Why do we have to think outside the box?

I don't personally know anyone who has done that. However, I think the point is, if you are secure in your faith, then looking at other faiths is just an intellectual exercise, a chance to walk a mile in someone else's moccasins, see the other guy's point of view. In school, preparing for a lit. degree, I studied the bible, as well as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, as the foundations of Western Art and Literature. Studying the bible in no way inclined me towards Christianity any more than studying Homer inclined me towards paganism. But it's knowing where people are coming from has helped me immeasurably in overcoming potential misunderstandings in my interactions with those of various Christian faiths (since, on my own, I've also read Augustine, Abelarde, Aquainas, Luther, Calvin and Swedenborg among others).

It is a cavil.

Thinking outside the box means not accepting traditional solutions to today's problems by breaking the habit of thinking according to social wisdom and accepted long established custom as the bes there is or as the best possible.

When when there was no wheel changed into when there was a wheel it was made possible because Ogg got out of his confining box of a mindset and explored for new ways and better ways of doing what had been done by slogging.

Result, progress, blessings, and the opening of new vistas for all manners of disciplines, arts, sciences, industry, and good ole fun!

I have changed my denomination but once. I am still happy here where I was led almost sixty years ago.

QUILL

Lol. I will liken you unto a man who ate an apple, and saying unto himself, "that was the best of all foods", refused to eat anything offered him other than apples from that day forth.

Some days later, his neighbor brought him an apple pie. He refused to eat it, saying, "none is sweeter or more savoury than an apple itself."

The neighbor took the pie and ate it himself, wondering at the silliness of closeminded people.

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Look. Unless you try all of the fruits, you can't truly tell which is best.

Unlike what you said, about going back to the same belief, I have found myself adding together the things that feel right from all religions, and combining them into my "faith." Some might think this is a stupid way to go about things, but since God lets Christians repent, if you go to another church and find nothing there and come back, he will still love you.

Your BOX is Catholicism in your case regarding religion. You think everyone else is stupid and has not studied out issues that you refuse to because you are content in your ignorance of catholicism? Do you know how many millions your church is responsible for killing in the name of your religion? Really, I find it strange that you would ask A question. Let the so-called 'father' tell you all you need to know, as he bangs the little boy in the back room.

http://resources.christianity.com/archives/obm.asp...

Go there and just listen to a FEW free taped messages, and then think if you were born into truth or a lie. It can happen.

Thinking outside the box has helped me to understand others belief systems and to respect them for what they choose to believe. I do not adhere to any religion personally, mostly because of my studies. I shudder when I hear others bashing another religion when they know nothing about it. I think that if everyone took the time to understand why others believed in the things they do, it may cause the world to be a little more peaceful.

I think it is human nature to look out of the box. I moved out of the South to California and loved it. I know people others who tried it, hated it and went back home. Many people leave their religion and go back to it. I was raised Christian, was never comfortable with it and studied a lot of religions. I finally became Wiccan and loved it. It was like finding my nitch.

Life seems to be a lot about exploring until we find places where we belong and can work to our best potential.

I am glad to have found one of your very special places in life. Some people wander their whole life looking for purpose and their special place.

I understand your point but we all have to grow.

The nice thing about Catholicism, is that one can grow in many directions depending on how God calls you without leaving the Church.

You can grow in spirituality, mysticism, knowledge, wisdom, service, etc.

There are six levels of spiritual maturity:

+ Information (lowest)

+ Knowledge

+ Intelligence

+ Understanding

+ Wisdom

+ Transformation (highest)

Some Christians never progress past the legalism of the stages of Information and Knowledge.

Many others progress much further.

As Paul encourages in Hebrews 6:1, "Therefore, let us leave behind the basic teaching about Christ and advance to maturity."

With love in Christ.

I don't consider myself Christian, but I'm am not without faith. I have studied many different religions and religious theories. I don't feel I have gone outside of my comfort zone. I believe everyone should seek knowledge and take in what's going on around you in the world. It doesn't mean you're defying God in any way. Being one dimensional and stubborn is one thing, but don't shelter yourself either. Trust me, it will make your faith a lot stronger.

People that say Christians or Catholics don't think outside of the box are plain ignorant. I don't go out of my comfort zone. If someone asks me to go to a party with drugs and achohol, I wouldn't go (I'm underage by the way.haha!). Not because I don't take risks, but because I don't want to be tempted or do something wrong.

The world would be better if all people did that.

I feel very happy where I am. I am a born again Christian that has a personal relationship with Jesus. Why would I got out their and try different religions, where I know God for myself. His words are in the Bible, which people don't read. It is very important to meditate in the Bible, that's what streghthens your faith.