How do I tell my Mum something worse than 'I don't believe it's the Truth'?

by nicolaou 13 Replies latest social family

• 

  nicolaou

  JT

  While you and I clearly have different views on 'God, Life and the Universe' I want to say a very sincere and heartfelt 'Thank You' for your thoughtful and sensitive response. Losing faith in God does leave a hole - perhaps because of my upringing. I still miss those moments when I might have said an earnest prayer and truly felt that I was connecting with something Divine.

  However as time has passed I have to say that I am happy with my new situation and find that I am more at ease with myself than I have ever been. I have found that I prefer and value reason over belief. That is not to insult anyone or to suggest that all belief is unreasonable but personally I prefer the pursuit of logic, debate and reasoned argument which I feel leads to more sound conclusions more of the time.

  Of course, none of this helps my situation with my Mum. There are some things that just cannot be debated to a sensible conclusion... I especially appreciated your closing comments;

  Be honest and true to yourself; be present, kind and gentle with your inner feelings; meet with them and befriend them. In doing so, you likely will find clarity, and you will know what to say to your mother.

  Once again, than ks JT.

  frankiespeakin

  I know you really love her and I think your love for her will find the right words to say

  That really hit the spot - thank you.
• 

  JamesThomas

  I have found that I prefer and value reason over belief.

  We are not at all different here, Nicolaou. I have found "beliefs" to be only ideas, neural firings that at best gave a ghostly resemblance to something real.

  I prefer the pursuit of logic, debate and reasoned argument...

  Nothing wrong with that; however we may find on close observation that we are only championing cherished theories and beliefs; things we acquired out of books or from other people. It may look as if we have freed ourselves from repressive beliefs, but it may only be that the vocabulary has changed while the story pretty much remains the same.

  I bring this up because you would be mistaken if you thought that I was attempting to replace old beliefs with new beliefs for what is "Divine".

  The reason behind honest inner investigation is to realize what is not beliefs or theory; but rather what is unquestionably actual, true and real.

  Next time you find yourself in a debate, or right now, take an inner step back and watch the mind weave it's thoughts and ideas, and notice what is closer; notice what is watching. Notice the silent presence and awareness that without which, there would be nothing. Begin to offer more attention here. Here, at the Center of your being which all revolves around. Can This, be placed in a box, as every theory, belief, and idea can?

  I still miss those moments when I... truly felt that I was connecting with something Divine.

  Perhaps it is possible to awaken to this as never before. Not via beliefs in some deity out there; but rather in discovery of your own true Being and Identity. You see, the KEY is to not believe any of this, not to intellectualize it, but rather silently and deeply investigate and see. Don't believe anything. Don't mentally interpret. Allow what is ultimately True and Real to reveal Itself.

  j
• 

  love11

  Don't tell her. She doesn't have to know your every thought. If she brings up bible verses just nod your head and be polite. Why tell her something that she will never understand and she will only become more distant from you? Love
• 

  willy_think

  I agree with love11. I don't think for a moment she is asking you these questions to help you in any way. I believe she is doing it to justify, in here mind, the hurt she is going to cause you.