Reflection 4: Let's Change the Subject—How (and How Not) to Talk About Religion

An old adage says Americans should never talk about money, politics, or religion. In reality, all three subjects are talked about regularly today, but all three subjects come with potential pitfalls. Americans must carefully navigate social waters when it comes to religion, especially. Whether you are the one bringing up the subject of religion or you are the one hoping to escape any such conversation, American etiquette dictates at least a minimum amount of politeness and tact. Unfortunately, religious conversations—even among friends—often quickly become uncivil. How should we talk about religion in America? What are the right and wrong times to bring it up? If you are a person of faith, what rules guide the times you speak of your faith? If you do not believe in a religion, how would you prefer the topic is broached, if at all? Finally, where can we find common ground in a topic that divides us so?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "How to Talk About Religion Without Starting a Fight" (Jezebel)
• "How Not to Talk About the Beliefs of Others" (Huffington Post)
• "What Non-Christians Want Christians to Hear" (Patheos)
• "Proselytize: Three Reasons Why Christians Can't (and Shouldn't) Stop" (Christian Post)
• "Can We Talk about Religion, Please?' (New York Times)

Required:

• MLA Style
• 250 words (one page)
• Works cited page

Due: Thu 4.11