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Why is it that no matter who you're discussing things with, tensions are always higher when the subject is religion?
I tend to approach things academically and/or philosophically, and it has served me well, thusfar. I don't necessarily commit to the point of view I'm positing. In most situations, I merely bring it up and kick it around to see what interesting ideas come out of it.
When I engage in a discussion on a particular theme or verse in the Bible, or a particular denomination's or religion's creed, it is generally, for my part, an academic or philospohical discussion. I'm testing out my own coherence, my own ideas, trying to bring forth others' ideas and get them to think deeply, as well.
And yet, somehow, when discussing anything religious in nature, the opposite party inevitably takes things to a personal level. Either he/she feels I'm attacking them or that my beliefs are flawed "and here's why."
I don't get it. I make no claim that the ideas I'm putting out are my beliefs. I'm just trying to hack my way through this crazy thing called life and find a little sense in it. And how am I supposed to do that if I a) never think deeply about things, or b) get offended over every possible bit of criticism?
And yet, it seems unavoidable that, at least initially, it stings when people tell me "Here's what I understand you to say you believe. And here's why your wrong. I don't want to offend you, but your ideas could use a little spit 'n shine, etc."
I'm generally a laid-back person. I really don't get upset when other people are being short-sighted or intentionally antagonistic. But when it comes to religious discussion that looks as though it will end up spiraling into name-calling and unfounded judgments, my patience wears rather thin.
That's the main reason I avoid holding religious discussions with people.
Actually, the same applies to discussions on politics.
But anyway, I've said what I wanted to say, and now I'm done. Maybe one day I'll look back on this and think, "Wow, what a condescending little snot I was."
But I doubt it.
I tend to approach things academically and/or philosophically, and it has served me well, thusfar. I don't necessarily commit to the point of view I'm positing. In most situations, I merely bring it up and kick it around to see what interesting ideas come out of it.
When I engage in a discussion on a particular theme or verse in the Bible, or a particular denomination's or religion's creed, it is generally, for my part, an academic or philospohical discussion. I'm testing out my own coherence, my own ideas, trying to bring forth others' ideas and get them to think deeply, as well.
And yet, somehow, when discussing anything religious in nature, the opposite party inevitably takes things to a personal level. Either he/she feels I'm attacking them or that my beliefs are flawed "and here's why."
I don't get it. I make no claim that the ideas I'm putting out are my beliefs. I'm just trying to hack my way through this crazy thing called life and find a little sense in it. And how am I supposed to do that if I a) never think deeply about things, or b) get offended over every possible bit of criticism?
And yet, it seems unavoidable that, at least initially, it stings when people tell me "Here's what I understand you to say you believe. And here's why your wrong. I don't want to offend you, but your ideas could use a little spit 'n shine, etc."
I'm generally a laid-back person. I really don't get upset when other people are being short-sighted or intentionally antagonistic. But when it comes to religious discussion that looks as though it will end up spiraling into name-calling and unfounded judgments, my patience wears rather thin.
That's the main reason I avoid holding religious discussions with people.
Actually, the same applies to discussions on politics.
But anyway, I've said what I wanted to say, and now I'm done. Maybe one day I'll look back on this and think, "Wow, what a condescending little snot I was."
But I doubt it.
