What is Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a powerful craving for alcohol which often results in the compulsive consumption of alcohol, an addiction. The cause of this craving is heavily debated, but the most ...
Join Now
|
Controversy ; thoughts
|
Watch this |
| View More Posts Ignore |
What happens when controversy rears its head and cracks in our unity appear?
Even though controversy is inevitable is it desirable? The answer must be yes. For without controversy whatever unity that exists is as solid as the mist on an Autumn morning. It is merely a numbers and influence game, a fantasy and not a reality. How can you stand for a unity that doesn't solidly exist upon matters of belief? Not only does the emperor have no clothes, but the empire is invisible too. What is the point in having an agreed statement of essential beliefs that no one really adheres to because no one is willing to enforce it? If we have any concern for the truth we would surely want it to be made clear rather than being obscured by fog of meaningless ambiguous phrases. Controversy, however, as most of us fear, can quickly become an ugly business. We can rapidly move the emphasis from what is right, to ourselves being right, or being seen to be right. Patient listening, charitable interpretation, and a desire for unity can be soon lost. We are on a knife edge as we deal with these matters. Truth must not be traded, sounds words must not be emptied of their meaning, and compromise must not be the master of integrity. Desperate prayers for wisdom are to be top of the agenda, and we must think our way through these matters seeking understanding, light and clarity. Perhaps this fear is what lies at the root of an unwillingness to engage in controversy even when there is an irreconcilable disagreement on matters of truth and error. We see the fraying tempers, the soured relationships, the carrying of tales and exaggerations, and we rightly feel that we want no part of that. Martin D. Posted on 11/07/09, 11:11 am |
| 15 Replies | Most Recent | Add Your Reply |
| View More Posts Ignore |
Change 
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
But is that always the consensus or just man - made product?
Billy
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Through fear of not fitting in ?
Billy
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore | ||
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Or wanting to be different or apart from?
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Does anyone remember the scene in Coming to America where the prince is trying to find about his proposed bride. Whatever he asks she replies with "I like what you like", "I believe what you believe", "I want what you want" etc.
I used to be like that - I was afraid of not fitting in, of people not liking me. I would agree with anything if it was the low risk strategy - unless I was drunk of course when I became obnoxiously opinionated and a devils advocate. Basically I had nothing to stand up for, no principles, nothing - I was what you wanted me to be. I am grateful I am not like that now. I dont hold onto things so tightly that i cannot change but i am willing to stand up for the principles I believe in and I hope they are spiritual principles rather than driven by my ego.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
A tricky business though if the agenda is about personalities or a grudge against the way things are done. Then serving the whole in any society should be the goal . Don't you think? That's what selfless or unity is isn't it?
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Definitely - if there is a difference between what is best for me and what is best for the whole then what is best for the whole is what i hope to stand up for.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
In my own reality I struggled with those cracks.
Only from surrendering did I come to a place of acceptance. I have to sometimes create those so called cracks to get at the truth and trust me I knew of this long before it became the exact moment. It was time! The very same process can occur in a group setting. No matter what I think, say or do these cracks will continue to appear as long as forward movement is possible. Therefore, these changes that happen as a result of growth become normal human understanding--wisdom/maturity.
|
|
|
|
||
| View More Posts Ignore |
Billy-really when we are in the middle of controversy on this board-we are in essence fighting with ourselves. I mean, when I am feeling offended by something on that is said here-and quickly go back at them with emotional charge, it is really interesting for me to see who stirs this up in me. Because it is ultimately about me.
On the flip side though, I have a problem with the anti-intellectualism that seems to prevade many alcoholic communities. It seems when someone does not agree-a valid insult is that you need to shut up and listen. Ok, listen to who though? I just think that no one has the the keys to truth, and discussing it rationally without hitting below the belt is healthy . It is just that many make insulting comments to others when there is a valid interesting debate going on. But there again-when someone gets off topic and insults the person-not the issue, that is in and of itself quite revealing. My point is-it's all good! Can learn from this whole pile of stuff.
|
|
|
|
||
| First | Previous | Page: 1 2 | Next | Most Recent | Add Your Reply |
