Re: Religious certainty vs. religious exploration
The 'cafeteria' style religion is something my denomination is pretty intolerant of. I'd like to see a little more open-mindedness in this as there are many Christian denominations with conflicting views, but all believing they have the correct revelation.
IMO, the benefits of following a tradition to the T is that there is a framework from which to work within for people who are learning the skill of exploration.
This is a problem because if someone is going to discard a teaching because it doesn't feel right or good, then there's a chance some of the benefit of practice is lost. In matters of self-discipline, sometimes an outside source is required to ensure coherence. It may not be til well after the fact that the reward is shown. If there wasn't already an experience or framework there to let you know the pay-off is worth it, would you still make the choice to follow through? Isn't it interesting that self-discipline has come up twice. I wonder if that's a reflection on Western culture.
This is pretty much what I mean by 'framework'
The other benefit of following a tradition is the sense of community and belonging. A sense of belonging can help a person to take risks and the community can provide a place for people to live out their faith inspired principles. Living out your principles is the way you find out what's true and what isn't.
WOW. I loved this. Because this is where true/false becomes irrelevant. How does what you're living impact your life and the lives of those around you? Is it making so much of a difference that you would be totally fine to be wrong? There's more to any faith than being correct/incorrect.
The 'cafeteria' style religion is something my denomination is pretty intolerant of. I'd like to see a little more open-mindedness in this as there are many Christian denominations with conflicting views, but all believing they have the correct revelation.
IMO, the benefits of following a tradition to the T is that there is a framework from which to work within for people who are learning the skill of exploration.
Originally posted by Rae'ya
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Originally posted by monsno_leedra
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The other benefit of following a tradition is the sense of community and belonging. A sense of belonging can help a person to take risks and the community can provide a place for people to live out their faith inspired principles. Living out your principles is the way you find out what's true and what isn't.
Originally posted by monsno_leedra
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