In real life, do you discuss religion with others?

Question

I don't, because honestly, I don't see much of a point. You can present every logical argument in the book, but in the end, people will believe whatever they want to believe. So...unless there's something I'm overlooking, or you just like to argue and debate for the conversational and intellectual stimulation that comes from it, I don't see where it gets much of anywhere. However, there have been times when I have discussed (not really debated) religious topics with people. But when that happened, it was because the people I was talking to were open-minded enough to consider a variety of topics, and would not tell me I was stupid or that I was going to Hell for thinking a certain way.

Answer 1

Yes I do, for many reasons. A lot of people want to talk about these issues, and that always leaves an open door. Some people ask me, which opens the door.

I have found over the years that there are many Christians who have never understood the faith, and those are good discussions, I have had friends who are atheist/agnostic/Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Mormon... Many of them are interested in the conversations.

In general, the conversations can be productive, and there are times when people change their minds. I guess the bottom lines is, if you care enough about people to engage them in important conversations, sometimes lasting years, that can have a big impact.

Also, if someone is not interested in the conversation, I don't push it, as it is certainly their right to not have it.

Above all, be respectful.

Answer 2

I'll go through periods where I do and don't, I try to never bring it up around my friends, but if they bring it up I'll be glad to get involved with it. I got into it because I think that it is a universal thing for people to talk about, know, I think it's important for everyone to have some knowledge of it and everyone has beliefs not matter what those are, but I don't really try and change people's beliefs, and in real life I pretty much avoid religious talk altogether. I am always thinking about it though, so this is a good place to see what other people think without getting all in-your-face, even though people do that anyways, but that's what makes it great. If this was like a real place, I think so long as people didn't bring guns or explosives it would be an awesome place to hang out. There'd by someone chanting hatred in the name of this guy, praising this guy, someone meditating in the corner, or people just watching the excitement. I'd pay to go to that place.

Answer 3

It depends. If you mean setting out to talk about religion on purpose, I do that generally with people I know well, close friends, family, members of my church group. I may have such a discussion with a person I don't know well, if that person initiates the conversation. I don't tend to lauch such discussions with relative strangers, because there are too many angry people out there, too aggressive in speech, too easily offended. However, religion sometimes comes up inadvertantly, when it wasn't intended to be the main topic of conversation. When that happens, I generally go ahead or pull back on the subject depending on the way the other person responds to the mention. I don't necessarily limit religious talk only to Catholics or Christians. I've had some of my most enlightening religious conversations with two women who are an agnostic and a Unitarian. ( In fact, it was the agnostic who gave me the best definition I've ever heard of Original Sin -- she calls it "the inborn human tendency to louse everything up.") Religious conversations can be wonderful, if everybody listens to each other and is open to wherever the Spirit is leading us. But they can be counterproductive if they turn into dogmatic screaming fits. In such cases, I just back off and change the subject.

Answer 4

Yes. I get to discuss it a lot!

I basically let everyone know that I am a "Jesus Freak" and I have no problem with whatever they do. I will even tell people to lighten up if they change their language around me like I'm some kind of Zealot or something. I'm just a sinner saved by grace who loves Jesus and you too. Respect will open a ton of doors. People know what I believe. If they have questions they will ask me.

Answer 5

Me and my dad talk about GOD all the time :)

I do talk to others about religion but I tend to keep it simple because most of my acquaintances do not have a belief system..If they start to get agitated and want to force their view , I sit and listen... There is no sense in me trying to talk to someone about GOD if that person is not open to hear it.
Took me a loooong time to figure this out....

I do not debate religion ... Its futile ...I have my belief and no one can change that and visa versa...But if someone is genuinely interested , I will discuss and answer questions ...

Good question by the way :)

Answer 6

I try to share my faith whenever given the opportunity. But I believe that as the bible teaches, we are not called to be lawyers as if Jesus needed a defense team or prosecutors. The gospel has the power with or without us. We can convince people, but it is the holy spirit that convicts the heart and causes a real change in the person. We are simply called to speak the truth with grace.

Answer 7

The word disciple means follower.The Bible teaches that Jesus left us a model and we should follow his footsteps. What did Jesus do when it came to discussing his faith? He taught the Bible and he taught people how to get to know his Father and how to do his Father's will, by his actions and his words. So, if you want to be a true disciple of Christ, you need to follow through with the command Jesus left us in Matthew 28:19,20 - you need to talk about the Bible and teach people. So yes, I do it all the time.

Answer 8

I often share the reason for the hope that I treasure in my heart 'in real life' and the reason I do, is that God wants me to and that I might one day meet someone, anyone in heaven that would thank me for being obedient to God's prompting to share the love that He placed on my heart to share.

And my intelect need not be stimulated at all, even so, it is.

Answer 9

As often as I can. I love talking about the Bible, the Word of God, because we are commanded to know God's word. Especially in this day and age, the knowledge of the Bible is very important. I see the Bible unfolding in Israel each day.
Keep your eyes on Jerusalem.

Answer 10

Yes, I'm Catholic and my friend is Pentecostal. There are a lot of discussions and arguements but is all in good fun. Though, we never changed our minds about our beliefs is entertaining and we do it in a respectful way.