June 1 – Dualistic Thinking in Religion
The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better. Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
When I look back over my years in the church, I can see how often religion itself trained me to think in “either/or” terms. There were insiders and outsiders, sound doctrine and heresy, orthodoxy and error. I learned early on which beliefs were “right” and which were “wrong,” who was “in” and who was “out.”
In my early faith years, I played the part well. I knew the “right” answers, and I defended them fiercely. I felt a certain pride in being among the ones who “stood for truth.” But over time, I began to notice the cost. When someone’s beliefs didn’t match mine, I pulled back. When another church’s worship looked different, I judged. I confused defending God with knowing God.
I’ve since come to believe that truth matters deeply — but so does love, humility, and the recognition that none of us sees the whole picture. Francis of Assisi didn’t waste his energy arguing doctrine; he lived the gospel. His life was his statement of faith.
Dualistic thinking in religion may start with a desire for clarity and faithfulness, but it can end up shutting out the very people Jesus welcomed. The Pharisees had their theological boxes perfectly in order, and they missed the Messiah standing in front of them.
Scripture
Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?
Matthew 15:3
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12
Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1
Ancient Quotes
In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.
St. Augustine (attributed)
Modern Quotes
The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better. Francis didn’t bother questioning Church doctrines and dogmas. He just took the imitation of Christ seriously and tried to live the way that Jesus lived.
Richard Rohr, Eager to Love, p. 86-87, 200-201
We should be gospel practitioners instead of merely ‘word police.‘
Richard Rohr, Eager to Love, p. 201
Journaling Prompts
- How has your religious background shaped your view of who is “in” and who is “out”?
- When have you seen love and humility bridge theological differences?
- Are there areas where you’ve defended being “right” at the expense of showing compassion?
- How might you live your faith more as Francis did — through action as much as belief?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 22 Reflection: Judgment, Dualistic Thinking