For the sake of this thread let's stick mostly with 'religious' type labels.
Do our labels define us, or do we define our labels?
Who are our labels for? The self? or others?
What purpose do they really serve?
Do our labels serve us? Or do we serve our labels?
Do the outside effects our labels have on our lives say more about us (as deliberate label bearers), the world around us (and pop culture climate/media bias/slant/take), or the individuals who surround us? (and their own personal perceptions)
Do our religious labels reflect the desire of humans to be part of/associated with a group?
If you choose to share a label with others, is it then fair to complain when you don't like the actions and belief of others who (have also chosen to) identify by 'your' label?
If you knowingly choose to don a label that will often generate incorrect assumptions about you (and especially what you feel are negative assumptions) is there really any point in getting offended by it or upset about it when it inevitably happens?
In the end, are religious labels more subjective or objective in meaning and interpretation? If you say 'objective', I ask 'objective' by whose standards/authority?
Is there really any such thing as a "true"/real (or 'fake') ___________? (fill in the blank with any religion)
And who gets to say what that is? (or isn't)
Do our labels define us, or do we define our labels?
Who are our labels for? The self? or others?
What purpose do they really serve?
Do our labels serve us? Or do we serve our labels?
Do the outside effects our labels have on our lives say more about us (as deliberate label bearers), the world around us (and pop culture climate/media bias/slant/take), or the individuals who surround us? (and their own personal perceptions)
Do our religious labels reflect the desire of humans to be part of/associated with a group?
If you choose to share a label with others, is it then fair to complain when you don't like the actions and belief of others who (have also chosen to) identify by 'your' label?
If you knowingly choose to don a label that will often generate incorrect assumptions about you (and especially what you feel are negative assumptions) is there really any point in getting offended by it or upset about it when it inevitably happens?
In the end, are religious labels more subjective or objective in meaning and interpretation? If you say 'objective', I ask 'objective' by whose standards/authority?
Is there really any such thing as a "true"/real (or 'fake') ___________? (fill in the blank with any religion)
And who gets to say what that is? (or isn't)
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