Why is Being a Fool Sometimes Praised in Some Religions?

[Sunstone]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

 

[Geoff-Allen]

This may not be entirely relevant but it's an interesting article -

Divine madness - Wikipedia

 

[Hammzah]

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

Does that sums it up?

 

[Brickjectivity]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

Which ones other than Christianity?

 

[Jumi]

Which ones other than Christianity?

Taoism.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”

Does that sums it up?

Isn't that Sun Tzu?

 

[Fool]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

the fool's journey is the road to self-actualization, or self-realization. ahea ashur ahea


The Fool's Journey

 

[Hammzah]

Isn't that Sun Tzu?

Quote by Sun Tzu yes

 

[bobhikes]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

Because the label of fool is given by those that don't understand. I have never met a fool.

 

[Willamena]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

Putting aside the pretense of knowing everything can be admirable.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

I have never met anyone who is not a fool...at least some times, about some things...myself especially...but most people shun thinking that about themselves, and rarely voice that opinion about others...

My experience has been that people who talk about being a fool for their religion are, mostly, Christians...and are largely parroting Paul and other Church Fathers to justify and puff up their own faith.

 

[sun rise]

The fool is a sufi teaching device often using "Mullah Nasrudin" as the protagonist. Here's two:

Did You Enjoy the Stew?

Nasrudin was invited to the royal palace for dinner one night. During the meal, the King asked Nasrudin if he enjoyed the stew.

"Yes," replied Nasrudin, "it was fantastic."

"Really?" said the King. "I thought it was pretty bad."

"Yes," said Nasrudin, "you're right--it was quite awful."

"Wait a minute," remarked the King. "You just said it was fantastic a few seconds ago."

"That's correct," explained Nasrudin, "but I live in and serve the town of the King, not the stew."

You're Right

Judge Nasrudin was listening to a case. After hearing the plaintiff present his side, Nasrudin remarked, "You're right."

Then, after the defendant had presented his case, Nasrudin again remarked, "Yes, you're right."

Nasrudin's wife had been listening to the case, and remarked, "that doesn't make any sense--how can both the defendant and palintiff be right?"

"You know what?" Nasrudin responded. "You're right, too!"

 

[Orbit]

Why is being a fool sometimes praised in some religions? What is meant by "fool" in these cases?

I think it's because fools show us how un-wise we can be sometimes. Like the saying "out of the mouths of babes", they tell it like it is because they don't know any better. They are not as "socialized", they aren't worried about what others will think, so their reactions are purer and more truthful.