Talking About Religion — Bill Daley, Chicago Tribune ✓ Solved
Talking about religion -- at last Daley, Bill . Chicago Tribune
Religion, like politics, is something polite people aren't supposed to talk about, particularly at the dinner table. And there's sound reasoning for this: Passions can flame, voices spike, dissent can explode into long-festering disputes. But if one never talks about religion, how will one ever learn? And that's seen as vital now as society is becoming more multicultural, more multidenominational and ever more vocal. Over the years, I have noticed several changes, Vasudha Narayanan, director of the University of Florida's Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions, wrote. People are less than shy about talking about religion; in fact, they wear it on their sleeves and also display it through their car bumper stickers. Narayanan believes talking about religion is a "good thing." What's important, she stressed, is talking the talk in a "nonconfrontational" manner.
April offers plenty of opportunity for good discussion. The month holds a number of days important to various religious and cultural groups worldwide. Two of the most well-known for North Americans are Passover, which begins at sundown April 14, and Easter, which for both Eastern and Western Christians occurs April 20. The trick to a good religious conversation is humility, humor and sincerity -- applied in the right way, Stephen Asma, a philosophy professor at Columbia College in Chicago, writes.
If you approach a friend or acquaintance with a humble attitude -- the opposite of missionary zeal -- you'll start a more honest dialogue. Sprinkle in a little bit of humor about your faith and ask sincere questions. Sincerity about your motives is crucial. Many people maintain devotion to their beliefs by harboring secret disdain for every other faith. If you're just baiting someone in order to roll your eyes later with like-minded friends, then you're not having a genuine interfaith conversation.
Jane Larkin of Dallas, who writes about parenting for InterfaithFamily.com and pens "The Seesaw" column on intermarriage for The Jewish Daily Forward, says she and her husband, an Episcopalian, talk about religion all the time with their 9-year-old son. This is a change for her. Growing up, religion was discussed only by "people who were very observant or crazy," she said. "We want our son to grow up understanding religion is not a forbidden topic, and he needs to be able to speak about it." Realize, too, that generational or cultural differences can add tension.
Why does talk of religion generate so much heat? It often comes from a gut place rather than a heart place, and a gut place is more reactive.
How to have a spirited spiritual conversation
Be honest. A wonderful conversation starter is, 'I don't know anything, or I don't know much about your religious practices and I would appreciate it if you can help me understand the significance of your upcoming holiday.' Reach out bravely. Say you grow up a fundamentalist Christian in southwest Missouri, and the people you congregate with are from a similar background. If you have never talked to someone of a different ilk, it can be scary talking to someone outside the fort.
Realize culture and religion are often deeply intertwined. Gain insight into religion through food, music, dance, performance and other cultural activities. Use humor cautiously. Don't make jokes until you get to know the people you're with. Frequently people from an ethnic or religious group make jokes about themselves, and it can be hysterically funny, and we are tempted to follow it up with another in the same genre. But the same joke told by an 'outsider' can be offensive.
Stay calm. Religion is so emotional. It's sometimes hard to walk away or take a deep breath. You will never change someone's mind with an emotional reaction. Be willing to change the subject. Sometimes you have to pick your battles, or you can say, 'We agree to disagree,' which is not easily bought by someone who needs to be right. You just say, 'There are a lot of different viewpoints. I'm just expressing one.'
The Importance of Discussing Religion
Discussing religion opens doors to understanding diverse perspectives. As society grows more pluralistic, conversations around faith become essential. Not only do they allow individuals to learn about one another, but they also help foster respect and empathy. By discussing religious beliefs constructively, individuals can mitigate misunderstandings and develop deeper relationships.
Conversing about religion serves as an educational tool. It nurtures curiosity and reflection, expanding the cultural literacy of participants involved. People like Stephen Asma promote open dialogues that encourage mutual respect and understanding. When individuals sincerely inquire about a different religion, they often learn about traditions, rituals, and values that differ from their own.
Cultivating a Respectful Environment
To create an environment conducive to dialogue, individuals should adopt a mindset of humility and respect. This means coming to conversations with open hearts, eager to listen and learn. Acknowledging that no one has a monopoly on truth can facilitate a healthier exchange of ideas. Emotional reactions often lead to defensiveness; thus, maintaining a calm demeanor is vital.
Importantly, a respectful exchange about religion can bolster community ties. Shared understanding and respect among individuals of varying beliefs enhance societal cohesion, promoting harmony in diverse communities. Engaging in respectful discourse around religion can transform potential conflicts into opportunities for learning and connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, discussing religion can be fraught with challenges, yet its potential benefits outweigh the negatives. Through conversations about faith, individuals are equipped to foster understanding, empathy, and cohesion within their communities. Embracing diverse viewpoints and encouraging open dialogue about religion is critical in our increasingly interconnected world. It is not merely a conversation about beliefs; it is about creating relationships built on respect, understanding, and the shared human experience.
References
- Asma, S. (2014). Why I Am a Buddhist: No-Nonsense Buddhism With Red Meat and Whiskey. Publisher.
- Larkin, J. (2014). From Generation to Generation: A Story of Intermarriage and Jewish Continuity. Publisher.
- Narayanan, V. (2014). Hinduism. Publisher.
- Campbell, S. (2014). Dating Jesus: A Story of Fundamentalism, Feminism, and the American Girl. Publisher.
- White, S. A. (2014). How Was School Today? Fine. Publisher.
- White, S. A. (2014). Invisible Conversations With Aging Parents. Publisher.
- Matlins, S. (2014). How to Be the Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook. Publisher.
- Hopida, E. (2014). Personal Communications on Religion and Culture. Islamic Society of North America.
- Chicago Tribune. (2014). Talking About Religion At Last. April 13.
- ProQuest. (2014). Database Document ID Analysis. Chicago, Ill.