Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Does anyone play tennis?

First of all, what I'm going to say is intended to be taken as generalizations, without having any particular person (or persons) in mind. I will use "we" because my perception is that, at least occasionally, everyone who participates in these discussions is, well, guilty.

What I see is that we devote a lot of time and energy talking about how others are wrong, and we are right. Sometimes we are vociferous in our condemnation. We are not always kind, nor do we always devote a great deal of time or energy to a dispassionate consideration of why, or how, another person might think or believe as he/she does.

It is not wrong to think about, or discuss, what is wrong in the world/church/Bible/whatever. But if that is all we ever discuss, our focus tends to become skewed so that we cannot see what is right.

And, IMHO, spirituality is not about what others are doing wrong. Nor is it about trying to make someone else think as we think or believe as we believe. It is about asking, in all circumstances:

what do I need to change in myself?

what can I do to make a difference in the world?

And, in relation to passages in the Bible, we need to look at those passages relating to human conduct as lessons for ourselves instead of points to prove another wrong or have an opportunity to condemn them/God/the Bible/spiritual practice.

There is tremendous appeal in condemning others. It makes us feel energized and empowered (not to mention wise and virtuous). But the truth is, it changes nothing--at least not for the better.

peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle