How can I change my paradigm? the way i look at the universe?

Question

I was brought up in a very religious fundamentalist environment, but as I got older I seperated myself from this type of arena, now I am in my 30's, and I am pretty secular, but I sometimes feel that fundamentalist programming rear its ugly head, my main concern is my judgementalism towards other people, I know the roots of this is in my upbringing, I d my best to suppress it, but it always comes back, how do I change my paradigm, or my way of looking at the world, so that can be more tolerant and accepting. one thing else I should add, is, on the surface, I act like certain things dont bother me, but deep down they do, so its not like I mistreat anyone for their lifestyle choices, but I keep it inside, I want to change that part of me deep inside, so my inner and outer worlds are congruent.

Answer 1

Put yourself in contact with people that you wouldn't normally in the past. Develop some good relationships with them. Maybe, if you become close enough, or if they are mature enough, share what you are feeling inside.
Do praying or meditating on what you are feeling and thinking.
Read some books that are of different perspectives.
See some different movies.

Watch the movie, What the Bleep Do We Know?!?

This movie is phenomenal and will help you in your current situation.

Answer 2

Your forgetting one part of a "fundamental christian worldiew" thats irrefutable.
Natural law, a concsience, the knowledge of right and wrong, your not the first person to look at the things around you and be sad or upset.
The way I respond to this feeling is to acknowledge that I am no better, all sin is equal.
Focus on getting your own act toghether and everyone else is easier to tolerate. Jesus still loves you and is at work in you.
Good Luck and God Bless.

Answer 3

I think it is essential to know the inner 'you' - your own spirit - and be happy being yourself.
Self knowledge is also acknowledging that essentially 'we are all the same' all facing a life here on earth, in which we all need air to breathe, clothes to wear and a place to live, a job, etc etc.
And to be in harmony with others - you respect yourself and respect others - or more simpler - harm no one, including yourself.
It is not your place to judge other people - who would want to anyway?
Religion gets in the way of the above values - and teaches us improper ones.
No one is actually saved by religion - and what religion promises - they cannot deliver.
eg. Say the afterlife - are you going to meet your church in the afterlife, and then say 'Oh you promised me so much, now please deliver it...'

Answer 4

I don't think there is anything wrong with having an opinion. And if you think someone's lifestyle is hideous that is your right. Of course it's in how we present ourselves and interact with them that makes us respectable people and it sounds like for the most part you do that so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Only way I know of changing your perspective is through education and changing your environment so you are forced to interact with things that make you uncomfortable.

Answer 5

serve the poor
feed the hungry
shelter the homeless
befriend the unloved

the fact that you even care to change your paradigm is very telling of your religious roots. what you call "fundamentalist programming" is just the intolerant culture you grew up in and in no way reflects the teachings of Christ. understand your dysfunctional family for what it was and please stop blaming God for their choices...

Answer 6

Try not to fill your head with things that you don't need. To do this, you have to learn to live in the moment and appreciate what's happening outside your own thoughts. Use your five senses. Talk to people you'd normally would walk on by. God bless. -S

Answer 7

Read anything by these authors:

Dawkins
Hitchens
Sagan
Mills
Stenger
Kaku
Hawking