As we go through life, we often seek help and guidance from those around us. Sometimes advice is unsolicited, and sometimes the advice comes from a perspective that is very foreign to our own.
I was reminded of these things late last week when I received a letter in the mail from a proselytizer. I was tempted to mail them something in response, but instead just writing it here:
Dear Proselytizer,
I have a deep appreciation for an old-fashioned approach to things. The hand-written letter you sent me in the mail was charming, right down to the choice to use simple lined paper from a note pad. As charming as it was, however, it was not in equal measure respectful. I do not share your path, and it is not appropriate for you to offer me advice on a sensitive topic like death and dying. Foreign advice in matters so sensitive is not helpful and often hurtful; attempting to prey upon the emotionally vulnerable speaks very poorly of your religion. I hope you consider this the next time you craft a hand-written letter to proselytize.
Regards,
- An adherent of a religion that doesn't proselytize (your welcome)
What are your thoughts when it comes to advice from outsiders to your religious tradition? Do you have a story to share about when it was unhelpful or even hurtful? What about a time where it was just what you needed to get through something?
I was reminded of these things late last week when I received a letter in the mail from a proselytizer. I was tempted to mail them something in response, but instead just writing it here:
Dear Proselytizer,
I have a deep appreciation for an old-fashioned approach to things. The hand-written letter you sent me in the mail was charming, right down to the choice to use simple lined paper from a note pad. As charming as it was, however, it was not in equal measure respectful. I do not share your path, and it is not appropriate for you to offer me advice on a sensitive topic like death and dying. Foreign advice in matters so sensitive is not helpful and often hurtful; attempting to prey upon the emotionally vulnerable speaks very poorly of your religion. I hope you consider this the next time you craft a hand-written letter to proselytize.
Regards,
- An adherent of a religion that doesn't proselytize (your welcome)
-*-*-*-*-
Religion is inherently personal, and advice related to the bereavement process can be especially tone-deaf if we receive it from outsiders to our religious tradition. Advice from outsiders isn't always unhelpful, though. Inspiration from other paths can be just what we need sometimes, especially when our own ways are failing us.
What are your thoughts when it comes to advice from outsiders to your religious tradition? Do you have a story to share about when it was unhelpful or even hurtful? What about a time where it was just what you needed to get through something?