SJSinNYC,
I guess it partially depends on how you define “open-minded”. I’m sure there is not only one definition. In any case, the example that you bring about thinking that ONLY your Rav is correct and even when he starts to go a bit awry you are still clinging to him is a very good example. I think in that respect I am not at all like that. You seem to lean a bit in that direction because you are constantly referring to your Rav’s opinion and seem to really consult him for a good part of your life which is wonderful but I hope you realize that he is human and can make mistakes so you look out for that.
“Being open minded does NOT mean that you just agree with everything that anyone says. It means that you listen and discern that you are not always correct.”
I agree.
What I meant by being “open-minded” can sometimes be worse than being narrow-minded is that when you are too accepting it is not good either. You have to be firm in knowing that the Torah is the ONLY way. Also, you have to be firm in your convictions and not easily sway from your derech. (which according to your post does not seem to be a problem for you at all! 🙂 ) However, you do need to accept that your derech is not the only correct way.
By the way, before you accuse anyone of being narrow-minded, I don’t mean to offend you, but to a certain extent you seem to be a bit narrow-minded. You have a certain view of the “frummer” community that you don’t seem to budge from. You also don’t seem to display any awareness that there is a possibility that anything but you Derech is correct. I don’t mean to insult you or anything, but please realize that sometimes being open-minded is realizing that you may not view things completely objectively.
People tend to think of being open-minded as being able to accept lower standards. But what about being able to accept higher standards? In other words, is someone who accepts more “modern” views open-minded even if they do not consider anyone “frummer” than them valid? (I know modern doesn’t literally mean less frum but couldn’t think of a better word so please let’s not get into that)