There is something to be said of opposition. I may have blogged about it before, but the concept amazes me still. What is it about an opposing idea that can either make us crumble or fortify us? What is it about us as individuals that differentiates between opposition and how we react to different forms? Opposition can be creepy too. We may not even know we are being opposed before it is too late. We may not realize we are being opposed, yet something inside us rises to the occasion or crumbles within before we know what is going on. An opposing idea can be subtle, simple and something we wouldn't think of as opposing. It may even be something you espouse in a certain aspect in your life, yet in another aspect it is considered opposition.
I am having an experience where opposition is facing me head on, but in a very attractive package. I welcome it into my life and don't ever want to part with it. Yet, it opposes a distinct aspect of my life that I also would never want to part with. As I embrace the opposition, it creates quite an interesting three way dance I have with what it opposes. They, oddly enough, complement each other. Something can also be said of moderation here as well. Moderation in all things is not light subject, yet moderation in ALL things may be the point. So be moderate and embrace your oppositions and they just may become your strengths.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
More on the human condition
I really need to get into psychology as well as more studies in philosophy. What is it about humans and our connections to one another? What is it about certain ideas and worldviews that drive us apart or bring us together? Why am I drawn to a certain personality, yet I can disagree with them about everything....turn around and disagree with another personality about the same things, yet hope to never speak to that person again? Not only is it the worldview, but it is the person holding that worldview. I think something can be said about being open-minded. One doesn't have to give up their views to be open-minded. It is, in one sense, merely the ability to listen. Why can one not listen politely? What is it about human nature that feels the need to be the loudest person, unwilling to share ideas mutually and listen to the other side. If anything, One can form arguments and couter-ideas to the one's shared, so you are better prepared and understand the opposing side, rather than having to yell and regurgitate what you heard or read from your favorite 'leftist' or 'rightist' paper/news program.
There has been, seemingly more now than ever, a great polarization in politics and religion. Lukewarm is harder and harder to find. If you don't want to look for lukewarm worldviews, then you proceed to look for lukewarm attitudes - people who have an opinion but want to stay out of any involvement, or minimal involvement. These too are getting harder to find. The very idea of government sparks debates of all kinds. Some healthy, some violent. The world will continue (for now) with or without these disagreements. One can, if I may be so bold, continue peacefully in relationships of disagreement. If I may also be so bold, the holding of a certain worldview, whether it be in politics, religion, or what have you, does not put one's 'salvation' at risk. If you come across someone with extreme ideas that don't conform to yours, that does not necessarily put them in a position that needs saving. On the contrary, Joseph Smith practiced the art of forming or playing with new ideas on a constant basis. He also taught that it is wrong to try someone simply because of doctrinal issues, he wants, "...the liberty of believing as [he] please[s]".
According to Joseph, one isn't risking good standing anywhere in his definition of the Kingdom if one holds views different than what is considered 'official' doctrine.
Simply holding different views also does not tell you about that person's past. Being 'progressive' or 'liberal' does not mean that person needs to somehow justify their life or rationalize their actions in order to make themselves feel better. Being able to show proper treatment toward one another is at the core of of this mortal existence. We aren't here to necessaril learn politics or is or isn't correct doctrine, but to treat people how they and we should be treated: as precious children of God, spirits and intelligences that are eternal, one with another.
There has been, seemingly more now than ever, a great polarization in politics and religion. Lukewarm is harder and harder to find. If you don't want to look for lukewarm worldviews, then you proceed to look for lukewarm attitudes - people who have an opinion but want to stay out of any involvement, or minimal involvement. These too are getting harder to find. The very idea of government sparks debates of all kinds. Some healthy, some violent. The world will continue (for now) with or without these disagreements. One can, if I may be so bold, continue peacefully in relationships of disagreement. If I may also be so bold, the holding of a certain worldview, whether it be in politics, religion, or what have you, does not put one's 'salvation' at risk. If you come across someone with extreme ideas that don't conform to yours, that does not necessarily put them in a position that needs saving. On the contrary, Joseph Smith practiced the art of forming or playing with new ideas on a constant basis. He also taught that it is wrong to try someone simply because of doctrinal issues, he wants, "...the liberty of believing as [he] please[s]".
According to Joseph, one isn't risking good standing anywhere in his definition of the Kingdom if one holds views different than what is considered 'official' doctrine.
Simply holding different views also does not tell you about that person's past. Being 'progressive' or 'liberal' does not mean that person needs to somehow justify their life or rationalize their actions in order to make themselves feel better. Being able to show proper treatment toward one another is at the core of of this mortal existence. We aren't here to necessaril learn politics or is or isn't correct doctrine, but to treat people how they and we should be treated: as precious children of God, spirits and intelligences that are eternal, one with another.
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