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  Wednesday, 04 December 2013
  2 Replies
  2.2K Visits
What is the loving way to respond with people who take religion literally and fanatically?

"Following Christ" means something far different to me than to a typical christian.

Being a 'Jew' means something very different to me than to my chabbad rabbi.

When others speak regarding these things, is it wise to engage them in conversation regarding our views, or is it better to be silent? I'm sure this should be decided by the moment, but I am curious how the instructors handle this personally.

Thank you.
10 years ago
·
#5048
Accepted Answer
Thank you. I appreciate your perspective.

I struggle because most people I know (I'm in the bible belt) are literalists (as I was at one point). I also know how hard I would have been to speak to... I was always itching for a doctrine fight. Now I try hard not to be an 'evangelist' because I am afraid to fall into the same ego that I displayed when I was a fanatic.

I do have a strong desire to help alleviate others from the ignorance that I was trapped in for so long...

I'll pray and listen!

Thanks again.
10 years ago
·
#5048
Accepted Answer
Thank you. I appreciate your perspective.

I struggle because most people I know (I'm in the bible belt) are literalists (as I was at one point). I also know how hard I would have been to speak to... I was always itching for a doctrine fight. Now I try hard not to be an 'evangelist' because I am afraid to fall into the same ego that I displayed when I was a fanatic.

I do have a strong desire to help alleviate others from the ignorance that I was trapped in for so long...

I'll pray and listen!

Thanks again.
10 years ago
·
#5031
Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a difficult art, for as it is written in Al-Risalah:
Silence at the right time is the proper attribute for men, just as speaking on the right occasion is among the noblest qualities. The master Abu 'Ali ad-Daqqaq observed, "Whoever refrains from speaking the truth is a mute devil."
The only way we can know whether to speak or not, and what specifically to say, is through intuition. The Being can guide others, but first we must be guided. Therefore, we have to be very in tuned with our Innermost through remembrance of Him.

I always remain silent before people I know who are immature and have no open soil to receive the seed of these teachings, since if we cast our pearls before swine, they will turn again to rend us. However, I have met people who are very religious who, despite being rigid and fanatic, have opened themselves to the teachings precisely because of finding the appropriate moment in order to teach them. As to how one navigates such a difficult road, that depends upon remembrance of our Intimate Self!

Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.

Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.

"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"

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