“People are more important than beliefs” is The Oasis Network motto, and I really like it.
But something I have to constantly remind myself (as someone who leans more secular these days)….is the following,
“People are more important than NON-beliefs.”
In other words, just because I no longer believe in the supernatural, this does not give me the right to treat believers with disrespect…which I have a constant “pull” to do….either directly, or indirectly.
Of all the damaging things I learned through my religion, I think that perhaps the most pernicious of all is the idea that there is only one “true” path.
That idea is so…incredibly….pernicious…and it follows me almost wherever I go these days as a non-religious person.
I was a missionary as a Mormon, and now I find myself constantly judging non-secular people as inferior. If I ever put down my righteous indignation to think about this….it makes. Me. Sick.
For me it was relatively easy to stop believing in Joseph Smith, or exclusive authority. What has been infinitely more difficult to shed is the idea that my way is the only way, or the best way.
My (secular) prayer today is that I can someday truly lose this one belief that I now see as being the most pernicious of all beliefs….and not necessarily unique to religion AT ALL.
And if there is a “one true path” – I will tell you what that path is: that path is love. Call it a cliche, but I KNOW it to be true. Just. Love. People. Unconditionally. And. Treat. Them. With. Respect.
May I constantly work to never forget this.
Well said. I too find myself on the outskirts of a religion my family has been a part of since its beginnings.
To keep a balance of non judgement is hard. Just because you choose not to drink the Kool Aid anymore doesn’t mean you are better off or more enlighten.
I look forward to your podcast with great enthusiasm !
We are hard wired to look for pattern and what it the same. We lean towards people that share the same views and beliefs as us. It’s part of nature. We can see difference as a threat.
I was deeply unhappy as a Mormon as I was always questioning, from the beginning (4 years old). I think I have never seen things from a fixed view point. Therefore, I do struggle with the black and white thinking of believing LDS/Mormons and non believing LDS/Ex Mormons. I don’t want a tribe or a label, however I realise and respect many people do.
Truth seeking is in its self a myth as it doesn’t really exist. We only have our own personal truth based on our previous experiences. The Fifth Dimension by John Hicks on religious pluralism is worth a read. All the best to everyone on their journey!
I acknowledge the depth of your thoughts on religion and life during the time period I’ve been aware of you and your work. Secular now? Did we put the Church in the spot on our altar where only God should be? Did I make the LDS church into my idol? Was I guilty, then, of idolatry? I seek God and not an organization or a person, but a Person. I like that you never give up!
For any of you who are seeking something truly uplifting, checkout the book: “Grounded, finding God in the world – a spiritual revolution” by Diana Butler Bass. The book has been a breath of fresh air. It discusses the global revolution of people around the world in various faith camps, who are leaving organized religion for a new spirituality and a new definition of God, goodness, humanity and the role of organized religion as a relic that people are outgrowing for a more personalized spirituality and relationship with a personalized God.
The book is remarkable.
Her other book is Christianity After Religion