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!

 

[St. SteVen]

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]

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?

]

Water finds its own level.
All honest seekers recognise growth in their understanding and being alienated is part of the course. Even Galileo discovered that.

There is no blueprint. Each person decides for themselves when the time is right for whatever choice is made.

 

[Aunty Jane]

Questions to discuss:
1) What keeps us locked in homeostasis?

The overwhelming feeling that you are “home” spiritually. All your questions are answered to your satisfaction. It’s not “locked in” but “settled in”....not closed minded, but convinced that what you believe is the truth.

2) Should you be allowed to question the status quo?

Absolutely! A great part of Jesus ministry was asking questions and answering them. Some he asked himself and others were from his audience. Valid questions require valid answers. Trick questions with ulterior motives should be ignored.

3) Do feelings of alienation mean you are in the wrong?

Not necessarily......but unless you are appointed as a prophet by God, you should keep your place and take it to him in prayer instead of running off at the mouth. He will answer it in his due time.....he doesn’t need us to create a fuss and cause divisions over something he may have reserved for later understanding. “Food at the proper time” is what we need, when we need it. (Matt 24:45) Timing is everything. God doesn’t need us to tell him how to conduct his own business.

4) At what point should you be put out of the tribe?

At the point of causing “contentions among brothers”....something God hates. (Prov 6:16-19):
To run ahead and cause division, when it is not your place, is the antithesis of humility. God is aware of everything and will act when it’s the right time to do so. That is what faith is. It’s not all about you.

5) At what point should you decide to leave?

When the leadership are clearly shown to be out of sync with ALL the teachings of Jesus Christ....not just in your particular local church, but in the entire institution that identifies as the same faith. Are they politically affiliated or supportive of one side or the other in your nation’s government policies? (John 17:16) Do they condone bloodshed in war? (Isa 1:15) Do they hold to borrowed celebrations and rituals that Christ never mentioned? (2 Cor 6:14-18)

If you see greed for money, or pride, or an uncaring attitude for those who are said to be Christ’s precious sheep, or an acceptance of things that are not scriptural, but passed off as Bible truth....or if they are into supernatural things?
Are they at peace with those in their own brotherhood?......if not, run a mile. Jesus was never there. (Matt 7:21-23)

 

[St. SteVen]

New topic:

Doctrinolatry - tribalism and division in the Body of Christ

A follow-up to my Bibliolatry topic. Doctrine becomes an idol when it is used to support tribalism and cause division in the Body of Christ. Since doctrinal unity is impossible, allowing others to hold their own doctrinal opinions may be the only way to prevent division. ]

www.christianityboard.com

]

 

[St. SteVen]

Excerpt from the OP.

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?

[

 

[Carl Emerson]

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?

It is how we learn that is important.

He promises to give each one wisdom according to the need.

He maps our our individual paths of fruitfulness.

He knows what we need to know.

So our quest for knowledge needs to be in His hands not ours.

It needs to match our calling.


The sin in the garden was to covet knowledge.

This was Satan playing his best card to cause man to fall.

Today we fall to the same old temptation, running after every seminar, chasing every conference, the quest for knowledge eclipses the quest for Him. So the 'effort' in to the 'fruit out' doesn't stack up.

How do we resist this ?

Intellectual humility is rare - sacrificing our demand to know, submitting the questions to Him and being at peace with an answer or not.

Then He can feed us with the matters we need to understand that will coincide with the specialisation of our calling.

This will bring real fruit as we learn about what we are meant to be doing - which firstly learning about Him and who He is to us.

If we want revelation knowledge we must submit our desire to know, to Him.

Theology falls over if we fail to grasp who He is.

If we continue to 'word steal' from the Celeb's - put them in the place of Him - we end up with a kingdom of human thought in our minds. This then becomes hardened by human loyalty and we have another 'ism'

If we maintain a child like relationship directly with Him knowing that what ever we need to know He will show us, laying the quest for knowledge at His feet, then He will be faithful to equip us with all understanding necessary.

So take the questions and offer them upstairs and leave them in His hands. If you need to know quick, you will get an answer quick - otherwise be at peace.

 

[St. SteVen]

First you said this...

There is no gaging here...

Now you say this...

Intellectual humility is rare - sacrificing our demand to know, submitting the questions to Him and being at peace with an answer or not.

Isn't this gagging?

You repackaged gagging as "Intellectual humility". Essentially, no thinking or asking questions allowed, except in your prayer closet.

Christian dogma is so fragile that it can't withstand any questioning. Is the church really a house of cards?



[

 

[Carl Emerson]

First you said this...

Now you say this...

Isn't this gagging?

You repackaged gagging as "Intellectual humility". Essentially, no thinking or asking questions allowed, except in your prayer closet.

Christian dogma is so fragile that it can't withstand any questioning. Is the church really a house of cards?

View attachment 49314

[

Gagging is suppressing - I am not advocating that at all.

Sounds like you have not understood what I am saying.

Don't you think He knows what we need to know?

 

[St. SteVen]

Gagging is suppressing - I am not advocating that at all.

You were promoting "Intellectual humility". (no questions, except to God)

Sounds like you have not understood what I am saying.

Always a possibility. (that saw cuts both ways)

Don't you think He knows what we need to know?

Oh course He does. He is omniscient. (knows everything)

[

 

[St. SteVen]

So take the questions and offer them upstairs and leave them in His hands. If you need to know quick, you will get an answer quick - otherwise be at peace.

What is your real motive for trying to silence me?

[