230902 What I learned in my studies this morning 3

Ding ding ding goes the
Censer in alter boy's hands.
Calling the faithful.

Today's Meditation(s):

Thoughts:

Tolstoy really went after false faith today. All the insecurities that show when someone either knows that their beliefs are bullshit (and so are using them for fun and profit) or doesn't actually understand their beliefs because they were inherited from elders and never examined, never grokked.

What does this look like?

Incuriousity. They feel that to explore their faith in any depth would be to harm that faith. In their eyes, explanation is damaging so blind faith in the Leader™ is not only required but better than understanding.

Intolerance. If people around them do not believe as they do, this is dangerous to the faith. Since there is no comprehension, only obedience to the Leader™, alternate ideas of how to live are anathema. They might pierce the veil of ignorance and steal away the Faithful™.

Obstreperousness. They're loud. They proclaim their faith from the mountaintops. Note that the purpose here is not to convert others. The purpose is for the proselytizers to be rejected by the masses, further inculcating a sense of "only the church loves me and accepts me. Only there am I safe and accepted."

True faith, real, deep faith is quiet and assured. It is confident and patient and flexible. It is accepting and loving even to those who do not believe.

True faith is a blessing as much as false faith is a curse.

Guess which is more prevalent....