What's your opinion on the whole "being open minded" idea? (kinda long...)?
451366
You are confusing two separate issues:  being open minded is a different quality from being amoral.\n\nOpen mindedness is a form of humility. (Remember, that's one of the classical virtues)  It means that you don't assume that you know better than another person what is right for them or for their culture.  It is especially important in a globalized world where people from many cultural backgroungs intermingle.  Keep in mind that things like tatoos and piercings are considered normal in many cultures. Likewise, the degree of separation for "normal" sex varies between cultures, with first degree cousins being at a very reasonable distance for some. (Even in the Bible)  Being open minded merely means that you accept that others may have different standards.\n\nHowever, this is distinct from saying that you do not have your own standards.  Even an open-minded person can --and should-- have personal beliefs.  For you to believe that it would be wrong for you to have multiple piercings or homosexual sex shows that you have a good grasp on your own priorities.  You should know and be able to vocalize your own beliefs.\n\nThe line between "having strong beliefs" and "being a bigot" or "being close-minded"  comes when you try to force your beliefs on other people against their will.  For example, I believe that it is wrong to eat meat which comes from factory farms because the degree of cruelty at those institutions is so severe. However, I would probably not attempt to force people to become vegetarian against their will, or discriminate against them for refusing to follow my beliefs.  \n\nA while ago Europe and America both made the decision to support religious freedom.  This stopped the religious wars between Protestants and Catholics. The modern ideal of "being open minded" stems from that ideal, by recognizing that all morality (even that of an atheist) is essentially the same as religion. Just as people should have freedom of religion, they need to have freedom of moral belief, inasmuch as neither treads on the rights of others. (e.g. No human sacrifice, and no murder....)
653667
I honestly was thinking about that when I read your last question. You seem to be open minded and ask good questions that make people think. I feel nothing but a positve energy when I come across you on this site. I think your agenda is just being you. Everyone would see it differently as they will all have a different reaction to your Q&As. \nLove & Light
948472
I think people go into open releationships thinking that they are good. I mean do we do things that we think are going to turn out horrible I dont think so. Anyways I dont think open releationships are good because you end up becoming to attached and you end up feeling something for that person and then you see them or hear about them being with another person and you get upset. I know I was there and it turned out horrible. Just from personal reasons I would say dont do it.
176784
I just wanted to say that I have read your questions and answers to several questions (including my own) and I find you to be very level-headed and well-spoken. I used to practice Christianity and then evolved into feeling differently - a lot of the reasons I did had to do with the way Christians around me looked at issues - it got under my skin. But your views that are influenced by your beliefs are not at all offensive, even to someone who may not believe in the same things as you. I am glad to read what you have to say, as I am more inclined to listen to someone who is rational, if nothing else.
1070435
I was just talking with a friend about this yesterday. And we can't figure it out either. Being open minded means that you will listen seriously to someone else's opinion without judging them ahead of time. You still may not agree with them, but at least you took time to consider what they say. That's what I describe as open minded. Very often, people who are on the extreme ends of the political spectrum (conservative and liberal) will say they are open minded when they really are not. I think people in the middle of the road tend to be more open minded because they listen to both sides and make a decision based on a variety of opinions.\n\nI have liberal friends who claim to be open minded, but they don't allow conservatives to have their say. They automatically close down and won't listen seriously, especially if the speaker is working for a corporation, or is a conservative Christian, etc. On the other hand, I have conservative friends who do the same. They get their opinions from Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh and they don't want to listen to Michael Moore, for example.\n\nI don't understand this at all. You can't be open minded unless you let down your guard, stop protecting your existing point of view, and listen to what people who disagree with you have to say.
798922
I am a content, deep-thinking person who does some writing.  I believe in things most people can't see so I don't always appear to have my feet on the ground. I don't naturally like to impose my opinions, but when I am on here I feel I do it a little too much.  I prefer to genuinely help people, if at all possible.  I don't like spending too much time on here because it becomes hard to leave it, so I limit myself now.  This is just a little indulgence for me each day.  I look forward to reading some of the other answers to this question!
397155
I favor the burning of such books.  I hate how these liberals call it "mind opening".  Open mind is ok, but don't open it to the point where your brains fall out!
863194
somebody with an open mind
53364
Be open minded, and listen.
935809
It has been my experience that white people DO expect other white people to share their narrow minded views.  It is seems to me that most narrow minded individuals expect others to share their views.
929046
Amen. I couldn't have said it better myself, Christian here.  I believe why not let the other person believe, think what they want, I never push Religion on anyone.  If they act interested or curious, I let them lead me into the discussion.  And I try my hardest to be polite, but I do have my days, I think every one does now and then.
218209
I would discuss the controversy surrounding the concept from a neutral stance.  For example, where does the idea come from?  Why do some people claim that such an idea doesn't really exist?  How do other groups rebut that argument?
577449
Im personally not in favor of open relationships no matter how they're sliced. Gay, Straight, Bi or whatever. I would guess that the person who wants an open relationship just isnt in love with the person they're with.
1140644
thanks ..luved reading your thoughts .Never thought of it that way well put :)
1052896
As long as the speaker is providing constructive feedback I think it is all good. You do need to watch out for people who do the "I like your idea, but I don't..." this is where they say they like the idea to cushin that they are disagreeing and then do a 180.
679884
I think it's a nice idea... although you can't ALWAYS abide by it.  Sometimes you just say things!  Especially when you're irritated!
485894
Not everybody is like that...but a lot of people are.  They think their way is the right way, and the only way.  We call those kind of people close-minded.  Good Luck in your life.....