How to Effectively Discuss Religion

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We've all been told to avoid discussing religion at swanky dinner parties and family get-togethers, but does that mean the topic should be avoided altogether? Discussing religion can make for a lively, eye-opening learning experience but only if done properly. Since religious beliefs are a based on a deep, emotional investment, one must be respectful when conversing about religion and differing belief systems.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Some knowledge about religion
Respect

Step1

Be informed. You need to know what you believe and why. Be able to back up whatever statements and assertions you make with facts and examples. Having a discussion with someone who's ignorant about the current subject is a waste of everyone's time and energy.

Step2

Don't try to convert anyone. This isn't a missionary outreach program, it's just a sharing of ideas. No matter how devoted you are to your faith, it doesn't give you the right to shove your views down another person's throat. Taking this approach will quickly end the discussion, and leave your friends disgruntled and annoyed.

Step3

Listen. Just because you don't agree with another person's beliefs doesn't mean you get to shut down and not listen. If you want to be listened to and taken seriously, then bestow the same courtesy to the other speaker.

Step4

Be respectful. You may think someone's beliefs are outrageous and their reasons for believing it are downright ridiculous, but that doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful, hurtful and rude. It's your basic Golden Rule. Keep that in mind and play fair.

Step5

Be willing to ask questions. You won't gain anything from a discussion if you aren't willing to learn something at the same time. That doesn't mean you have to agree with what the other person is telling you, but asking questions will make you better informed and a better conversationalist on the topic of religion.

Tips & Warnings

If you can't add anything to the conversation because you don't believe anything or know why you don't believe it, having such a conversation is probably futile and useless.
Never discriminate or harass someone based on their religious preferences.

Comments

AFrieske said

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on 12/12/2007 Great article. I previously read an article by an "EHow Expert" on a similar subject (Politics at family gatherings) and I must say your article was much better. This was realistic and on point

The only thing I'd say is, even before the conversation starts, know who you are about to engage in discussion. I am a firm believer that talking religion/politics/ethics/etc. is generally futile and, in fact, a bad idea. You cannot convert people to whatever you believe no matter how smart you are. I will only discuss those topics with people I know very well and those I know who are up for talking over issues calmly and intelligently.

Bravo on the piece, you really nailed it.