Why do so many people refuse to discuss religion?
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
October 18, 2009 9:49pm CST
I'm wondering why so many people refuse to discuss religion. Is it because it is such a controversial subject? Is it because they fear that something may be said that might upset their friends? I admit that it can be a difficult with some people and sometimes things come up that seems to upset certain people even more than others. I know that there have been times when I wished later that I had worded my responses here a little differently. I love to discuss religion and spirituality and things that pertain to to these topics and learn what others think about life after death and such things. I find it difficult to deal with those who say that their way is the only way and that they know that they are saved etc. we all know that it is impossible for anyone while still living here to know what happens at death, at least be able to prove it to another.
7 people like this
27 responses
@jodylee_04530 (1097)
• United States
19 Oct 09
I think peoples religious views are personal. It is something that people tend to be passionate about. I think it can be difficult to talk about because there is a concern that others will try to change you. I personally love to discuss many different things. I have my own religious beliefs and certainly do not mind talking about it with many different people. I can't argue specific passages and I really don't have a lot of concrete evidence in my beliefs other than my personal experiences that have led me to my conclusion. I am very similar in that I have a hard time with people unwilling to explore other options.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
Hi jodylee, I agree that people can be very passionate about their beliefs and that some certainly do try to change others. It's okay to have ones own beliefs if at the same time, we can respect the way that others think. I know that many are very sincere in trying to convince others of the "truth" that they have found, but they forget that others have a mind as well and want to decide for themselves Thank you for taking time to respond. Blessings.
@jodylee_04530 (1097)
• United States
20 Oct 09
I suppose it can be hard when you find the truth to your own life and as it pertains to your own situation to seperate from that and not expect it to work for everyone else. I like to know what works for me and to share it when a person really wants to know. It may work for them, or they may be able to adapt it to their own situation and make it work.
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
19 Oct 09
Well Pose Its a very touchy subject I have alot of friends with different religions jews, christians, an I am a wiccan we do talk about each others religions but we also respect who they are an try not to convet them because its who they are an yes we love them for who the are my graany was old world baptist an a jehova would come to her home an granny told her we will have coffe an talk but I will not try to change you an you cant change me that woman came to grannys house twice a week to talk about the grandkids an everything else under the sun she made my grannys day when she would show up but they once in a while would talk about each others church an they would leave it at that an I think its unreal that when you think of religion you should think about love an forgiveness but there are ore fights started over it well have a blessed day
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
Hi enola, I agree that it's a very touchy subject but I think you have the right idea as did your granny. It reminded me of my mother who also had a Jehovah's Witness who would visit her from time to time. They would enjoy a cup of tea together ans she might leave a magazine. They became good friends and mom looked forward to her visits. I think they both knew that neither would change their religion. Thanks for commenting. Blessings.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
19 Oct 09
Hello Pose. Religion is a sensitive topic. So I think it is why people try not to talk about it. This is what I guess though I am not completely sure of it.
2 people like this
@charlies2805 (777)
•
19 Oct 09
I think something which does relate to belief shouldn't be an object of discussion. =) So, I started thinking that's why a lot people refuse to discuss about religion, they find it is not comfortable to talk about one religion nor his own religion. I really really respect others' religions. =) In fact, when I meet a new person for the very first time, I avoid asking what religion he has until I know it myself because he tells me.
As for me, I also don't feel (somehow) comfortable when discussing about religions. BUT, the thing that I know is all religions teach its believers kindness and humbleness. =)
2 people like this
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
One of the reasons people do not discuss religion here on myLot is because if you disagree with someone they give you a negative rating which decreases your star number. Apparently a lot of the people that hang around the religion and politics discussions have low star numbers because you get punished for disagreeing with somebody.
In regular life it is hard to discuss religion with someone because they seem to always try to win you over to their side and make you one of them. How do you argue with someone who is convinced that they are going to Heaven and you are going to Hell because you have not sent the right magical words or done the right magical rituals.
1 person likes this
@mama_bear (1118)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
yeah but that is like not speaking your mind because of fear of repurcussions. i speak my mind. and if this reflects negatively to someone, then so be it. i will still say my part regardless. this is an open forum, and there "should" be freedom of speech. only the unenlightened would give a negative rating to someone who does not agree with them. that would speak volumes about them too.
@cptthunder09 (51)
• United States
19 Oct 09
I see where u are coming from and the best way to deal with people that may be ignorant is just to agree with them because thats what makes them most happiest thank the lord not everyone is like that u just need to know how to treat and deal with others but i like to keep an opened mind about religion, and many other topics.
2 people like this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
Hi cptthunder, You have a point, it is probably just as well to agree with some people as you have absolutely no chance of changing there way of thinking. Personally, I don't think we should tell another what they should or should not believe, it would be better if we all tried to treat others the way that we would like to be treated. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
@Buchi_bulla (8298)
• India
19 Oct 09
Religion is a sensitive subject. Any minute point may upset others in a great way. Some people will take it very seriously and a big problem may arise due to that. People think why to complicate issues and why to invite trouble. That is why many never respond to such discussions. Some people are adamant to think that their thought is the correct one and you cannot talk anything against their belief.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
21 Oct 09
I also love learning about other peoples beliefs or lack of them. I at times jump into such discussions but all too often you find people that have no tolerance for others that might believe differently than they do. It's ok to disagree and have other beliefs but they often get abusive and insulting. This kind of behavior overtakes the discussion and makes it well, not much fun to be a part of.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
19 Oct 09
Pose- I think you answered your own question! I do refuse to discuss religion and for me it leads me ask more questions than find answers in those "big" questions. If I know someones stance & they know mine then we can discuss a lil bit. BUT if they don't like my stance, that gets me upset because they want me to respect their views even if I don't agree but want to argue my views. It's futile to talk with someone like that...... as to me there are no right or wrong answers to many questions but to get in someones face in hopes to persuade them is just... 
