ACIM - Reading, Discussing, Forgiving discussion

ACIM states: "YOU are free to believe what YOU choose, and what YOU do attests to what YOU believe." T-1.II.1 - (Emphasis added).

Yes - we do bring with us our own beliefs. And while those beliefs are ours, we should not feel attacked if others do not necessarily accept our beliefs. Or even question them. That being said, however, it has been my experience that when I ask someone for the basis of their belief, they often feel (personally) attacked.

What do you think?

It's not the fact that we believe. Clearly we are at liberty to believe. We should, however, look at what we CHOOSE to believe. That is - what is the basis for your choice.

For example - many people catch colds. The question would then be - what came first? Your perceived fact that you have caught a cold? Or, your belief that you will catch a cold?

The ACIM statement above, when applied to our example, tells us that it is your belief that is first. ("...and what YOU do (catch a cold) attests to what YOU believe.").

So - my question would then be - what is the basis for your belief that you will catch a cold? A fact supported by your catching a cold. That is, your belief gave life to your cold.

What do you think?

Hi Ramon!

Agreed, people seem to feel at the least challenged when you question their beliefs. But they tend to open up when you come from a place of true curiosity, rather than judgement.

I ordered my copy of ACIM, should be getting it today, and am quite excited!

Nadine

In the thread - 'ACIM - Reading, Discussing, Forgiving' - there is a discussion concerning 'Perception.'

The person who feels 'challenged' or 'attacked' only perceives those attitudes from within himself. If, for instance, I was 'challenged' or 'attacked,' I would not necessarily feel 'challenged' or 'attacked.' You see, Nadine, I am one thing and my belief is another thing. I never take such a thing personal. And for those who do, simply have the wrong perception - another belief - a belief of being 'challenged' or a belief of being 'attacked.' Neither of these beliefs are true.

We can ask the same questions that was used above, in message 2. What came first? The believed fact of being 'challenged' or 'attacked.' Or the belief of being 'challenged' or 'attacked.'

Again ACIM tells us that our belief comes before that what we do. ACIM will cover this many times throughout the course. And this is just one reason why we should be careful of what we choose to believe.