Questioning Questions

2001-6-2 00:17:00

Janine writes:
I am finding the QUESTIONS series a little disturbing and after reading this one, I'm hoping there aren't any more. And having said that, I'm wondering why there haven't been many responses to them.

JJ
First, I do not think I ever welcomed you to the list so let me take this opportunity to do so.

Everyone has different tastes and approaches to learning and presentation.

Let me tell you why I think this question presentation is beneficial.

A teacher can teach basic principles and truths and those on the receiving end will often embrace them without applying them to real situations and belief systems and thus miss the lesson of the truth received.

A good example of this is found with many religious folk who give and receive lessons out of the Bible on the simple teachings of Christ. In theory, they may think turning the other cheek is a great idea, but often in practice they fail miserably at living this and are completely unaware of the connection.

The effective teacher will not only mouth the platitude "turn the other cheek" but will also present an example the student can identify with so he can apply the principle in his life.

For instance he may say something like:
If you are waiting in line for a movie and someone cuts in front of you how would you apply this teaching?

The advantage of these questions is that it gives people the opportunity to examine various beliefs in the light of day to see how much sense they really make.

A person may be in illusion in a certain area all his life, but in one moment awaken to a higher truth because someone had the wisdom to shed some stark light on his belief.

As we leave the age of Pisces, a strong water sign governed by emotion, we enter into Aquarius, an air sign governed by mind.

The old Piscean way is to feel after truth, but the new Aquarian way will be to think after it and reason it out as soul contact is approached.

Those who are in illusion because they feel after truth will have high resistance and often be highly offended when truth is presented on a mental level.

Christ himself had a great problem with this because his presentation of truth was so jolting the religious authorities were offended and had him crucified. In fact so many were offended at him that he once said "Blessed is he who is not offended in me."

I believe these questions and answers serve a good purpose and plan on writing some more of them. And yes, Xavier, I think the new agers deserve a few of them also. Illusion is everywhere.

Janine continues:

It's fascinating to see how the inner workings of our minds betray us and expose our fragility.

Why are you pointing fingers? Stepping on toes is one thing, but segregating whole belief systems is something else. Are you trying to reveal these belief systems don't have merit ... because they do. Each of us is a melting pot of all we've been exposed to and absorbed.

JJ
You missed the point if you think that I do not believe these various belief systems have merit.

I embrace many teachings of Christianity and have been inspired by many of the Mormon teachings. In addition I also consider myself a new ager and they are next on the list for the question and answers.

But because I respect a belief system and embrace much of it does not mean that I shirk responsibility to shed a little extra light when the opportunity presents itself.

I wouldn't call what I am doing pointing fingers. I am representing these beliefs with a high degree of accuracy and they thus speak for themselves.

Janine
So what do you hope to accomplish by attacking others' belief systems?

JJ
I wouldn't call a clear presentation of a belief an attack, though I admit some may feel that way. I hope to accomplish the dispelling of illusion in some. I hope readers will ask these questions to those who embrace illusion.

Janine
Perhaps it's become a little too complacent around here and a little shake up is in order. Are you inviting controversy?

JJ
Yes, I do invite a little controversy now and then.

Without the exposure of differences to cast a shadow, light cannot be revealed in this world.

Janine
Because I've read your responses to those that have questioned your teachings before, and noticed your responses were often sarcastic and officious. And I wonder how what you are doing is any different...

JJ
Seldom have I intended to be sarcastic and I am rarely officious. There are various degrees of judgment toward me on the list for all see through different eyes on the personality level.

Janine
Perhaps its the personalization of the QUESTIONS dialogue that affronts me .... he said, I said .... blah blah.

And although I'm not inclined to follow any of the belief systems you're scrutinizing, I know that individuals within them do not all believe the same thing as each other. So what are you dissecting ... the label?

JJ
I can't see how you would think that I am dissecting a label. Each of the beliefs I presented are held by a large number of people, some of them in a cross section of religions. The Mormons, however, are very uniform in their belief. If word comes down from the authorities there is no more discussion to be had.

Janine
You've chosen to define your belief system in this forum and for a lack of a label it can't be defined as what ...a religion, a doctrine?

JJ
I wouldn't call what I am presenting a "belief system." There is no system about it for all can believe as they please and be a member of this forum.

If there is any systemization to my belief it would be to verify whatever comes along through the soul.

Janine
Is this really conducive to 'becoming'?

JJ
I think so.

In alignment with this subject let me note that Assaf corrected me on Hebrew grammar and for that I have much appreciation.

When you think of it, it is silly to get upset if someone corrects you with a sincere heart. If we can just drop the influence of the ego we would be happy to receive correction.