When I was younger I was told by the pastor at the church I attended (I was not a member of the church but, I grew up in the church and my whole family had joined; i.e. gotten baptized, in the church) that my sister and I were “too opinionated”. I took offense to this as it was a reflection given after I had questioned this pastor about the differences between Catholics and Baptists; after all, we are all Christian. I had been baptized Catholic as an infant and had attended Catholic church occasionally with my aunt and her family. I had not converted but had been very active in that church. The pastor often brought this to the congregation’s attention during his sermons or in conversations with me individually. So, during one of these conversations I asked him what was the difference between a Catholic and Baptist; why was it so important for me to convert? His response was, “There is a big difference” but, he never actually gave me any differences. So, I questioned him and questioned why it mattered. I was labeled “opinionated” as a result.
I haven’t thought about that in a while but, being challenged with not expressing any opinions this week caused me to think back to that label and wonder, “Was he right? Was I too opinionated then and am I still today?” I consulted the dictionary to define opinionated.
opinionated: adjective; obstinate or conceited with regard to the merit of one’s own opinions; conceitedly dogmatic.
4 Comments
[…] to Tanya´s blog and read more. var hupso_services_c=new […]
Very well write-en post. Thanks for sharing the definitions with us so we also can be clear on what an opinion is. By following the check list and using BPB #5 you have a very great way to monitor your thoughts and words. Great job!
Very insightful and definitely gets you to thinking. Great Post!
Great insights and unravelling of old belief patterns. Love the definition of ‘opinion’. Thanks for sharing Tanya.