The Bliss of Religious Homeostasis - Don't Rock the Boat

[St. SteVen]

Was planning to put this in the Christian Theology section,
but wanted to put this in front of a different audience.
I haven't posted in this area for a while.

In a conversation this morning I was trying to explain a concept
when the descriptor "homeostasis" came to mind.

There is a stability, whether real or imagined, that comes
with alignment to religious beliefs. And it doesn't seem to matter
what religion, or what sector of Christianity.

Full acceptance of what you are taught brings closure
to the "search" for truth. A sense of arriving safely.
You found it, and feel that you belong.

And if one wants to maintain this homeostasis,
best not to rock the boat. Don't ask questions, just keep
quiet and go with the flow, and everything will be fine.

However, if you do have questions and are not given
answers that satisfy your need, this can cause some friction.
Others in the tribe may prefer that you accept what you
have been given and don't make waves.

If you continue to press for satisfaction, the tribe may
decide that you no longer belong. Or at least they will begin
to distance themselves. Which leads to alienation
and a loss of your original homeostasis.

Questions to discuss:
1) What keeps us locked in homeostasis?
2) Should you be allowed to question the status quo?
3) Do feelings of alienation mean you are in the wrong?
4) At what point should you be put out of the tribe?
5) At what point should you decide to leave?

 

[quietthinker]

Was planning to put this in the Christian Theology section,
but wanted to put this in front of a different audience.
I haven't posted in this area for a while.

In a conversation this morning I was trying to explain a concept
when the descriptor "homeostasis" came to mind.

There is a stability, whether real or imagined, that comes
with alignment to religious beliefs. And it doesn't seem to matter
what religion, or what sector of Christianity.

Full acceptance of what you are taught brings closure
to the "search" for truth. A sense of arriving safely.
You found it, and feel that you belong.

And if one wants to maintain this homeostasis,
best not to rock the boat. Don't ask questions, just keep
quiet and go with the flow, and everything will be fine.

However, if you do have questions and are not given
answers that satisfy your need, this can cause some friction.
Others in the tribe may prefer that you accept what you
have been given and don't make waves.

If you continue to press for satisfaction, the tribe may
decide that you no longer belong. Or at least they will begin
to distance themselves. Which leads to alienation
and a loss of your original homeostasis.

Questions to discuss:
1) What keeps us locked in homeostasis?
2) Should you be allowed to question the status quo?
3) Do feelings of alienation mean you are in the wrong?
4) At what point should you be put out of the tribe?
5) At what point should you decide to leave?

Navel gazing ie, self absorption afflicts all levels of society.
How did the Israelites remedy their snake bite?

 

[St. SteVen]

Navel gazing ie, self absorption afflicts all levels of society.
How did the Israelites remedy their snake bite?

Let's not confuse self absorption with introspection.
The prompting of the Spirit helps us discern when something is not right.
It takes a brave soul to buck the system, and do what is right.

John 12:32 NIV
And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”


@Patrick1966

 

[Gottservant]

This strikes me as divisive.

We are not to pass judgment on our brother, but rather develop 'devotion'.

 

[St. SteVen]

This strikes me as divisive.

The divide is already there. What should we do to avoid further damage?

We are not to pass judgment on our brother, but rather develop 'devotion'.

Questions to discuss:
1) What keeps us locked in homeostasis?
2) Should you be allowed to question the status quo?
3) Do feelings of alienation mean you are in the wrong?
4) At what point should you be put out of the tribe?
5) At what point should you decide to leave?

 

[Gottservant]

The divide is already there. What should you due to avoid further damage?

The shield of faith, is there. The divide may be there, but it is becoming less.

Questions to discuss:
1) What keeps us locked in homeostasis?
2) Should you be allowed to question the status quo?
3) Do feelings of alienation mean you are in the wrong?
4) At what point should you be put out of the tribe?
5) At what point should you decide to leave?

You would do better to talk about what inspires us? We ought to give reasons for our devotion?

 

[St. SteVen]

The shield of faith, is there. The divide may be there, but it is becoming less.

You would do better to talk about what inspires us? We ought to give reasons for our devotion?

Go ahead. I'll grab my pillow. Zzzz...

 

[face2face]

Let's not confuse self absorption with introspection.
The prompting of the Spirit helps us discern when something is not right.
It takes a brave soul to buck the system, and do what is right.

John 12:32 NIV
And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”


@Patrick1966

Yet...In the same chapter we are "for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

These would not be drawn it seems

F2F

 

[St. SteVen]

Without buying into the status quo, where are you left?

Jude 1:13 NIV
... wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

 

[marks]

This strikes me as divisive.

We are not to pass judgment on our brother, but rather develop 'devotion'.

Yep. It strikes me the same way. The idea is, stay in prayer, communion with God, stay in His Word. Remain pliable, and heed what you read. But I understand the theme of the thread, it's been oft repeated.

Much love!