The Folly of an Open Mind

Nahum · #1 10-20-2007, 10:38 PM

How many times have you heard the virtues of an open mind extolled?

Seems a lot of folks think an open mind is a great thing. It's as if demanding proof before granting agreement is a bad thing. In fact, if you disagree with any ill-conceived, hair-brained ideas that irrational thinkers pose you are considered "close-minded" and, of course, that is the worst sin imaginable to those with no real core values.

Consider this little truth. If you can't consider the possibility that the idea you are presenting is false, you are the one who is close-minded. Close-minded people are the believers who insist some incredible fantasy is true even when there is a complete lack of evidence to support it.

It is my opinion that those who perpetuate the myth of open-mindedness as a virtue do so hoping that you will fall for false doctrine, wordliness, and outright fiction.

So call me a monolithic skeptic, but I refuse to open my mind to some things. My mind isn't a trash can, and I won't allow anyone to toss garbage in it.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

Some doctrines are not true, so I refuse to accept them. Some are not genuine in their arguments, so I refuse to listen to them. Some topics are disgusting, so I walk away.

Some thoughts, arguments, and ideas should not be entertained.

Why?

Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

CC1 · #2 10-20-2007, 10:44 PM

Can't wait to see your treatise about closed mindedness!

Nahum · #3 10-20-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC1

Can't wait to see your treatise about closed mindedness!

I love you too!

I have never, ever asked someone to be "open-minded."

Nahum · #4 10-20-2007, 10:51 PM

mizpeh · #5 10-20-2007, 10:52 PM

I think demanding proof is a good thing but there are some closeminded people who won't listen even when presented with evidence that what they believe is not true. They would rather stick to traditions like 'I'm a Catholic and I'll be a Catholic until I die. So don't tell me otherwise.' This type of person won't open up their mind even a crack. They aren't noble like the Bereans. This is why closemindedness is frowned upon. IMO

Nahum · #6 10-20-2007, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I think demanding proof is a good thing but there are some closeminded people who won't listen even when presented with evidence that what they believe is not true. They would rather stick to traditions like 'I'm a Catholic and I'll be a Catholic until I die. So don't tell me otherwise.' This type of person won't open up their mind even a crack. They aren't noble like the Bereans. This is why closemindedness is frowned upon. IMO

I'm open to any truth.

I am closed to any lies.

The difference is proof, evidence, and credibility.

JaneEyre · #7 10-20-2007, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

How many times have you heard the virtues of an open mind extolled?

Seems a lot of folks think an open mind is a great thing. It's as if demanding proof before granting agreement is a bad thing. In fact, if you disagree with any ill-conceived, hair-brained ideas that irrational thinkers pose you are considered "close-minded" and, of course, that is the worst sin imaginable to those with no real core values.

Consider this little truth. If you can't consider the possibility that the idea you are presenting is false, you are the one who is close-minded. Close-minded people are the believers who insist some incredible fantasy is true even when there is a complete lack of evidence to support it.

It is my opinion that those who perpetuate the myth of open-mindedness as a virtue do so hoping that you will fall for false doctrine, wordliness, and outright fiction.

So call me a monolithic skeptic, but I refuse to open my mind to some things. My mind isn't a trash can, and I won't allow anyone to toss garbage in it.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

Some doctrines are not true, so I refuse to accept them. Some are not genuine in their arguments, so I refuse to listen to them. Some topics are disgusting, so I walk away.

Some thoughts, arguments, and ideas should not be entertained.

Why?

Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

The United Methodist Church has as its motto: "Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors"...I personally, think their doors are open a little too wide and I won't expound on that, but you probably know what I mean. I'm certainly not saying stop anyone from coming to your church - but don't acknowledge every lifestyle, etc. as being acceptable.

Nahum · #8 10-20-2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaneEyre

The United Methodist Church has as its motto: "Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors"...I personally, think their doors are open a little too wide and I won't expound on that, but you probably know what I mean.

I think, generally speaking, Christians are much too open to doctrines of men.

We do not think logically and critically. Instead we react emotionally.

Truly Blessed · #9 10-20-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I think demanding proof is a good thing but there are some closeminded people who won't listen even when presented with evidence that what they believe is not true. They would rather stick to traditions like 'I'm a Catholic and I'll be a Catholic until I die. So don't tell me otherwise.' This type of person won't open up their mind even a crack. They aren't noble like the Bereans. This is why closemindedness is frowned upon. IMO

I agree with you, but do you not think that even within OP ranks it's possible for people to stick to THEIR traditions even when they are presented with evidence that what they have come to accept as truth is not supported in Scripture. I know that I have personally encountered close-mindedness among OP's who didn't care what the evidence to the contrary was. Something had been repeated for so long it had to be the truth!

CC1 · #10 10-20-2007, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truly Blessed

I agree with you, but do you not think that even within OP ranks it's possible for people to stick to THEIR traditions even when they are presented with evidence that what they have come to accept as truth is not supported in Scripture. I know that I have personally encountered close-mindedness among OP's who didn't care what the evidence to the contrary was. Something had been repeated for so long it had to be the truth!

Exactly! So while there is a case to be made that some people become so "open minded" their brains fall out there is also a case to be made that some people are so "close minded" that they cannot deal with reality or grow and mature.