Politics and religion should not be discussed

[HonestJoe]

Ever hear the advice "Religion and politics should not be discussed"? I've heard it touted at school and a couple work places and elsewhere in response to some heated discussions on the topic.

I think that is just a simplification of more general common sense regarding any kind of "off-topic" discussion in any context. I think the real key point is less about avoiding any specific topic entirely but more about taking care about how and when you discuss any topic. I guess religion and politics get special mention because they're common topics people will often have strongly held and divergent opinions on.

As a simple example, I probably wouldn't delve in to any political discussions in a new job or with people I don't know very well because I don't know how they'll respond and the potential negative consequences of a major disagreement or argument. In places I've work a lot longer, and among colleagues I know well, and might even consider friends, I'd be more comfortable having such discussions because I'll already have a good idea of where they stand and how they'll respond to different opinions.

That applies to pretty much any non-work topic though; relationships, health, finances etc. I've worked with some people without knowing anything about their relationship status or preferences and I've worked with others where I'd had dinner with their wife and kids.

 

[Koldo]

Ever hear the advice "Religion and politics should not be discussed"? I've heard it touted at school and a couple work places and elsewhere in response to some heated discussions on the topic.

What do you think about this advice? Obviously, RF is the epitome of religious and political discussion/debate. But in your day to day life, like, with family, friends, and coworkers, is it a topic you discuss?

Personally, I keep my mouth shut usually about such topics. Just, with politics, most people are statists it seems. Anarchism requires a paradigm shift in thought to accept. I'm often not in a position to radically shift someone's position of political understanding while, ya know, I'm frying chicken for example. Then with family and friends they just think I'm very radical in my political views. It's rare when I can have a genuine political discussion offline. Same with religion. With my family being Christian and me being not, I definitely follow the advice of not bringing up religion around them. At work I talk about my religious beliefs at times, but I rarely go into depth. I don't really have offline friends anymore now I think about it so I'm not sure how to answer my own question. Idk if I'd talk religion with friends, I think I would though.

People often don't want to hear things they disagree with, particularly if it involves deeply held beliefs. That's how it is.

 

[Heyo]

Ever hear the advice "Religion and politics should not be discussed"? I've heard it touted at school and a couple work places and elsewhere in response to some heated discussions on the topic.

What do you think about this advice? Obviously, RF is the epitome of religious and political discussion/debate. But in your day to day life, like, with family, friends, and coworkers, is it a topic you discuss?

Personally, I keep my mouth shut usually about such topics. Just, with politics, most people are statists it seems. Anarchism requires a paradigm shift in thought to accept. I'm often not in a position to radically shift someone's position of political understanding while, ya know, I'm frying chicken for example. Then with family and friends they just think I'm very radical in my political views. It's rare when I can have a genuine political discussion offline. Same with religion. With my family being Christian and me being not, I definitely follow the advice of not bringing up religion around them. At work I talk about my religious beliefs at times, but I rarely go into depth. I don't really have offline friends anymore now I think about it so I'm not sure how to answer my own question. Idk if I'd talk religion with friends, I think I would though.

I'm usually not the one bringing it up but I also don't avoid politics or religion. And I can't think of an instant where that lead into heated debate. I guess the people I know are prepared to live and let live.

 

[Balthazzar]

I think they both should be discussed a lot more. Especially among family and friends. These ideas need to be out in the open, and questioned. And we need to know how they effect other people, especially the people we care about.

I both agree and disagree - Politics I think is an important aspect of our citizenship in America. Religion can get some people angry with even small hints of disagreement, and this isn't isolated to religious types, and may be more so true with those who feel as if they're being ridiculed by religious types of people. I tend to avoid both in real life situations but favor the discourse at online venues like this one. It seems safer than on the home front. I do think you're right about it needing to be discussed and in the open, or at least a common among people given how it's so important to so many.

 

[Father Heathen]

Politics and religion can be very sensitive and divisive subjects, and thus not a good topic of discussion in places or situations where you would want to avoid drama, such as at the workplace.

 

[Exaltist Ethan]

The big four is politics, religion, money and sex. Talking with someone who is a different political party, different religion, has different income than you or is a different biological sex can be tricky. I can't talk to most women about sex, although ironically enough my mom is a good talker about that. Ask someone how much money they make and they can get so defensive about it and not want to tell you it. I made a popular poll in /r/polls on Reddit asking people which out of the four they would most be willing to talk about. Below are the results.

 

[Nakosis]

Ever hear the advice "Religion and politics should not be discussed"? I've heard it touted at school and a couple work places and elsewhere in response to some heated discussions on the topic.

What do you think about this advice? Obviously, RF is the epitome of religious and political discussion/debate. But in your day to day life, like, with family, friends, and coworkers, is it a topic you discuss?

Personally, I keep my mouth shut usually about such topics. Just, with politics, most people are statists it seems. Anarchism requires a paradigm shift in thought to accept. I'm often not in a position to radically shift someone's position of political understanding while, ya know, I'm frying chicken for example. Then with family and friends they just think I'm very radical in my political views. It's rare when I can have a genuine political discussion offline. Same with religion. With my family being Christian and me being not, I definitely follow the advice of not bringing up religion around them. At work I talk about my religious beliefs at times, but I rarely go into depth. I don't really have offline friends anymore now I think about it so I'm not sure how to answer my own question. Idk if I'd talk religion with friends, I think I would though.

I don't discuss IRL, I listen. Most people take disagreement personally.

For me, I don't get offended when someone disagrees with me. In fact I am happy when people disagree with me because then there is actually something to discuss. Unfortunately too many folks can get past the being offended by someone with a different opinion than themselves.

So I listen. I don't agree or disagree. I find most people just want someone to listen to them anyway. Occasionally I'll interject a question without taking a position which helps to move the conversation along. That is usually enough.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Reminds me of a limerick I wrote for a couple posters here....

Because I'm a regular guy,
I long ago gave it a try.
I went to a game,
but found it so lame,
I'd rather be watching paint dry.

The two of you could get together
and talk about baseball, & whuther
some guy's a good batter
or other dull matter,
& boring the pants off each other.

Let's stick to religion & politics....it's more interesting.

Comparing basketball and baseball is like comparing you and Scarlett Johansson in a swimsuit contest. Some might prefer you I guess, I just don't understand them.

 

[Revoltingest]

Comparing basketball and baseball is like comparing you and Scarlett Johansson in a swimsuit contest. Some might prefer you I guess, I just don't understand them.

If she & I were the same age, I just might have a shot.