10 RULES
for Talking Politics and Religion
by Rev. MATTHEW BROWN
1. Assume the person you are listening to knows something you don’t.
OK, so i stole THIS from Dr. Jordan Peterson's recent bestselling book, 12 Rules for Life. But when something is good, it belongs to everyone; there are no copyrights on truth. Discerning truth should always be our goal when conversing on matters like politics and religion—not being right or defeating our opponent. We like to think we have things figured out and have nothing to learn from, say, Republicans or Protestants. This can give us a sense of security. But what we lose is an opportunity to grow and learn. It’s difficult to assume your opponent knows something you don’t. It requires both inner security and humility. It must be a discipline, something you practice intentionally, even when it makes you feel vulnerable. The life of a Christian should be dynamic: a continual process of repentance, growth, and change. It is a series of miniature deaths and resurrections, in which our prior beliefs, concepts, and opinions must die so that truer ones can rise up. Consider these words of the Apostle Paul: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for jacob's well
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which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have laid hold of it” (Phil. 3:12). 2. When the other person is talking, don’t be thinking about what you’ll say next.
In other words, set your ego aside, be quiet, and listen. Concentrate on and understand what the other person is saying. Don’t waste your time on debates; you’re probably not smart enough or informed enough on the topic. Most people aren’t. In this time of extreme polarization and outrage culture, we need genuine and honest conversation. Consider that no one adopts a new political allegiance or converts to a faith because they were overwhelmed by facts or mentally strongarmed. People come to belief in Christ through genuine, honest, and heartfelt conversation that connects them with another soul and, in that moment, catch a glimpse of the Divine. They listen, and open their hearts, when they sense that the other’s heart is equally open and has no other agenda but their welfare. Openness and honesty happen when someone feels totally free with another person, when no coercion or guilting is involved. Our egos render many of us poor at evangelization: Set yourself aside. 3. Don’t argue with idiots, because the people watching can’t tell who’s the idiot.
Arguing with an idiot makes you the idiot. Harsh? Perhaps, but it’s true. If you find yourself in such a situation, take it as a lesson in humility, politely end the conversation, and wish the other person well. Better yet, apologize for being an idiot. Perhaps they’ll see the light too, but if not, nothing will be lost. At least you’ll have saved your own soul. Take time to judge your emotional and mental state before jumping into a heated conversation or bringing up contentious topics. Is it late at night? Have you been drinking? Did you argue with your spouse earlier in the day? Was your day particularly stressful? Then don’t talk about politics or
