On Discouragement

[ragnvaeig]

I had a discussion with a friend about a particular prospect who is currently considering dedicating himself to religious path that's at least very similar to the one I've chosen. Without having any real information on said prospect's level of commitment, to me this person seems to have an incomplete understanding of what this particular deity

Comments

[sterling_raptor]

I don't discourage someone from what they believe is their path because it is just as easy to let them walk it and figure that out for themselves. Anyone who comes to me for teaching agrees to a "learning contract" where I clearly spell out my expectations of them as a student, some of the things they can expect from the program and from me, and that either of us can choose to end the relationship at any time. When people who aren't serious realize I expect them to *gasp!* read books and do homework, to include write papers, they tend to find reasons why they will be too busy to study with me.

[jinkun2702]

There are certain rites of passage which definitely have prerequisites. These prerequisites are the determining factors that tell us if this person is either ready to practice or committed enough to try and learn. I don't think there's a problem with tests and assignments designed to assess someone's understanding of the belief system. After all, if someone is going to practice a religion, they should certainly be well aware of what said practice entails. These exams are all at the teacher's discretion and should be based on the things that he/she has gone over with the student just like in a regular classroom. But it is the exams and the students themselves who pass or fail. The teacher's job is to remain a neutral party always acting on behalf of what's good for the student. We aren't supposed to be biased. We aren't supposed to decide who's staying or going just because of the feel we get. If you teach this student, test him/her, and the outcome is that he/she is not prepared it is one thing. But it is another to try and discourage

[ragnvaeig]

But it is another to try and discourage this person from even trying.

Oh, I'm certainly not trying to discourage him entirely--I just want him to have more accurate information than I think he's found so far, so that he knows what he's getting into and can make an informed choice, and I want to tell him to stop and think first.

Also, knowing what he *thinks* this deity does, I believe he'd actually be more interested in a different deity, and I'd rather suggest Other Deity to him.

[jinkun2702]

That's another thing entirely. I think people should have a good, firm basis of the religion or belief system that they want to join before they join it (so that, as another poster mentioned, no one wastes valuable time and resources.) Since you know about the deity in question, maybe you should try to give this person some info? If you don't have time to sit down and chat or don't want to have him become your responsibility you can find some helpful printouts? Perhaps suggest books or articles? Just don't leave him in the dark. Everyone should have a spiritual niche :)

[ragnvaeig]

Just don't leave him in the dark. Everyone should have a spiritual niche :)

...from the rest of my comments in this post, do you think I'm the sort of person who would do that?