What are the spiritual benefits to "closing" you mind?

Question

I have found that being open minded leaves me in a position to be tolerant of others. I was wondering what you gain from the opposing position.

Answer 1

Ignorance is bliss goes the saying.

The ability to open your mind is a transgresive position which empowers the trainee, however, it is a difficult path of learning - an example of relativism: a gay 35 year old man in suburbia whom has never come out, or dated a female, and only talks to his mother - would have a direct opposite conotation of death than a young boy in the bad parts of LA, whom has watched more than two or three people die in gang or other activities.

However the boy is more open minded about death - and will grow up to be a 40 year old man that understands death and has gained much from the years, the 35 year old man that truns 55 and his mother dies, will be left completely alone and unable to handle the pressure of death, as he has never seen it.

However, the suburban man had a more enjoyable life up until the point of no return, while the other guy had a less enjoyable life, but never reached that "point of no return" because he knew how to avoid it without thinking twice.

So, a closed mind basically guarantees the right of a blissful existence until forced to understand otherwise. Some men die without ever finding out, which seems to be the master goal. Now, can you find out what the master goal of an open mind is?

Answer 2

There is no spiritual benefits to closing your mind. It take an open mind to try Christ. Think about it. Christianity asks you to believe in a virgin birth, Jesus as God's son, God's son as the only way into heaven, not to mention the belief that there is life after death, oh yes and the biggest faith provoker of all.....a man died on a cross, was buried and rose again on the third day.

As a Christian who believes all of that and more, I'd say I have to have a very open mind.

Think about it. Do you doubt the fact that the woman that carried you for 9 months is your mother. No you don't you accept it as a fact because of the experience. Betcha don't remember it though. But you believe. Is that being closed minded?

No it's opening your mind to the facts. Tolerance is not a bad thing. It just means that you can respect another person's thoughts and ideas. It doesn't mean that you have to believe what they believe. But remember it also means that they don't have to believe what you believe either.

Answer 3

The "opposing position" as you call it benefits you because you can close your mental and spiritual doors from time to time to assess what your "open mind" has let in and see what is garbage and what is not, and to give yourself time to prioritize what you have let in from your "open-mindedness". I was so glad when I realized that "open-mindedness" isn't all it's preached to be. It never lets you discriminate between what's good and what's bad, and therefore exercise any self control or self responsibility. You can always blame someone else for your behavior and thoughts and feelings if you never have to accept the responsibility of evaluating the worth of just what you took in. That's a pathetic excuse for living, and a very great way to become a slave to the whims and fancies and "blowing winds of popularity" of the time. God help us if we never, or even rarely, close our doors so we might assess just exactly what we are being asked to believe. God Bless you.

Answer 4

There is absolutely no benefit to opposing all other views and insisting your way is the only way.

There *is* a benefit to 'dancing with who you come with'. In other words, each religion should have a series of beliefs that put you on a path to transforming your mind for the better. It is a good idea to stick with that one religion just so your thoughts can progress.

That said, staying on the path is one thing, insisting it is the only path is another.

Answer 5

I like to think I'm tolerant of others too. When people tell me they're of another faith it's ok, I don't blast them with what I think. Sometimes I don't say anything and just be their friend. Most of the people I know aren't Christians, and we get along great. I've been around long enough to know that judgment is not mine, and I'm to love all people. Been saved 23 years.

Answer 6

A reward in Heaven for standing up for My Lord

Answer 7

I think we are supposed to be tolerant of others . . . why would you want to close your mind? How could you receive guidance from the Spirit?

Answer 8

I myself is an open-minded person. My folks are kinda what you reffered as "close-minded", because they are religious freaks. They don't accept reason, even a very valid reason if it contradicts with their religion.

Answer 9

Closing your mind helps you to come to the wrong decision faster and stick to it.

Answer 10

Hmmmm.... think about Satan... misunderstood... disliked... sent to a fate that you would not wish upon your worst enemy... perhaps you should pity him.... NOT!!! Satan is a LIAR and an abomination!!! Case closed!!