We've all been told never to discuss religion or politics...and yet these two topics are arguably the most influential on our lives, families and actions. Take for example any country who's political world is in turmoil. There are huge ramifications not only on the business lives of the people but often on basic human rights. Religion is much the same. Those who practice any form of belief will tell you that the results of their practice stretch from their daily lives into eternity. If these things are true then there must be an appropriate time to discuss these topics. So here's my question:
When is it appropriate to discuss religion or politics? Are there "rules of engagement"? Can these things be discussed in an appropriate way and by ordinary people?
Let me know what you think!
4 comments:
One ought always feel free to discuss religion and politics. But one needs remember that the best location is among friends, with one's favourite libation and a congenial spirit in the group.
I think you have to be careful when discussing religion in an open forum--often times people have extremely different points of view and are totally unwilling to even listen to another person's viewpoint. I think it is important to be able to listen without making judgement calls before they are finished because while you may not agree with their standpoint that person may have valid statements and just objecting to everything could be invalidating your very own standpoint without meaning to. DId I make ANY sense there?
It's a very good idea to listen and if you disagree, say so, but don't push your viewpoint on anyone...
in another vein--you can live your life and be a quiet example--for example this girl Susie's website is a good portrayal of her and evangelizes quietly. Everyone who goes there feels free to express themselves without fear of what will be said...she's a sweetheart--I love her Sunday posts...
Personal conversations are of course always best but I was thinking about how difficult it is to discuss topics. I heard an interview with Marshall McLuhan where he talked about how the media presents ideas through a "talking head" these ideas cannot be discussed, refuted or exchanged but merely assumed by the person watching. We only hear political debates at the time when politics is least honest...elections and we rarely hear ideas exchanged even in the religious world. Today it seems that it is only ok to agree with each other even if you have to find something very superfical to agree on! What has happened to debates and councils? I hear a lot that the common Christian does not think that they have a place as a theologian but can we discuss this and or politics as an ordinary person?
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