Why do some apparently nasty people seem to know everything there is to know about spirituality?

Question

It was difficult to know how to frame the question above. It's not the sort of thing you can squeeze into one sentence.

It's just that I've been around the block a few times now (39), and many people who can say the same will probably agree that you really do seem to get 'sorts'. You'll find yourself thinking oh so and so really reminds me of thingymajig.

Well there is a 'sort' that I think I have distilled. I seem to have met a few people who are tripping over themselves to tell me about all the spiritual 'facts' that they know and over eager to correct me on matters that really are too subtle to have such a black and white analysis.

This 'sort' I have found usually to be very mixed up people that turn out to be anything but spiritual. Many of them have turned out to be spiteful, quick to anger, intolerant and selfish.

Have any of you guys found this to be the case and if so what do you think to be the psychology? Is it some kind of compensation for their lack spirituality

Answer 1

Those who speak don't know.
Those who know don't speak.

Answer 2

Honestly? It's probably understanding that while they're all written different, different spiritual doctrines are all rather similar. What's worse is after a while you accumulate the knowledge of too many people who go about not questioning any of it.

"Ignorance is bliss" is a phrase many of them will completely agree with, because they're no longer ignorant.

It's sort of like... when you grow up. You learn all sorts of magical, happy things aren't real, so the magic of life seems to fade.

The difference being that believing in the Easter Bunny and believing in this or that spiritual thing is that the spiritual thing seems to go out of its way to try and screw around with other peoples lives.

Funny thing is, a lot of spiritual doctrines also say that you should leave firm not-believers the hell alone after a while.

Answer 3

I've been around the block a few times more than you, alas ,and I have come to the conclusion that people change constantly as they grow and evolve spiritually. Twenty years back I was a born again Christian with, I am ashamed to say, very firm views on everything. Now I am older and I hope wiser and I have changed beyond recognition even to myself. Anger and intolerance are often born of deep seated convictions that don't like to be challenged. Religion inadvertently teaches intolerance.

Answer 4

I think what you describe is immaturity in spiritual things more than direct overcompensation for their lack but of course that is their. but maybe other things are going on you don't know about and maybe what seams to of made them angry or spiteful or anything else you mention is just the straw that broke the camels back so to speak.
everyone can have their off days and even the most mature person reverts to a child with the anger, spite, intolerance, and selfishness when things get to much.
remember no-one is perfect.

Answer 5

We are all quick to anger, whether we are Christians or not. To be angry is not a sin, it is what we do with that angry that makes the sin.

Unfortunately this trait is part of human nature. We are all works in progress.

Those who think they have all the answers are deceiving themselves and other people. They may be able to spout long lengths of scripture or other writings, but that does not mean they have the true infallible meaning of it, nor does it mean they believe it or act upon it.

It is a sign of insecurity and pride when they do that. False pride. head knowledge is different to heart knowledge.

We need the gift of discernment when we hear what people say. If it feels right it probably is. But it must be tested! If it feels wrong, then it probably is.

I am not making myself very clear - to myself. Maybe you can
understand what I am trying to say.

In the Bible it does warn of false prophets and teachings.

Answer 6

I hope I didn't give you that impression. I don't care what you believe so long as:
1) You're happy.
2) You're harmless.
3) You're fulfilled.
4) You aren't a pest.

We each have Christ living within us, yes even Atheist. Christ is much more than Jesus. Christ is the revelation of God. No one comes to the Father except by Christ so that means you have to look inward to find God.

If you don't believe me fine, that's your path. Everyone has to follow their path. No one comes to Christ unless the Father draws them.

You could call all these names something completely different and it makes no difference. It's the experience of the spiritual not the "text book knowledge" that counts. God is Love, so it's probably best to have faith in a loving religion. Try not to judge.

My world is a chapel and all the people in it are my ministers, flock and brethren (& cisteren as well LOL).

Hope I wasn't too preachy.

Great question!

Answer 7

I think when people find The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, they feel compelled to want to share it. Some things in the Bible are so simple it really is very black and white. (your term) It seems like when people are born again, it's like a light bulb goes off and you really start to understand what God has truly done for you, and all the experiences you have lived through mean so much more, like they were meant to be or you wouldn't be where you are now. It is such a peaceful feeling, you want all your friends to have it. I have saw this kind of behavior from others, and I myself have been one of those people. Even when people find God they will continue to sin.... we are human. Believe me if someone has truly found God they will quit pestering you, because we all realize we can't change others, only he can.

Answer 8

Those description of "spiteful, quick to anger, intolerant and selfish" people are definitely not the traits of a person in a right set of mind to engage in spiritual diplomacy or conversation... these are merely people with a real bitter soul within them...

Whereas for some who are too extreme into their point of view in their own religion can be quite disturbing themselves. They've become extremists and dwell in fear for the Truth...

You're right, its an undernourishment of spirituality :-)

Answer 9

I am sorry, But God is Working on Us.....We Are Forgiven, But a long way from being what God wants Us to Be.........
Some Times we get out of Hand, and become No Earthly Good.......But God Takes care of that Too.
We Can never Say "we've" Arrived.....But we aren't What We Used to Be, and By all means, Don't Want to Put a Bad Taste In Your Mouth. I ask for Your Forgiveness.....And ask God to Smile On You Always.

Answer 10

Sorry I have not as yet came into contact with the sort you are talking about though I do agree with you. I have came in contact with someone that is following to many religins. Mind you he was from Irag or isreal, one of the two. It seemed to me that he has too many beliefs or he can't get his head around what to belief. He is diagnosed with sziefrinia (whoever you spell it) the voices in your head one. (He is being treated for it thpugh).

Answer 11

I can be just like that. Born out of arrogance and pride. Don't know many others who are that much different.