Healthy Rebellion

Its no secret that for some time now, religionists have used "power over" methods in attempt to persuade non-religionists to think as they do.  They try to convince others that their way is the only way to nirvana, heaven or everlasting life. Not only is this annoying, it’s a red flag for you to rebel at all costs. There are also religionists who walk the way of truth. These people have only one agenda—to live and let live. They can be known by how they reflect the principles of liberty and love. For example, they respect your ideas and actually listen. 

Those who respect your freedom to think on your own will also demonstrate empathy and compassion as well as encourage you to not even take their word for it.  Strong arm tactics always involve a fierce desire to convince you to think as another individual or corporate group - or else. Or else what? You may want to ask that question next time you sense you are being canvassed. No one can tell you how to think or what mosque, church or temple to join—you gotta do that for yourself.  The LTKH team definitely has an agenda - an agenda to arm you with tools to help you rebel against force of any kind be it religious or not.      

Time to rebel when you sense:

Fear tactics—any language that suggests you are doomed to “hell”, “everlasting fire” or   “torture” for not believing in someone else’s personal belief system.

Coercion-any language that does not take “no, thank you” for an answer.

Shame– any language that suggests you need to change your behavior in order to be forgiven by some higher power, savior, sage, or prophet.

Anxiety—any language that suggests you need to adjust your behavior or mental process in order to gain approval some higher power, savior, sage or prophet.

Manipulation-any language that is not transparent and direct.

Healthy Rebelling involves: 

Asking questions - Ask your religious friend for their basis of belief—in detail. 

Weighing the evidence and then pronouncing kindly, “Let me weigh the evidence.” 

Taking your time to weigh that evidence. Take as long as necessary. 

Listening intently without comment. Walk away if necessary. 

Asking more questions! 

-Copyright S.N.Belmonte 2008

Last Updated Monday, June 22 2009 @ 01:30 PM GMT-6|1,719 Hits