We as human beings are dogmatic...

dogmatic

adjective
1. characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles
2. of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
3. relating to or involving dogma; "dogmatic writings"

dogmatic. (n.d.). WordNet® 2.1. Retrieved March 27, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dogmatic

We as human beings are dogmatic creatures. We seek out ideas, philosophies or beliefs that resonate with us or fill some doubt or gap we feel needs an "answer". In doing so we run the risk of falling into dogma.

We want an answer. An answer to provide a path - an answer to direct us - an answer we can get behind and use - in doing so we run the risk of eliminating further growth and thought because we have already found our "answer" and our answers usually become our dogma.

"A code of beliefs accepted as authoritative"...You could insert any training philosophy here...HIT, Functional training, Bodybuilding, Kettlebells, powerlifting, olympic lifting etc....
and people associated with these philosophies will defend their beliefs (sometimes "violently"). This ususally comes from a combination of the dogmatic nature of human beings and the desire to share something that they believe in or has worked for them.

The desire to be the one with the answer and to "help" people through that answer is another very powerful human drive. (The realization that you may not have the "right" answer for a given situation is a real kick in the head.)

As a "kettlebell" guy this may seem an odd post - because I do believe in KBs (strongly) and think they can help a lot of people. But I am also a Functional Movement Screen guy, a powerlifting guy, a yoga guy etc...I guess I have several "dogmas". So how to avoid being dogmatic without falling prey to the statement below....?

If you stand for nothing - you will fall for everything.

In other words you have to have a lens through which to view and filter the world and information but you need to avoid closing the lens and only seeing what you want or what fits.

But Pavel said this, But Louie Simmons said this, But Michael Boyle said this - yes but under what context - in what set of circumstances???

There is no one answer - we must all ferment and distill information and make choices for ourselves. Stand for what you believe in but remain open to thought and progression and be willing to be wrong - make mistakes and continue to learn and grow.