SERMONISING OTHERS

                                         

( Photo.. Water's Soul...Installation Art at Hudson Riverfront ,New Port ,Jersey City ) 

( InstallationArt on Hudson River Front in Jersey City ...Photo Avtar Mota September 2025 )

SERMONISING  OTHERS

In the  present day world,  one side sermonising  has replaced the empathetic dialogue. One can see sermonisers   everywhere preaching  , cult, faith, ideas, beliefs and personal  opinions  using all available platforms like social get-together, social media, television, print media , and  group communication .The traditional empathetic dialogue  or two way communication has vanished. Dictum camouflaged as communication is the order of the day. The genuine mutual  learning experience has been replaced by 'fall in or move away' attitude . Sermonising is now a commercial activity that brings dedicated  followers , wealth, comfort and  fame . 

Sermonising  reflects  dynamics of domination, as it often involves : positioning oneself as the ultimate authority or moral guide, trying to dictate what others should think or do and trying to create  a power imbalance, where one person's views are prioritised over others. This type of sermonising ends up in  slencing or dismissing others and stifling  meaningful exchange of ideas and opinions.And a sermoniser uses every type of aid to impress, convey and enforce . I mean tools like dress ,  make up, body language, hand gestures, facial expressions, anger , voice tones , poetry, textual quotes, digital aids and many more .

Sermonising always   hinders individual development as , it undermines personal freedom and autonomy,  overshadows  internal reflection and growth and its  judgmental tone  leads to defensiveness, rather than encouraging self-improvement. In contrast, supportive guidance, mentorship, or empathetic discussions can promote individual growth and development.

SERMONISING AS BEHAVIOUR 

Sermonising can be seen as lecturing or moralising  or  as preachy or condescending  conduct  and quite often an unsolicited  moral advice. This kind of conduct alienates   other person ( who is conscious and careful observer )  as it mostly stems from lack of empathy and a false  preconceived notion about  ignorance of the ' other person '. The sermoniser often tends to become judgemental and opinionated about issues and individuals.

Sermonising can also be seen as an extension of control and command behavior because it often implies  :  (a) an act of trying to dictate what others should think or do, ( b)  positioning oneself as the ultimate authority or moral guide and (c) disregarding others' autonomy and decision-making capacity.

This behavior from a person  can stem from a desire to exert influence or control over others, often rooted in a need for self  validation . The sermoniser always looks for opportunities to make himself feel relevant.  

UNDERLYING PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS OF SERMONISING 

Not always, but sermonising can sometimes be linked to underlying psychological dynamics : (a) some individuals may use sermonising as a way to elevate themselves above others, compensating for a feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, (b) sermonising can be a means to exert control over others, stemming from feelings of powerlessness or insecurity and (c) some people may sermonise when they feel threatened or challenged, as a way to assert their authority .

However, sermonising can also result from other factors, such as , upbringing , cultural background, deep passion and strong  conviction. Each case is unique, and sermonising behavior can stem from various motivations as well.

SERMONISING ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

People now use   social media platforms to sermonise for various reasons.Social media platforms provide a wide reach, allowing individuals to share their views with a larger audience. These platforms   garner likes, comments, and followers, providing a sense of validation or importance. Through sermonising on social media, many persons now build a community and try to shape public opinion on issues .However, sermonising on social media can also have negative consequences, such as,  creating polarisation, inviting  backlash, and creating  echo  chambers where individuals only interact with like-minded people, reinforcing their existing views .

Sometimes, sermonising can  be associated with promoting  a cult-like behavior, particularly if it involves: (a) insisting on a single, absolute truth without considering alternative perspectives, (b) a claim  that one's own  belief or interpretation is the only correct one and (c)  use of  sermonising to influence or control others' thoughts, feelings, or actions.

UPANISHADS AND BHAGWAD GITA ON SERMONISING 

The Upanishads suggest that true understanding and growth come from inner reflection, direct experience, and a humble approach, rather than external sermonising or dogmatic teaching. The Upanishads, emphasise on :- 

1. Self-inquiry...: Encouraging individuals to seek truth within themselves.

2. Direct experience*..... Valuing personal experience over dogma or external authority.

3. Humility.... Approaching intellectual and spiritual growth with humility and openness.

The Bhagavad Gita  offers insights on effective communication and spiritual growth. The Gita emphasises selfless action and detachment from outcomes. This mindset can help individuals communicate effectively without attachment to being "right" or "heard." The Gita encourages self-reflection and awareness of one's own thoughts, emotions, and actions. This self-awareness can help individuals communicate more authentically and empathetically.The Gita teaches the importance of compassion and understanding towards others. Approaching conversations with empathy and kindness can make communication more effective and meaningful. In the context of sermonising, the Bhagavad Gita's teachings suggest that effective communication involves:-

1. Self-awareness and humility...: Recognising one's own limitations and biases.

2. Empathy and compassion.....Understanding and respecting others' perspectives.

3. Detachment from outcomes....Focusing on the process of communication rather than the outcome.

AlBERT CAMUS ON SERMONISING 

Albert Camus, the  French philosopher and author  often spoke out against sermonizing and moralizing.   Camus rejected dogmatic thinking and moral absolutism, advocating for a more nuanced and humble approach.He emphasized the need for empathy and understanding in human relationships, rather than lecturing or sermonising. 

Camus opposed  imposing one's views on others. His  philosophy emphasises individual freedom that  encourages open-minded dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than sermonising or imposing one's views on others .

On my Facebook page , almost daily , I receive  friend requests  from  sermonisers . I would simply tell this community of people one line :

" Physician , heal thyself " 

( Avtar Mota )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.

Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.