Comments on: Politics and Religion

By: G.A.Phillips

G.A.Phillips — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:42:33 +0000

The separation of religion/politics and discussion is just another liberal ploy to keep the stupid man uneducated and voting democrat.

By: just me

just me — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:59:24 +0000

I have no problems talking politics around friends/family, but I refuse to talk about it at work (school) or out and about picking kids up from activities or talking to other parents at sporting events.

By: Steve Verdon

Steve Verdon — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:30:24 +0000

And Matt knocks another one out of the park...or maybe not...more like an unintended bunt.

Sheesh.

Maybe he needs a pinch hitter on his blog.

By: charles austin

charles austin — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:37:58 +0000

The problem with discussing politics with friends and family is that too often you encounter someone like young Mr. Yglesias for whom being well informed is apparently synonymous with "of course, only a fool doesn't agree with me." Still, I think the problem is less of the lack of knowledge ignorance young Mr. Yglesias speaks of and more of the kind that Mark Twain noted when he said:

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

By: Bystander

Bystander — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:23:50 +0000

I actually enjoy being challenged as to how to think about a matter(if the opposition can try to use a little finesse, it helps), but I absolutely abhor being told what to think about a matter!

By: Floyd

Floyd — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:14:19 +0000

What one believes on both counts should never be left to fester in the dark, but should be tested in in the light of public scrutiny.
Manners is another subject entirely.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:49:17 +0000

Much of it has to do with individuals. Politics and religion both relies heavily on one’s beliefs. Many consider it a personal attack when you question their beliefs. It has little to do with the situation. Many heated fights between family and friends have been known to happen while discussing the two subjects. That is why so many avoid the subjects.

Personally I try to figure who are easily offended, screamer of opinion, willing to carry on an intelligent discussion or whatever. Then I avoid the heated confrontation situations although I won’t stand by idle why someone goes off on something I believe in. Hard balance but I try. I usually enjoy an intelligent conversation with someone I disagree with more than someone I agree with.

By: rodney dill

rodney dill — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:42:17 +0000

Even when discussing differences at a policy level, things can get rather heated here and in other blogs. In casual conversation outside of blogs, a starting statement might be, 'I can't believe anyone would vote for that effin' moron _______.'

Does tend to make keeping quiet on the subject look more appealing.

By: yetanotherjohn

yetanotherjohn — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:13:25 +0000

My pastor explained why he avoids discussing politics with the congregation ibecause two members of the congregation can be sitting side by side, seeing the exact same information and coming to exactly opposite conclusions as to who should be elected. It isn't his job to change either of their minds, but trying to do so would interfere with him doing his job. On the other hand, he has received more than one poke in the ribs from his wife while he tried to change a taxi driver or the like's mind on religion.