I'm not surprised about what happened to your friend. I have several friends who lived in LDS communities and their experiences were the same. You were either labelled "one of us" or you were labelled a "Gentile". Once one is into labelling, then there is a tendency to look down on any non-members. A lot of this is related to the belief that one's religion is the "one and only true" religion or in the case of Mormons, the "restored" religion. I find, however, that religions that are less dogmatic are less likely to label other people. By the way, many thanks for the great podcast recommendation (Unfinished Short Creek)!
We raze one fortress of identity and immediately build another. And then the new fortress binds us
In India there is the idea that the soul which is boundless and infinite gets bound by ‘upadhi’ which is ‘label’ or definition that you write about.
The soul is pure light, a child of god, but the moment it thinks it’s a Hindu/christian/man/woman/feminist/artist it gets defined, cut up, bound.
Our labels give us a sense of security but at the price of pettiness. And you see it everyday- people who are take their race or gender super seriously get caught up in fierce causes and missions and burn in rage and insecurity.
I think the idea is to keep being simple and child like and open our hearts to love and respect for all beings and groups or sects. And not take ourselves too seriously.
The concept of labels,is one that I attempt to avoid.They are a way of "pigeon holing" things and I do not feel that this is valid,where people are involved.Other than,within myself,it's not my job.Folks are born,raised and beleaguered into accepting a fantasy as reality.I may change what some folks think,but it is beyond my desire and ability,to change how they feel.
I'm not surprised about what happened to your friend. I have several friends who lived in LDS communities and their experiences were the same. You were either labelled "one of us" or you were labelled a "Gentile". Once one is into labelling, then there is a tendency to look down on any non-members. A lot of this is related to the belief that one's religion is the "one and only true" religion or in the case of Mormons, the "restored" religion. I find, however, that religions that are less dogmatic are less likely to label other people. By the way, many thanks for the great podcast recommendation (Unfinished Short Creek)!
“If we are to avoid another Trump presidency, it won’t be because we sneered MAGA voters into submission.” Whew!! Ain’t that the truth!
We raze one fortress of identity and immediately build another. And then the new fortress binds us
In India there is the idea that the soul which is boundless and infinite gets bound by ‘upadhi’ which is ‘label’ or definition that you write about.
The soul is pure light, a child of god, but the moment it thinks it’s a Hindu/christian/man/woman/feminist/artist it gets defined, cut up, bound.
Our labels give us a sense of security but at the price of pettiness. And you see it everyday- people who are take their race or gender super seriously get caught up in fierce causes and missions and burn in rage and insecurity.
I think the idea is to keep being simple and child like and open our hearts to love and respect for all beings and groups or sects. And not take ourselves too seriously.
The concept of labels,is one that I attempt to avoid.They are a way of "pigeon holing" things and I do not feel that this is valid,where people are involved.Other than,within myself,it's not my job.Folks are born,raised and beleaguered into accepting a fantasy as reality.I may change what some folks think,but it is beyond my desire and ability,to change how they feel.