Hello Beloved!
I'm sharing deep thoughts and distinctions that I feel are powerfully connected to these times and struggles we are all experiencing now. It's my intention that this is helpful... Enjoy! part #1 of 3 parts next installment will be next
Saturday.
Good Person vs. Bad Person: A Deeper Exploration
In today’s world, the distinction between a “good” person and a “bad” person has become increasingly ambiguous. Many individuals who proudly claim to be
“good” do so based on their own self-perception, yet when examined from an objective and discerning perspective, this assumption often does not hold. The question then arises:
- What truly constitutes a good person?
- What defines a bad person?
These questions become even more complex when examined through the lens
of societal structures, psychology, and spirituality.
The Psychological Framework of "Good" and "Bad"
Society conditions us to accept certain behaviors as “good” and others as “bad,” but these designations are often not
based on any deep, intrinsic truth. Rather, they serve as mechanisms for maintaining social order, reinforcing norms, and controlling behavior.
In a given society, what is deemed "good" is often equated with what is socially acceptable, while what is labeled as "bad" is simply that which falls outside the accepted framework. This dynamic
is not necessarily rooted in morality, integrity, or spiritual wisdom but rather in adherence to societal expectations.
For example, individuals who conform to societal norms, obey laws, and uphold widely accepted values are often seen as “good” people—regardless of whether they act out of genuine compassion or simply out of a desire to
fit in and be accepted. Conversely, those who challenge the status quo, think independently, or refuse to conform are often labeled as "bad" or "troublemakers" even if their actions stem from integrity, honesty, or a deeper spiritual awareness. Remember Jesus was a rebel rouser! Most deeply spiritual individuals are.
The Shadow Projection Phenomenon
A fascinating and often overlooked aspect of the "good vs. bad" dichotomy is shadow projection—a psychological process where individuals unconsciously deny their own flaws and weaknesses and instead attribute them to others. This phenomenon allows people to maintain a self-image of goodness while casting others
in the role of the "bad person."
This explains why many who loudly proclaim themselves to be good—whether in politics, religion, or social movements—often display behaviors that contradict their self-righteous image. Rather than taking responsibility for their own shortcomings, they project them onto others, vilifying those who do not fit
their narrative of morality.
This cycle of projection and judgment creates a distorted reality in which individuals are rarely held accountable for their own darkness, and instead, entire groups or individuals are scapegoated as "bad people." This distortion perpetuates illusions, division, and a lack of true self-awareness.
The Bleached and Atrophied Version of Spirituality
A critical aspect of this discussion is the distinction between true spirituality and the watered-down, institutionalized version of religion that has dominated for centuries.
Organized religion, in many cases, has stripped away the mystical, transformative, and deeply personal aspects of spirituality. Historically, the institutionalization of faith has often been more about control than about genuine spiritual
enlightenment. Many religious traditions have distanced themselves from the mystical and esoteric wisdom that once allowed for direct communion with the divine. Instead, rigid doctrines and societal morality have replaced inner spiritual exploration.
As a result, many who are considered "good" within religious frameworks are merely
adhering to religious customs, rather than embodying a deep, living spirituality. The distinction between being religious and being spiritual is crucial here:
- Religion often emphasizes external adherence to rules, rituals, and dogma.
- Spirituality is about inner transformation, direct experience, and an
evolving connection to the divine.
Ironically, those who genuinely follow the wisdom and teachings of Christ, Buddha, or other enlightened figures—such as practicing love, non-judgment, compassion, and inner growth—are often viewed as outsiders in their own religious communities. Meanwhile, those who conform to religious institutions but lack true spiritual depth are often
celebrated as paragons of virtue.
The Loss of Humanness and the Evolutionary Standstill
As we collectively move further into a society dominated by psychological norms and external validation, we risk losing touch with
what makes us truly human. Our spiritual and emotional evolution is stunted when we define morality solely based on societal approval rather than deep, intrinsic wisdom.
This creates a form of evolutionary atrophy—a stagnation of the human soul. Instead of growing into higher awareness, we become
trapped in repetitive cycles of shallow moral judgments, social conformity, and the avoidance of true self-exploration.
Reframing the Question: Beyond Good vs. Bad
If societal definitions of "good" and "bad" are largely
constructs, then the real question is not who is good and who is bad—but rather:
- How do we cultivate self-awareness and personal responsibility?
- How do we break free from inherited psychological structures that distort reality?
- How do we embrace a deeper, more authentic spirituality that fosters real
transformation?
Challenging Societal Norms for True Growth
To break free from these limiting constructs, we must engage in active self-inquiry and critical thinking. Here are some ways to begin:
- Look
Beyond Social Conditioning
- Question societal definitions of morality.
- Don’t blindly accept what is labeled as “good” or “bad.”
- Recognize that morality is often relative and shaped by cultural, historical, and institutional forces.
- Take Responsibility for Your Own Shadow
- Instead of projecting flaws onto others, engage in self-reflection.
- Identify and integrate your own unconscious biases
and shortcomings.
- Understand that personal growth comes from inner work, not external validation.
- Reconnect with Deep Spirituality
- Seek wisdom beyond organized religious structures.
- Explore mysticism, inner transformation, and direct spiritual experiences.
- Allow your spirituality to be a living, evolving practice rather than a set of fixed beliefs.
- Embrace Humanness and Spiritual Evolution
- Recognize that true growth requires stepping outside of societal norms.
- Cultivate love, compassion, and authenticity rather than rigid moral superiority.
- Challenge systems that hinder self-awareness and personal evolution.
Part #2 next week... Part #3 two weeks....
