[Artchic528]

Spirituality comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and far be it for me to try and force what I know and believe in unto another. However, I know a lot of people are doing this very thing, and it troubles me. We all deserve to ask questions and find our own way to the Light, and trying to force another to see the world the way they see it is very oppressive, IMHO.

Do you believe it's okay to pressure another to convert to your way of thinking? I don't, yet this very thing has been happening since the dawn of spirituality. It's a very troubling practice indeed.

[Skeezyks]

One thing the Skeezyks has learned, over the decades, is that no one today, or down through history, knows or has known any more about what does or does not lie beyond this life than I do. And I don't know anything. And they don't either... although there are plenty of people who would love to convince me they do.

[yagr]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Spirituality comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and far be it for me to try and force what I know and believe in unto another. However, I know a lot of people are doing this very thing, and it troubles me. We all deserve to ask questions and find our own way to the Light, and trying to force another to see the world the way they see it is very oppressive, IMHO.

Some folks find their way to the light by following a path that requires them to do so.

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Do you believe it's okay to pressure another to convert to your way of thinking?

No, definitely not okay for me to do that. But I try to remember that all paths out of darkness start in the dark.

[Artchic528]

Originally Posted by yagr

Some folks find their way to the light by following a path that requires them to do so.

I'm trying to be as open minded and as accepting as possible, but here is where I struggle to accept a way of believing. Everyone has the basic fundamental right to find their own way, and believe in what they want to. I find that no one has the right or authority to force another what to think or believe.

This kind of path you speak of, one that "requires" people to force their own path onto others, feeling it's "superior" or "the only way" is just plain...well, I hate to say it, but it's rather oppressive and inconsiderate. It's this mindset, "My way or death" that starts wars, brings about genocide, and makes men become dictators, overtaking a country and forcing their highly brutal regime onto the people therein. No one path to the light is better than another. We all seek the same thing in the end, enlightenment and spiritual growth. Why must there be a huge brouhaha over how one does it?

Why must there be a competition to be the top dog, so to speak, in the world of Spirituality? There is no top dog, no one and only universal truth that trumps all others. Well, other than the fact that everyone deserves to be respected for who they are, and to be treated as a spiritual and intellectual equal.

I'm very much trying my hardest to follow my core principles and find humbleness within my spirituality to know it is one of numerous and equally beautiful spiritualties, none better than one another, who come together in a beautiful rainbow of harmony on which growth and development can be achieved. I just wonder why people are so much in their own world of spirituality that they can't, or downright refuse to in some cases, open their eyes to see this rainbow. I respect their right to do as they wish, I really do, but I don't respect their trying to get me to see the world the way they do in such a forceful manner.

Okay, I think I've said more than enough here. I'm just really confused and perplexed I guess.

[PumpkinPieHead]

As long as they are hurting noone, it is condescending and inapproprate to push your beliefs on another.

[alchemy63]

I shouldn't, but, i'm curious in what way you think people are forcing their beliefs on others? Or, is this something that you think is happening to you personally? Also, in your post you wrote that men use their spirituality to become dictators. Are you aware of any female villains in history?

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Spirituality comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and far be it for me to try and force what I know and believe in unto another. However, I know a lot of people are doing this very thing, and it troubles me. We all deserve to ask questions and find our own way to the Light, and trying to force another to see the world the way they see it is very oppressive, IMHO.

Do you believe it's okay to pressure another to convert to your way of thinking? I don't, yet this very thing has been happening since the dawn of spirituality. It's a very troubling practice indeed.

this is exactly how me and my friend with autism fell apart.

she kept pressuring me to believe what she believed, at any moment she got- would use that moment to try and make me see it her way

she eventually stopped talking to me because I wouldn't believe what she did, and likewise.

it's not okay. we are all our own person.

I do have a more triggering story about this (involving someone else), not sure if i'm ready to post about it

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

One thing the Skeezyks has learned, over the decades, is that no one today, or down through history, knows or has known any more about what does or does not lie beyond this life than I do. And I don't know anything. And they don't either... although there are plenty of people who would love to convince me they do.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

When people express their opinions about spirituality and it doesn't coincide with the views of those listening, people often feel they are being coerced into agreeing. They feel forced even if this was not the intention.

Anyone who researches the subject of spirituality in history will see the dangers of a forced belief systems.

