Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Change

Can you put yourself in Brother Jones' shoes regarding his beliefs about God?
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How does one understand the viewpoint of another regarding anything?

I believe we start by listening (or give attention to the written word)--without formulating responses in our mind as we listen.

I think we listen for what is beneath the surface--what would cause a person to find a particular view point attractive? What motivates this person? What life experiences might predispose him or her to think/feel a certain way?

But the thing is, another person is not going to reveal much if he/she feels every word is going to be questioned, disputed, or in some other way implicitly rejected.

If you can, how would you go about having a change of mind?
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Yes, as Migisi said, desire is part of it. But I think first comes the uncomfortable sensation that something is wrong, something isn't working or doesn't fit right (cognitive dissonance).

Because of other influences in one's life this dissonance may be denied (or at least shoved to the back of one's mind). The person may be in a group which would reject him/her if he/she were to change. The person might find he feels uncomfortable in situations where he used to feel right at home.

Certain habits or beliefs are strongly tied to one's sense of identity. To relinquish the belief/habit can be very intimidating.

The person has to see, for herself, that the change is *better* than maintaining the status quo. The person also has to believe that he/she is capable of making the change, and staying changed. He will have a better chance of successfully changing if he has a support group of some sort to recognize his successes in affecting positive change.

The thing is, we all have something in our life which could do with a change. Its not just BroJo.

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle