I’d
like to invite everyone to review notable exchanges involving
religion. First, I’ll ask you to evaluate the following
conflicts and then classify which of the two approaches were
taken.
Some
historic/notable religious conflicts:
Catholics vs. Protestants Palestinians vs. Israel Islam vs. Secularism
Christianity vs. Islam Secularism vs. Christianity
Characteristics
of:
Duel (ism) |
Dual (ism)
|
|
a
conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces
[Merriam-Webster] |
consisting of two parts or elements
or having two like parts [Merriam-Webster] |
|
|
|
|
1.
Disapproval facilitates entrenched combative positions.
|
1.
Grants/accepts the right of the other to exist. |
|
2.
“Truth” is always in debate; subjects tend to have skewed
epistemology due to biased worldviews. |
2.
Epistemology isn’t the center of the universe,
esteems pragmatism. |
|
3.
Dogmatic |
3.
Egalitarian |
|
4.
Insecure/Immature/Self Centered |
4.
Secure/Mature |
|
5.
Constructive energy allocated for defense |
5.
Liberates constructive energy |
|
6.
Passion blinds, thwarts progress |
6.
Progressive |
|
7.
Victories short lived, perpetual strife |
7.
Absence of conflict |
|
8.
Passion is the attraction |
8.
Attraction is passive |
|
9.
Fights for supremacy |
9.
Pragmatic understanding of humanity |
|
10.
Environment begs conflict |
10.
Environment of peace |
While we could argue most anything, if so inclined, the path historically taken has been to duel. Did you classify all of the exchanges as a duel? This writer has but notes that the Protestant Reformation (which started as a duel) evolved into dualism with residual complications. Can you imagine how different history would be if a dualistic approach were taken in each case?
Dualism is the path of the peacemaker. Dualism is the school of thought that Ex-Minister has developed in its approach toward religion. I’d like to ask the world to take a vow to “swap a vowel” and take a dualistic approach. Doing so would impact society and give impetus to those who want to “be the change you desire to see in the world.”
Dualism’s challenges are contained within the heart of man. While most believe their viewpoint is correct, dualism’s appeal is in its character. You can believe what you want to believe; no ideological compromise is necessary. The bottom line is our confidence and ability to model our belief without resorting to any sort of evangelistic aggression. Our approach to religion matters, it’s difficult arguing with dualism’s mindset.
Brian Worley Ex-Minister.org October 3, 2012 All Rights Reserved