Recently, I attended a beautiful wedding in a Christian church. During the service, the officiating minister stated, "Other people may think we are 'weird' for our beliefs, but we feel we are following the dictates of God."
This particular comment got me thinking about how people of EVERY religion out there feel that others think they are 'weird' for their religious and/or spiritual beliefs.
Sometimes this is expressed in statements of victimhood or defensiveness by the religious group or individual. Sometimes these perceived 'weirdnesses' are made the subject of jokes. Misunderstandings and generalities abound. Whole groups get assigned a catch-phrase or pigeon-hole category that may or may not fit.
Other times, there can be a 'spiritual superiority' that emerges... almost like children showing off, my 'religion' is better than yours. Cases of "I've got it all figured out and you are clueless" emerge. Throughout history, religious superiority has been used as a reason to prevent or allow actions, bend the will of the people, and reshape cultures.
Many people are not encouraged by their spiritual communities to explore the ideas of other religions. They are told essentially, "This information (or religious group) has already been examined and found lacking. Don't look at it." In some communities, comparative religious study is prevented by their doctrine and policies. The religious authorities demand "You must only read or experience these prescribed books, translations, and approved interpretations."
Personally, I enjoy comparative religious study and seeing the differences and, more often than not, similiarities between religions. I find it fascinating to study the evolution of religious history, the growth of polytheism to monotheism within cultures, the influx of various races into an area and the effect on spiritual beliefs, and the list goes on.
Occasionally, there are individuals that have a good grasp on their religion and still maintain an openness of religious discussion. Those are some of the conversations and discoveries I enjoy the most and learn the most from.
There is always something more to learn and explore when it comes to understanding aspects of the Divine. I hope that I never stop exploring and never stop learning. Thankfully, (as we Spiritualists say) spiritual progression is eternal and infinite. Hope that doesn't make me 'weird'. *smile*
This particular comment got me thinking about how people of EVERY religion out there feel that others think they are 'weird' for their religious and/or spiritual beliefs.
Sometimes this is expressed in statements of victimhood or defensiveness by the religious group or individual. Sometimes these perceived 'weirdnesses' are made the subject of jokes. Misunderstandings and generalities abound. Whole groups get assigned a catch-phrase or pigeon-hole category that may or may not fit.
Other times, there can be a 'spiritual superiority' that emerges... almost like children showing off, my 'religion' is better than yours. Cases of "I've got it all figured out and you are clueless" emerge. Throughout history, religious superiority has been used as a reason to prevent or allow actions, bend the will of the people, and reshape cultures.
Many people are not encouraged by their spiritual communities to explore the ideas of other religions. They are told essentially, "This information (or religious group) has already been examined and found lacking. Don't look at it." In some communities, comparative religious study is prevented by their doctrine and policies. The religious authorities demand "You must only read or experience these prescribed books, translations, and approved interpretations."
Personally, I enjoy comparative religious study and seeing the differences and, more often than not, similiarities between religions. I find it fascinating to study the evolution of religious history, the growth of polytheism to monotheism within cultures, the influx of various races into an area and the effect on spiritual beliefs, and the list goes on.
Occasionally, there are individuals that have a good grasp on their religion and still maintain an openness of religious discussion. Those are some of the conversations and discoveries I enjoy the most and learn the most from.
There is always something more to learn and explore when it comes to understanding aspects of the Divine. I hope that I never stop exploring and never stop learning. Thankfully, (as we Spiritualists say) spiritual progression is eternal and infinite. Hope that doesn't make me 'weird'. *smile*
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