“Never Talk Religion or Politics”

An age-old common adage is: “Never talk religion or politics.” While this counsel might sound wise to some, consider who would benefit if people refused to talk or listen to discussions on religion or politics.

What nation or individual could not benefit from being more informed in the area of politics and religion? In a nation where politics were not discussed, leaders would be free to do as they pleased because no one would be educated enough to care to do anything about the problems caused by inept politicians. The result: the potential loss of “freedom of speech” and “freedom of religion.”

Imagine being told that unless you denounce Christ and pay allegiance to Allah you will go to jail, or worse. These actions are possible in a nation where people “never talk politics.” In addition, a nation filled with individuals programmed to shun discussion of Jesus and the Bible, God’s revelation to us, could not possibly enjoy the high values and principles of a nation of people that love to discuss religion in search of truth. In the absence of open discussion, false teachers of religion thrive and are free to deceive, as Jesus warned would happen, and as Paul said was already happening (2 Thes 2:3; Mk 13:5-6; Rom 16:18; Eph 4:14; 2 Tm 3:13).

Whether one should participate in a particular political or religious discussion depends on a number of things: 1) motive; 2) temperament [including the temperament of the other person(s)]; 3) the circumstances; and 4) one's knowledge and ability. If we are not able to have a profitable discussion on politics or religion, the problem might not be due to the toxicity of the subject—it might be a flaw in us. Maybe we don't know how to talk about politics or religion, which may be because we never do it. Or, maybe we avoid discussing these potentially explosive issues because we feel it is impolite. Perhaps if we did it more we could learn to be more courteous and tactful. Besides, some things are more important than being polite. How can we feel right about determining not to discuss two of the most important issues in our existence–-our freedom (politics) and our purpose (religion)?

Notice the following command to Christians: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pt 3:15). Is God sanctified in our hearts? Are we ready to give an answer for why we have hope? Unfortunately, many are not ready to give an answer due to the ill given advice: “Never discuss religion or politics.”

Surely we can learn to converse about religion with “meekness and fear” and without getting angry. This means we develop a mindset to keep our cool no matter what is said. We can be passionate about our beliefs without resorting to insults, verbal abuse and name-calling.

For more on the Christian and politics (loaded with scripture) go to: www.gospelway.com/christianlife/politics.php

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