I don't think it's necessary for me to respect all belief systems. I have a right to my feelings that blind faith can, has been and often still is a dangerous thing. I have a right to express my feelings of concerns. I can't respect institutions I feel do much more harm than good. That doesn't mean I'm forcing anyone to believe as I do and the same goes it they express their concern over my belief system.

I've been cornered by people of various belief systems and they have tried very hard to convert me. I've shared my opinions with many in a futile effort to get them to see my side of things. It's sometimes uncomfortable and other times enlightening. I've never been "forced" but I have been bullied for my belief system because it's not what the majority of people believe.

In general I WISH everyone could see things as I do because to me it's the most logical. Most people feel the same about their own conclusions on the subject. I'm often baffled by the belief of others and have the right to feel that way. Other people are baffled by my belief system and that is their right.

Sorry for rambling.

[Vervain]

A friend used to give me a positive "thought for the day" whether I wanted it or not. He was proving to himself that he was a good person. But he never stopped to talk or listen, just gave unasked advice.

When I did ask him to intervene in a difficult situation I became aware of his real motives.
"You are on your own" he said "and will only be able to overcome this if you change everything you believe about yourself, and the other, and the world to match what I believe".
He wanted to break me down an re-make me in his image so he could continue to believe that he had something to offer as a leader/guru. But the way he delivered the advice showed it was all about his beliefs, his needs, not about compassion.

[Travelinglady]

I don't think we can really force someone to believe. We might pretend like we do to get the folks off our back, but privately really not agree.

I assume you mean pushy people who knock on our doors, hand out material, corner us, etc.?

I just say I believe a certain way, and they are not going to change my mind. They don't push after that. Now family/friends who push are tougher to deal with. Maybe tune them out?

Did I miss the point?

[Hobbit House]

I try to respect everyone's beliefs and I expect the same respect. That is all

[yagr]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

I'm trying to be as open minded and as accepting as possible, but here is where I struggle to accept a way of believing. Everyone has the basic fundamental right to find their own way, and believe in what they want to.

What a marvelous sentence the italicized is. I have two things to comment on in a single sentence. First is that I do not disagree with you.

The second thing is actually a question. Does the individual right to believe the way they want to believe - include the right to believe that they should aggressively convert me? Because if not, if I am placing limitations on their beliefs, then they get to put limitations on mine, and that frightens me.

Here's my truth of truths that I'm embarrassed and even a little ashamed of: I think those that try to force their beliefs on others are spiritually immature and in spiritual kindergarten. And then I ask myself, arrogant much? Could it be that I am spiritual kindergarten on the other side of the world - equally immature in something I am too blind to see and annoying others who believe themselves further along the path than I am?

So I accept them and their beliefs, even though one of their beliefs is that they should try their level best to annoy me and shatter my equanimity.

[s4ndm4n2006]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Spirituality comes in all forms, shapes and sizes, and far be it for me to try and force what I know and believe in unto another. However, I know a lot of people are doing this very thing, and it troubles me. We all deserve to ask questions and find our own way to the Light, and trying to force another to see the world the way they see it is very oppressive, IMHO.

Do you believe it's okay to pressure another to convert to your way of thinking? I don't, yet this very thing has been happening since the dawn of spirituality. It's a very troubling practice indeed.

No. Speaking only of how I believe, we as people cannot actually make this shift in belief in anyone else anyway and pressuring or being overly aggressive about our beliefs only serves to create larger gaps between people. We can share when someone is willing to listen and is curious about what I believe. After all, only when someone is curious will they really hear us anyway.

[88Butterfly88]

Originally Posted by Artchic528

Do you believe it's okay to pressure another to convert to your way of thinking?

No, I don't think it's right at all.

[Gus1234U]

"a mind convinced against its will, is of the same opinion, still."

[Reao]

We have the capacity to be the authors of our lives. We are responsible for our well-being. To allow others to define us is a capitulation to self.

[tricolor]

i think spirituality is a way for people to cope with there confusion. so if you think it helps someone you can convert him, if he starts to get triggered by it, it wont help him. so its not about forcing or not forcing (its not possible to force), its about if the person wants it or not.

[Acorn Oaktree]

I personally believe that it's human nature. There are people in this world who want to lead and will do what ever it takes to achieve leadership status. Then there are the followers who would rather have a leader to tell them what to think and how to live. Then there are people who are their own leaders and follow their own path with out worrying about anyone else.
Watch this she's amazing, if you haven't seen her before!