1. If your belief is based on physical proofs, do you seek answers (only) from like minded folks?
2. If your belief is based on spiritual proofs, do you seek answers (only) from like minded folks?
3. Have you ever considered that both sides of the coin are needed for us to understand? If yes, how old are you?
4. What have I missed about "open-mindedness"?
2007-05-28 10:22:29 · 9 answers · asked by MrsOcultyThomas 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear "I" - How many years does it take to look at both sides of a coin? I supect more than 20, and maybe never?
2007-05-28 10:32:09 · update #1
Dear "pro rock" - your comments were refreshing.
2007-05-28 10:34:06 · update #2
chagrin -
2007-05-28 10:36:38 · update #3
I know that in order to truly understand both sides you have to be informed of both viewpoints, but I've always approached things this way. What does age have to do with it?
2007-05-28 10:30:11 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Of course both physical and spiritual proofs are needed for any question.
We take it on faith the weather forecast will mostly be accurate though we did not measure anything or take any readings ourselves. We take it on faith the pictures from satellites of earth and space although we did not go up to take them.
Why then would we deny the Bible when clearly we have never been outside the earth, know what death is like, been in the presence of God or angels, or pick God's brain. It is the only reliable source for this information. We can rely on this by its being right about the things we do know to be true.
What we do not rely on is men or women who offer opinion only. Especially on the internet. Who are they? What are their qualifications? Open mindedness is one thing. Being a fool is quite another.
The Bible is a reliable source. To use it properly is to back up what one says with proof.
2007-05-28 19:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boy Uncle Wayne you always seem to ask the question that I have been pondering in my heart for a bit.....
I believe as pro-rock, however I have come to the opposite conclusion and believe creation makes more sense.
I firmly believe anyone cannot claim to be open minded unless they have examined all sides of the coin. I did not come to Jesus blindly - I was not indoctrinated (although the JW's at the time were diligently pursuing me) nor was I receiving teaching from any Christian faction at the time. I chose to search for God. He found me (as the song says). :)
I seek answers from all walks of life. I am open to discussion from everyone, and although I have been educated by many of them in different areas of thought, actions and deeds, I have yet to meet anyone who can sufficiently dissuade my faith. As a matter of fact, as my walk with the Lord deepens, and the more conversations that I have with people, I am finding a deeper faith than I could possibly imagine is blossoming. All of this WITHOUT indoctrination - go figure.
I absolutely believe that both sides of the coin are needed for us to understand our positions. I believe there are far too many "uninformed" Christians AND "uninformed" Atheists.
I am 48 and just an infant when it comes to total knowledge - as a matter of fact, can we ever TRULY be totally knowledgable about such matters?
I have asked the question "what, in your opinion, is open mindedness?" here and received many answers. Only a very small percentage seem to actually understand what it is.
blessings Uncle Wayne - I like you :)
2007-05-28 18:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
3) Yes. I think to truly understand what you believe in you need to know about both sides of the coin. For instance, when I first started learning about evolution I was also interested in what intelligent design was all about. After learning about both I realized that evolution was the only logical answer of how we came to be. I'm 18.
I think one of the most important aspects of being open-minded is realizing that everything you believe in could be wrong. You have to doubt your beliefs from time to time and look into what other people believe in order to truly be open-minded.
2007-05-28 17:32:05 · answer #4 · answered by HighOnFireSlays 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do think you need "logical" diolague between both sides in order to come up with an educated belief system. I have learned a lot since coming to this site. I have become more open minded without loosing my "core values". I have not become "swayed" by anyone but my beliefs are stronger than ever. Accepting other's for who they are no matter what has been a big change for me. A positive change :)
I am 47 years old.
2007-05-28 17:31:31 · answer #5 · answered by Kaliko 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Curious George, I usually just want to know what people say. Either way. Oh, and I am no spring chicken, but not middle aged either. Oh, and my core beliefs are spiritual and revealed to me in my life through experience.
2007-05-28 17:32:01 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's good to keep an open mind... one open enough so that new information can get in, but not so open that our brains fall out.
2007-05-28 17:27:34 · answer #7 · answered by skeptic 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
When I first found Jesus I was open-minded. Once I found the truth, why should I look for something else. I continue my education, but my faith remains solid.
2007-05-28 17:29:23 · answer #8 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am open to intelligent answers but when you come back with bible quotes I have no respect for that .
2007-05-28 17:27:06 · answer #9 · answered by Snooter McPrickles 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