I've been wandering around these forums quite often recently, and I've noticed a subtle pattern, especially concerning the more controversial posts.
It appears we (I'm guilty of it too) are reading each other's words rather than reading each other. This may be a controversial idea in itself, but I think that in order for us to properly read each other we must first give each other the benefit of the doubt. This benefit is really just a list of assumptions:
1) We are all honest
2) We are all open-minded
3) We all want to grow in understanding
4) We all have something to share
5) We are always trying to share the something we have to share.
6) Our theories are provisional.
7) Our writing is imperfect.
Corollary: No other assumptions allowed until they are reviewed.
Does anyone have any other ideas for benefit of the doubt assumptions? Does anyone have a problem if I make these assumptions about you? 8)
I was taught to not assume anything. Thats pretty much impossible, but i try my best to not assume, just like i dont expect, ya know?
~Z?~
Yeah, totally. That's pretty wise.
However, maybe there are assumptions in certain settings (like an online spirituality forum) that only work to benefit each other?
perhaps, but i think it might be called something eles. Beleif? Idea? Theory? i dunno. 8)
~Z?~
ps-telos, what state do you reside?
QuoteIt appears we (I'm guilty of it too) are reading each other's words rather than reading each other.
http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16140
Quotelist of assumptions... 1) We are all honest
Most seem to be honest, but in any big group of people theres at least a few liars. I remember about a year ago some guy made a thread saying he had lied to us for a long time because he was ticked he couldnt do anything astral-related (and was trying to apologise).
Quote6) Our theories are provisional.
How do you know if someone is willing to change a theory, and know that about everyone included in "our"? What about a christian who theorizes you're going to hell because you dont worship the giant rat god?
QuoteNo other assumptions allowed until they are reviewed.
You have no authority. I'll "review" my own assumptions.
Quote from: beavisMost seem to be honest, but in any big group of people theres at least a few liars. I remember about a year ago some guy made a thread saying he had lied to us for a long time because he was ticked he couldnt do anything astral-related (and was trying to apologise).
I remember, but still it is better to assume honesty. Right?
Quote
How do you know if someone is willing to change a theory, and know that about everyone included in "our"? What about a christian who theorizes you're going to hell because you dont worship the giant rat god?
Good point.
QuoteYou have no authority. I'll "review" my own assumptions.
That's what I meant - reviewed by everybody.
Anyways, this doesn't seem to be much of a problem anymore. Most information about spiritualism seems to naturally proliferate through a process of mimesis.