Tending to One Another

[Nicola]

Everyone,

These words, “belief and faith,” are tricky.... where you look at how
the word "faith" can be interpreted, it can mean confidence in someone
or something, belief without material evidence, loyalty, a body of
dogma, a set of principles or beliefs. In looking at "belief," while
encompassing a more mental presence of perception, it still relates to
confidence, trust, faith in someone or something. Be very careful
with these terms as you communicate your thoughts with each other.

I have watched and read the missives over the last few days. They
have made me feel rather sad. I thank Khalil for bringing up the
precept of polarity as it was quite appropriate and fitting. As I
read, it didn't seem as though much of it remained a discussion, and
in some cases, were even less. It felt very much as though we were
being pulled to polar ends of an argument of convictions. You may say
you were only discussing, not debating, but tones in places indicated
otherwise. This latest topic seems a new feed into these differences,
these points of separation.

So, please let me leave you with this to keep in mind…. Just as deism
is only one path of spiritual reverence, so are the ways to true
wisdom and enlightenment. You may believe a certain thing, but I am
not required to follow and agree. I am required to sort things for
myself; this responsibility resides in the self, and is exactly what
can strengthen up to bring more positive aspect into the world, to
care for it. Do not attempt to convince another of your points to be
part of the ultimate truths, for to do so is to work in opposition to,
in some cases, the very precepts to which some of you have already
sworn an understanding and commitment. While one proclaims his
loyalty to a single deity, another may say there are many deities, or
one may say there are none, but… we must accept such polarities will
exist, and not reprimand one another for their existing within
others. To share, to ask for clarification for one’s understanding is
respectable, even honorable. Attacking another and saying he or she
is quite wrong or 'faulty' based your own convictions is quite
different. Please... you can still be kind with one another, even in
heated conversation. Remember, you need not agree with one’s opinion,
but you shold still show respect to it.

Perhaps…. it is just me….... being particularly sensitive to the
nature that tends to live along with these topics of discussion….

In light always, humbly and respectfully,
Nicola

[Raum Sariel]

Bro.Nikki,
Thank you for this post. One of the main problems we have is the sort
of media
that we are dealing with. The typed word is ineffective is really
getting across the
emotion (or lack of) of individual posts.

Believe me when I tell you that in comparison to other Masonic forums
we have
had no major arguments here. We have had some misunderstandings and
that
I am afraid comes with the territory. Seeing how we want to encourage
divergent
thought, we want to be a place of freedom not one of censorship I am
not sure
how we can proceed any other way.

If you have some ideas please let those be known. We want the Outer
Court to
be dynamic and viberant. With that I am afraid that someone may get
their nose
bent out of shape from time to time. In those instances we hope that
people can
take a step back, look and try to understand that none of this
difference, belief,
slyle etc is personal against anyone else.

I gues I am just saying let's all do our best to keep the ball
rolling, lets just not
let ourselves or others to get run over by it.

Love and Light,
Raum

[Nicola (Nee-ca-la)]

Brother Raum,

I completely agree with you, only wished to point out that how one
conduct ourselves in those moments of explanation means as much as
what is being said as well. I would never suggest censorship - what I
suggest is that individuals, like you said, take a step back before
responding at times, and conduct themselves in such a way that not
only honors those in the discussion, but honors the divine in their
own selves. I believe we've seen a very worthy example of this in how
Khalil has communicated, for an example. (Brother Khalil, hope you
don't mind me identifying you as a good example.)

In light always,
Nicola