MenoSundays; Life Lived Lovingly

Part of the expression of the capital 'ell' variety of Love is devotion. To be devoted to something is not to be slavish to the object of devotion, but to be single-pointed in one's focus upon it. Devotion is a choice and cannot be forced. It is not to be mistaken for indoctrination. 

Devotion can still question, still doubt; indeed holds no value unless it questions and doubts. Indoctrination is to be imprinted without having the freedom to question and doubt - or lacking the strength to exercise those intellectual rights. 

Devotion can Love despite any questions and doubts. Indoctrination mistakes following, regardless of questions or doubts, for Love.

...and in case the question is arising within you in response to this, 'radicalisation' can only occur where indoctrination exists, but questioning and doubting does not. Radicalisation expresses as the actions resulting from indoctrination, the need to slavishly follow or have hatred of one thing or another justified. 

Devotion has the potential to raise a personality. Indoctrination has the potential to raze it.

Devotion is expressed through the compassion of Love. Indoctrination is expressed as passionate love. The devoted shine with understanding, the indoctrinated are merely besotted.

These things are not only applied at high political or religious level but all the way down to our immediate relationships. We can be devoted to our spouse or children or other close intimates - or we can be besotted with them. Being devoted gives us the freedom to also be angry or disappointed at something said or done without damaging our Love for them. If we are, though, mistaking our passion for devotion we will be disappointed only in ourselves, ultimately, for almost always our expectations will be unmet as a result of our having misunderstood love for Love.

Devote yourself. Be not besotted.

...all of which is rather a long way from where I thought I was starting out on this post! It was triggered by seeing the devotion of Boncuk...