While examining some books on my bookshelf, I encountered a title for a concept that “intrigues ” me … Radical Honesty.
Brad Blanton (who self identifies as an atheist) has made a career (in the Human Potential Movement) since 1996, when he invented the term “Radical Honesty” and he has written several Books & created a educational institute to sell books, courses & seminars. The key idea is simple enough and many would think to be very scriptural — practice complete honesty (without telling even white lies). Their website lists the “Core Principles of Radical Honesty” …
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1. Lying is the primary cause of suffering
2. Living honestly is the antidote to lying and the root of its power is in distinguishing noticing from thinking.
3. You can only notice in the moment. And you can only notice three categories of things: sensations, thoughts, and your external surroundings.
4. Sharing honestly what you notice frees you from the suffering caused by attachment to lying, withholding, phoniness, and ideals.
5. Sharing honestly what you notice also deepens love, connection, understanding and forgiveness (eventually).
6. Radical Honesty is a living, walking, talking out-loud meditation that moves you from reactivity to being a creator of your own life.
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Surprisingly, while most people expect Radical Honesty to have its’ origin in the morality of the Bible (and the Commandment to not bear false witness) — Blanton’s programs argue against moralism & promote Radical Honesty as a means of reducing stress, deepening connections with others, and reducing living “reactively” (instead of “proactively”)?!
Scripture Lists many times about the human nature inside mankind — that needs to be controlled & “suppressed” … NOT “blabbed” as if it is virtuous!
Gen 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Jer 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?
Mar 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
Scripture rightly lists the wise will control their words — Not spew whatever good or evil pops into their mind!
Jas_1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
Eph_4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Pro 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
So … with a bit of reflection, we can reason through scripture that Radical Honesty is NOT any “secret path” to enlightenment or reaching a mystic level of our Human Potential … In his biography (“About the Author”) we read about the creator of Radical Honesty stating … “I’ve been married 4 times & divorced 3 times, and I am currently separated from my most recent wife …I am currently sexually & emotionally involved with several women & they ALL know about each other & some of them know each other.” Clearly, Radical Honesty does NOT bear the fruit of living a happy moral life … but instead the fruit of broken families and untold hurt.
If you feel a Need to “be Radical” … Here is a poem in our booklet … How To Be A Real Christian
Radically Real Christian
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not shouting, “I am saved.” I’m whispering, “I get lost.” That is why I chose this way.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I am weak and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are too visible but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, which is why I seek HIS name.
When I say, “I am a Christian,” I do not wish to judge. I have no authority. I only know I’m loved.
—Author unknown
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