My MIL & I do talk quite a bit about things and she gives me her views, I give her mine & she actually will say to an extent my view is similar if even in a round about way. But she still respects my views even if I"m not as well versed in the Bible as she is.
My MIL & I do talk quite a bit about things and she gives me her views, I give her mine & she actually will say to an extent my view is similar if even in a round about way. But she still respects my views even if I"m not as well versed in the Bible as she is.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
19 Oct 09
hi pose123 I avoid religious discussions simply because people
refuse to allow anyone to disagree with their opinions. I state I think such and such, and some responder came back,.well you are probably a moron if you think that way, or just stupid. okay was that called for? Is that a way to answer a discussion? I think not. so it turned me off completely. seems each person has his own version of his religion and will not allow anyone else to have a different version. I do not like being called mean names or being insulted simply over some words to someone I will probably never met.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
Hi Hatley, You really make a lot of sense here and that's probably why more people don't come here. I know that there are some people who refuse to discuss, they just want to convert and that doesn't appeal to a lot of people. Thanks for sharing your views. Blessings.
@mama_bear (1118)
• Canada
20 Oct 09
that is oh so true, there are many out there who have attempted to convert me, because clearly to them i am spawn of satan, in need of conversion. according to some my appearance says this to them. but hey i have rules that i live by. i may not be a member of the god squad but there are rules that govern my life.
@rusdi123 (24)
• Indonesia
18 Jan 10
actualy why people refuse to discuss about religion, because it is too sensitive thing to be talked. but for me we have to discuss about religion more and more even we have to discuss about the exestence of God, without discussin we will not knwo anything about religion.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
13 Apr 10
Hi rusdi123, First of all let me apologize for not commenting on your response before, but it has just now come to my attention. Somehow I missed it at the time. I want to thank you for your response and to say that I agree. I think dialog is very important. Blessings.
@shilley (155)
• India
19 Oct 09
Speaking about ones religion is a very sensitive issue and may often lead conflict between friends.Everyone have their own respect for the traditions followed according to their religion,and speaking about religion may be in someway under value the customs of a religion.
1 person likes this
@Xygatrix (103)
• United States
19 Oct 09
I don't believe it's a personal matter, not when you go to church and openly preach your religion. I am an atheist, and really don't see the problem with discussing religion.
About the latter part of your post, I as well hate people who are so hard-headed that they can't seem to even look into other religions, as they are "work of the devil" and "blasphemy".
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
19 Oct 09
It's good discussing religion but maybe people refused to discuss religion as others can't avoid arguing, others challenged debates that would just lead to misunderstanding. Good if by discussing, one just share his knowledge and also listen to others opinion not insisting on what he learned as the only one that is correct. If you think your religion is the best or the credible one then don't cretize others, just show them that you're happy and at peace with your faith.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Oct 09
Hi bing, Thanks for a great response and I feel that you are right. Many people refuse to consider anything but their own ideas, sometimes it may be out of fear that their faith may be weakened in some way. We need to respect all religions as well as those who have none. Blessings.
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
19 Oct 09
I believe only when one has good knowledge in the topic is he entitled for the discussion. In our country, for most people, religion is not part of our life. We show respect to all religions, but feel shy to be involved in commenting.
It happened that last week I borrowed a book on the Five Religions in Practice in China, which was compiled by the National Religion Affairs Academy. I think it should be a good chance for me to obtain the basic knowledge about them.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Oct 09
Hi zhuhuifen, Thank you for sharing you views and I think it's great that most people in your country show respect for all religions. I wish it was that way in western culture. I hope you enjoy the book about the five religions practiced in your country, but continue to respect all. Blessings.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
19 Oct 09
Hi Pose, it appears to be rare to be able to discuss religion rationaly on the Mylot forum as there is a rather indoctrinated mind set which can take over and make the presumption that no one elses opinions are valid in any way unless their own beliefs are shared. I choose not to discuss with intolerant indoctrinated types who also go round star bashing for fun.
1 person likes this
@gmatthews (154)
• United States
19 Oct 09
I do feel that it is controversial. Everyone has their own beliefs and relationship with God. I personally do not mind talking about it as long as someone does not push their beliefs on me. Having said that...A lot of times the conversation gets heated because people believe in their religion deeply and feel that it is the only way. They feel like they need to defend it if someone else does not believe the same way. I think people avoid talking about it to avoid conflict.
1 person likes this
@calai618 (1773)
• Philippines
19 Oct 09
I think it is because we all know how sensitive of a topic it is. Whatever our stand is, there are always those people who do not have the same point of views as us. That is maybe why people try to just refuse participating in such discussions. Also, since Mylot is a sort of a money-making site, most of the people are here for the money. If someone upsets another because of his answer, he may immediately be rated with negative and his rank will go down so they would rather stay away from such a very sensitive topic. Having said that, I still do not think people are apathetic with religion. I actually think most, if not all, has a lot to say about religion but they are just afraid to voice them out again because of the fear to be rated negatively, hated by other mylotters or afraid this might reduce their earnings. :(
1 person likes this
@amijor (234)
• Philippines
19 Oct 09
Because it makes people uncomfortable. It challenges their opinion and principles in life. And in sharing about their views in religion, many people tend to challenge the validity of his point which is hard to do when you want to nail your point while maintaining subtlety and checking for your own and other people's emotion.
