Please before you rant back, read to the end. There
are several stalking horses and straw men set up in this post. This next
paragraph comes from thoughtcatalog.com, the writer sets up belief
as a bad thing. Maybe not bad, but certainly confining, limiting and
anti-intellectual. The point is seductive.
"Believing something is not an
accomplishment. I grew up thinking that beliefs are something to be proud of,
but they’re really nothing but opinions one refuses to reconsider. Beliefs are
easy. The stronger your beliefs are, the less open you are to growth and
wisdom, because “strength of belief” is only the intensity with which you
resist questioning yourself. As soon as you are proud of a belief, as soon as you
think it adds something to who you are, then you’ve made it a part of your ego.
Listen to any “die-hard” conservative or liberal talk about their deepest
beliefs and you are listening to somebody who will never hear what you say on
any matter that matters to them — unless you believe the same. It is gratifying
to speak forcefully, it is gratifying to be agreed with, and this high is what
the die-hards are chasing. Wherever there is a belief, there is a closed door.
Take on the beliefs that stand up to your most honest, humble scrutiny, and
never be afraid to lose them."
Provocative thoughts, particularly the example of
speaking with a die-hard. Someone who by implied definition would die for their
beliefs. Lost in the argument are those "beliefs" that are long and
well thought out. Those that reflect our true nature, our ethics and morals.
True, some beliefs are actually disguised prejudice. Most certainly you see the
"other guys" beliefs are just that.
I mean how can you be against two loving people being
married? You must be a bigot.
How can you condone the killing of unborn children?
You must be a murderer.
Where and when were beliefs and judgment so
cruelly intertwined?
A very provocative point being made here by the
Thought Catalog writer, one that will be instantly rejected by anyone immersed
in their own belief system. The problem is some beliefs defy the obvious
strictures of right and wrong, the most obvious being the taking of a life. You
are not justified in killing the infidel because of his beliefs. Equally
droning anyone to death because of what they believe is wrong. Actions have
consequences, beliefs should not. Particularly not in the country that alleges
to believe in free speech and the freedom of religion.
Black churches should not be burned to the ground.
Synagogues and mosques -- ditto. On the other hand, five Catholic men on the
U.S. Supreme Court should not be able to impose their religious beliefs on the
uterus of every woman in this country or the rights of queer Americans. Yes, I
know, I'm supposed to write LGBT Americans, but fuck PC strictures, did I
happen to mention this is a free country. Next, you're going to tell me that
disrespected is a real word.
Beliefs should be questioned, reconsidered;
brought out into the bright light of day and the dark, contemplative shadow of
night. We each should stand responsible for our own beliefs. I like to take
mine out for a stroll every now and then, personally I find them best
illuminated by the light of a new moon.
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