More on Pseudo-Spirituality: The Flawed Use of the Faith Doctrine
By: Loolwa Khazzoom, Founder, Dancing with Pain
December 12th, 2010 • Patient Advocacy •
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After reading my blog post on pseudo spirituality, my friend Patrick wrote me a note about the parallels he found in the Christian world. I thought the note was so awesome, I asked if I could post it here. Fortunately, he said yes! Here it is:
Very good article on pseudo spirituality, Loolwa. I share your feelings. I would run into this kind of attitude frequently when I was in Christian circles. There is something called the Faith Doctrine, which is a Christian version of co-creation/self-healing. It’s based on the words of Christ that if you believe, you will receive. Therefore, if I believe I’m healed, I’m healed. Not will be healed. Am healed. The fatal flaw with this mentality is that it leads to a lot of guilt.
When the physical manifestation of my healing isn’t apparent those who subscribe to the faith doctrine, they will conclude it’s because I do not have enough faith. And if I don’t have enough faith, I’m doing something wrong. And If I’m doing something wrong, I’m not in God’s will. There are so many flaws in this kind of thinking. I am careful to point out that I find no flaw in the words of Christ, “If you believe, you shall receive.” The flaw is in the way people use these words for their own convenience.
I soon discovered this mentality is not limited to Christianity but exists in the spiritual community as well. The person who made the comment, “What is it with your family” is implying that somehow it’s your family’s fault. If you weren’t a grounded person, you might feel guilt over such a comment. That kind of mentality really sucks, and it’s unfortunate when you experience it from people you respect or admire.
Sometimes those in the forefront of the spiritual community get caught up with the fact that they are in the forefront. You would think that two people who have the same desire to walk in the spirit would automatically connect with one another. Unfortunately people are always going to be people. The spiritual community is just another form of religion. Because of this, we have to take it upon ourselves as individuals to walk in a way we feel God/The Spirit/The Universe intended for us to walk.
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