Re: religion, or spirituallity, or whatever

Posted by Matt on May 25, 2001 at 23:02:36:

In Reply to: religion, or spirituallity, or whatever posted by hot lettuce on May 25, 2001 at 02:39:41:

: Why don't i ever hear about you 4's and your religions, or lack of? i used to check out this place because I was a four, but don't you think it's limiting to always be thinking of yourself that way? What about the bigger picture? I know that the self-absorption isn't your fault. But it seems like a lot of self absorbed and uninteresting things get talked about here. OOOHH DIS. I mean, in general. All these exclusive inside jokes and internet friends. Man, I got bored of thinking of myself as a 4. Now I'm kind of a Taoist, but not for sure. Anyway, I just was just wondering about the religion. Besides enneagram religion. If you want some really great message board action, go over to beliefnet.com. Anyway, if you're not too offended by me, let me know something spiritual becuase I want to know what you introspective brooding people are thinking.

Are you trying to say that Enneagram is a religion? I certainly don't consider it one. I consider it a tool. It's a tool that can be used to aide in spiritual growth, but that's it. I studied martial arts for six years. many people of many different religions study martial arts, but I don't think you'll hear people refering to karate or kung-fu as religions (even if they is the occasional deluded teacher who runs his school in an almost cult-like fashion).

I happen to be a Baha'i'. I'll write about what the Baha'i' faith is to me in a post if you would like to know. However, Baha'i's are forbidden to proselytize (I hope I spelled that right), so for the remainder of this post I will only say things about the Baha'i' Faith that seem relevant to your post.

Baha'i's are encouraged, or more to the point obliged, to investigate truth for themselves. We don't have clergy; any Baha'i' may discuss the Baha'i' Faith and religion in general to the best of their abilities. Frank and loving consultation is very important, so I invite religious questions of any sort. Baha'i's are also encourage to study whatever arts and sciences are of benefit to mankind. I am studying psychology, and hope to be a psychotherapist in the future (even if I feel like an unpaid one now sometimes). Studying psychology has allowed me to understand some Baha'i' scriptures better. I'll be reading a book on psychology of some sort, and will read something that will make me think, "so that's what Baha'u'llah was talking about when He said...". I'm not saying all Baha'i's study psychology, just that it (Enneagram and MBTI included) has helped me to become a better Baha'i'. Likewise, I feel the Baha'i' Faith will help make me a better psychotherapist. Baha'i's encourage learning and discussion
about what wev'e learned of any sort. The Faith teaches the principle of unity in diversity, and I feel studying personality types gives me a new spin on understanding the diversity of humanity.

Understanding and Compassion (At least that what I'm tryin' for)
Matt

Follow Ups:

• Matt, I really want to know more about Bahai. nt Tiggy - RS student and teacher. 16:48:12 05/26/01 (1)
  • Well, Tiggy, since you asked, here goes.... Matt 04:55:12 05/28/01 (0)

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