How to discuss ( Religion or Politics ) without getting into a fight.

A great number of people stay completely away from discussing . . . ( religion or politics ) People get mad. People have been killed in the name of religion and politics. ( Christ had big enemies, they were religious and political.) Not much wonder that a lot of people just stay away from these subjects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Courage
• Patience
• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• The ability to listen
• A meek and quiet spirit
• Decernment

1. AGREE TO DISAGREE BEFORE HAND. Make sure that all parties are willing participants in the discussions, and realize that on some points you might just need to be willing to disagree. ( without a fight.)
2. REALIZE THAT YOUR GOING TO NEED PATIENCE. You will probably hear things that could get you "hot under the collar". Don't react to a totally stupid comment that someone makes. ( you might make one yourself ) Do not react to everything that is said.
3. DON'T DO ALL THE TALKING. Let the other person (or persons) have their say. Resist the temptation to interrupt them. ( you will get your turn to speak ) And you might even learn something from them.
4. AS SOON AS YOU DETECT THAT THE PERSON (or persons )YOU ARE TALKING TO ARE NOT LISTENING . . . ( or that more heat than light is being generated.) then STOP. Someone has said " A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still". Jesus put it quite bluntly . . . " Don't throw your pearls before swine". Don't call them swine, just stop talking.
5. DON'T GET DRAWN INTO AN ARGUMENT. Have you ever seen two people going at it and realized that both parties were talking but neither one of them were listening. ( This is not productive in any way. ) NOBODY REALLY WINS AN ARGUMENT. NOBODY.
6. CLOSE BY REVIEWING STEP ONE. You've stated your case. You've had your say. Now go your way without having had a fight with any of the people involved. ( Or if it's a BIT OF A FIGHT . . . do what the boxers do. Shake hands first then come out fighting. THEN SHAKE HANDS AFTERWARDS.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get mad. ( only dogs get mad )
• Don't argue. ( nobody really wins an argument )
• Listen to what the other people say. ( don't just be thinking about what your going to say next.)
• Don't do all the talking.
• Know when to hold them, and know when to fold them. ( as the card players say.)
• The idea is to generate light, not heat.
• Agree to disagree on some points.
• And last but not least, realize that you could be wrong on some things. ( hard to believe eh? )