to express his own spiritual experience, and to put it in light of his understanding as a Jew. To do so, would necessitate quoting from the Bible. Surely it can be done in a way that's seen as educational, rather than dogmatic or demeaning to others. Something like, "Jews view this scripture to mean ... and here's how it played out in my experience."
I'm thinking we could all learn to share our beliefs and experiences openly, for others to "taste and see", but without the implication of force-feeding.
I've discovered that there's much truth to be found in all religions, and all perspectives, and we can learnn from one another.
I've discovered that we can choose to have unity, without unanimity. That if someone else believes differently, it's not a threat to what I believe.
But if we all treat one another with respect and dignity, and appreciate that each of us is on a unique spiritual journey, each one walking in the light they've been given, and each one able to be enriched from others' experiences, I'd think we'd all benefit from a more open atmosphere.
I believe people would share more freely, if they weren't living in fear of reprisal, so much as expectation of a grace-filled reaction. When/if someone makes a mistake, and speaks in a dogmatic way (implying their view is the ONLY right view), that one could have it gently pointed out to them. They can be taught how to express their views with more grace and respect for others, without compromising their own faith. It can be done -- heck, if *I* can learn this, the queen of Block-dom, ANYone can....! ;)
I've seen folks being free to express many tenents of their faith, whether that faith be formed in formal religion, or in personal beliefs -- I'd just like to see Lou free to express himself as anyone else can.
Whether intentional or an oversignt, I do not know, but it appears that something akin to discrimination has happened to Lou -- he's seems to be under the impression that he cannot articulate his Jewish faith here on PBF.
Is that the case? What is Lou able to say, or not say, while posting on PBF? Is the standard the same for everyone, or has he been singled out for whatever reason?
And is it not possible for there to be a more open, grace-based atmosphere on PBF, for the purpose of sharing and learning..?
Thanks for your time and attention.
Shalom, Dena
"The unanswered questions aren't nearly as dangerous as the unquestioned answers."
poster:Dena
thread:821127
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20080424/msgs/837787.html