QOTW for week of May 8
Find a Conversation
| Mon, 05-08-2006 - 9:18am |
The subject of religion and politics came up last week in Tuesday's "Talker" post. I think it's pretty common for people to avoid talking about politics and religion in general because the subjects tend to spark debate and controversy.
I have pretty strong feelings about this issue and will share them in a response to this post. My general thinking, however, is that because of the prejudice we experience and if we ever want to change that and have equal rights, then we do have to step out on a limb sometimes and discuss these very important topics, even when it's uncomfortable.
So, I'm wondering...what are your thoughts on this? Are there any situations in which you would feel comfortable discussing politics and religion? Do you think engaging in these discussions/debates will encourage acceptance or would you rather just leave the debate up to others and hope that the tide will change in our favor eventually?
DISCLAIMER: I do not intend for this thread to start a debate, although I want everyone to share their opinions and differences...that's what this is about...getting everyone's perspectives. Just please remember to be respectful of each other.
Hugs


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Please forgive me in advance, Sebastian....
But...your church would HAVE to be small...because after all, isn't Delaware that state that if you blink you miss it????
*ducking*
Sorry...just having a little fun....now flash that grin and tell me I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaddddddddddddd.
Ahem
Sounds like you are a great debater and conversationalist, Sherri! You add many good thoughts to our discussions here.
And, you're right, there definitely are appropriate times and places for political and religious discussions. I also know
I love to see that happen. I'm so glad this friend opened his mind to new viewpoints and was not afraid to voice his opinions.
I ought to tickle you when I see you. You are baaaaaaaad. I don't take offense if a friend says it. It's just those that have a very nasty bite in their humor that I take offense to.
Hugs!
Sebastian
Edited 5/8/2006 6:50 pm ET by igentleheart
Hugs,
Sebastian
http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce
Ting,
I like to discuss religion and politics.
Carol, In love with the most beautiful woman in the world.
I lurk all over these boards. LL will always be my 'home' but I also haunt Feminism, Religion and Politics, among others.
Coming out at a later age made me incredibly aware of how many rights our community is denied. It exploded into a genuine need to know when Lou and I decided we wanted to be together... and we couldn't get her a job in the states to sponsor a visa. I watched defense of marriage catch on like wildfire and the languishing of a Permanent Partners Immigration Act...
Politics feel so far removed from what I think our founding fathers envisioned. Our leaders are just corporate shills for capitalism and I wonder if anybody's to be trusted. Who's hand is in who's pocket, you know? Still, I try to follow most of the news as I can. I want to know what's going on. Additionally, being over in the UK, the boards give me a cross section of american responses to issues that I can't get here.
Religion / spirituality.. I'm still questing. I believe we each carry an aspect of the divine and to love eachother is to honor that divinity. The rest of it feels like chaff. But that's just me and I wouldn't deny another their belief ... until it gets in the way of my rights.
A situation where I might be comfortable discussing these things? Among friends, people I could count on not to blindly hurt me with their opinions. One on one works, where you can feel some mutual respect. Online, I don't even try... which is why I lurk! Some responses I may be reading wrong... you know that old bugaboo about misreading tone etc... but
I definitely think that engaging in discussion and healthy debate,
Ting,
I'm going to have to bow out on this one - I know my limitations and I am thin skinned, judgemental, opinionated and well - mean sometimes. I KNOW I cannot post about religion, and should probably avoid politics simply due to lack of knowledge. I choose to bury my head in the sand on that subject - I dont have any answers there so I keep my nose out of it.
With that said -I will answer your questions:
Are there any situations in which you would feel comfortable discussing politics and religion? No
Do you think engaging in these discussions/debates will encourage acceptance or would you rather just leave the debate up to others and hope that the tide will change in our favor eventually?I won't engage in these types of debates with friends, it's been a bad idea in the past and I'm not riskin it!
Smooches
Sandra
http://1misstep.blogspot.com/
Sandr
I'm Canadian.
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Thanks so much for posting your thoughts, Kacey. I was hoping to get all kinds of viewpoints.
NPR is an excellent source for news. Even though it has liberal leanings, their in-depth coverage of current events is wonderful. I would love to learn more about your views if you ever feel like sharing.
I'm also interested in reading more about Mary Cheney and her beliefs. I might check out her book sometime. Maybe we could add it to our book club list.
Glad you felt comfortable sharing.
Hugs!
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