Do you have a healthy belief system?

[Geoff-Allen]

Greetings fellow earthlings!

I hope you are enjoying your experience here with us at the forum today.

Okay, this is not your typical forum post.

Most debates - or mass debates - seem to be focused on whether a person's beliefs are true or verifiable with both sides convinced that they are correct.

I take a totally different track!

I simply ask whether your beliefs are healthy. Psychologogically or spiritually healthy.

To give you a rough idea of where I stand on the whole question of beliefs ... my current answer would look something like this:

A healthy belief system is one which helps you to become a kinder & more compassionate human being.

Feel free to comment - who knows - you might even convince me I am wrong

Enjoy the rest of your browsing!

 

[SomeRandom]

Greetings fellow earthlings!

I hope you are enjoying your experience here with us at the forum today.

Okay, this is not your typical forum post.

Most debates - or mass debates - seem to be focused on whether a person's beliefs are true or verifiable with both sides convinced that they are correct.

I take a totally different track!

I simply ask whether your beliefs are healthy. Psychologogically or spiritually healthy.

To give you a rough idea of where I stand on the whole question of beliefs ... my current answer would look something like this:

A healthy belief system is one which helps you to become a kinder & more compassionate human being.

Feel free to comment - who knows - you might even convince me I am wrong

Enjoy the rest of your browsing!

We all would likely be inclined to automatically say, yes of course. And use your very own reasoning.

But as I continue to stumble drunkenly through life, I hesitate to answer in the affirmative. I personally strive to becoming more compassionate and kind. But that’s a personal philosophy I’ve adopted.

A lot of my religion is inherited and that’s sort of a major point of familial pride instilled in me. It doesn’t matter if I personally decide to become an atheist, because my family is universalist in nature. So they remain largely apathetic towards my own spiritual beliefs. It’s enough to continue the tradition.

I don’t know if that’s healthy or not. A product of circumstance and I personally do get a lot out of my exploration of my own personal faith. But I think my mind sometimes has an existential crisis. Born from my mixed heritage. The west vs the east in a lot of ways. It’s hard to explain but I suspect my Dharmic brethren might have an idea of what I’m referring to.

I’d like to think such skepticism keeps me honest. Maybe it does. But it could just be my dual upbringing sometimes contradicting each other. Albeit in a rather mild way, but still.
Is that healthy? I dunno

 

[AlexanderG]

I think so. I think that, although there is no "ultimate" purpose or meaning to human existence, we create our own purpose and meaning and that is plenty. Since this is the one life we get, the focus is on making is as fulfilling a life as possible, rather than one cut short by self-destructive behavior. As to what sort of life is the most fulfilling...that's up to us, and science can shed light on the quirks of our biology and psychology that can lead to better long term health and happiness.

I will say that I am bothered by other worldviews that incorporate abusive ideas, like:
1. "I am worthless unless I believe/do X"
2. "I deserve to be hurt if I don't obey/believe X"
3. "My natural thoughts, desires, and inclinations are evil and merit punishment. My human lifetime is not important."
4. "Anyone who disagrees with me is secretly lying."
5. "The designated authority cannot be questioned. Beliefs I've been taught cannot be questioned."

Oh, and a question to consider: Do you think everyone necessarily thinks that they have a healthy belief system, because otherwise they would have switched to a different one already?

 

[Viker]

I believe in rational self-interest, self-control, self improvement, self adoration and rational individualism.

I also believe it benefits to extend respect and courtesy to others.

These may be intertwined with some seemingly hokey other beliefs. But never do any contradict the above mentioned.

I should also mention I never get hung up on failed preconceptions of what is True, False, Right or Wrong.

 

[ChristineM]

I have no religious beliefs and i consider that to be very healthy.