This question is two-fold.
I focus my life on the mysteries and am always trying to progress. However, my parents are Jehovah's Witnesses and, of course, do not share my beliefs.
However, my father has been having health difficulties and I worry that he may pass on soon.
So part 1 of my question is, how can I best deal with this situation: the grief, assisting family, providing comfort to my father and family. I am wondering how I can sufficiently deal with this struggle. How can I use this experience? How can I assimilate the experience?
Part 2, is that our beliefs obviously differ quite a lot. Part of their belief system is that they will be physically resurrected and will live on a paradise earth forever. He still holds these beliefs dear to him and I wouldn't want to upset that near the end. So, is it okay to encourage those beliefs if it brings peace to him? Or should I try to sidestep any talk of an afterlife? What is the best way to offer comfort and encouragement to someone who does not share our gnostic beliefs and may pass over soon? Him being my father, I have a deep love and respect for him and want to help.
Thank you.
I focus my life on the mysteries and am always trying to progress. However, my parents are Jehovah's Witnesses and, of course, do not share my beliefs.
However, my father has been having health difficulties and I worry that he may pass on soon.
So part 1 of my question is, how can I best deal with this situation: the grief, assisting family, providing comfort to my father and family. I am wondering how I can sufficiently deal with this struggle. How can I use this experience? How can I assimilate the experience?
Part 2, is that our beliefs obviously differ quite a lot. Part of their belief system is that they will be physically resurrected and will live on a paradise earth forever. He still holds these beliefs dear to him and I wouldn't want to upset that near the end. So, is it okay to encourage those beliefs if it brings peace to him? Or should I try to sidestep any talk of an afterlife? What is the best way to offer comfort and encouragement to someone who does not share our gnostic beliefs and may pass over soon? Him being my father, I have a deep love and respect for him and want to help.
Thank you.