One reason I love living in Utah is because religion is the big ole elephant in the room and in my advanced age, I love facing that elephant. In many places, talking about religion and politics is taboo, and maybe it is here too, but if you're not Mormon it's your right as a minority to discuss your views.
Here's what I'm wondering: if religion and politics are taboo topics, how do we learn and expand our views on very important subjects if we don't talk to people who have differing points of view? I understand that discussions can become attacks, and that's unfortunate, because then nothing is gained. My observation is that we too often surround ourselves with people who have the same religious and political views we have and we may have some great conversations, but have our eyes really been opened?
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7 comments:
I think you're wrong Heather. :) I don't think politics OR religion are taboo... maybe to some, but not to me.
Perhaps you are right in some sense because I know what you are saying. Some people aren't opened minded about politics and if you disagree with their views it can be really frustrating to have a conversation with them because they are so bull headed and refuse to hear you at all. I have had personal experience in this with family members. Since I'm a teacher I tend to side with democrats on most political issues and since I'm LDS I tend to side with republicans on moral issues. That can be SO FRUSTRATING! So I try to support the issues I believe in, rather than a party. That's tough in Utah. I also don't talk politics because I am woefully uninformed, and I KNOW that.
As for religion... yes, I think people (espcially LDS, you are right) can get offended by things others say who don't share the same views. But I do think the door swings both ways.
But, I think you've proved that it isn't taboo. :) Or maybe you are just a rebel.
I like reading your posts because you are honest. Some of the things you say might be a bit forward... and I might get tied up in a knot for a minute until I step back and realize you are just expressing what you truly believe.
I've thought a lot about your religious posts. There have been many times when I've been on the verge of responding. But I'm never quite sure what to say. I know you won't be offended by me, but I also don't want to come across as defensive. I've often wondered how to tell you what I truly feel and believe without making you think I'm disregarding your concerns.
I think that it is amazing that you are out there searching. As you say - you don't know what you really believe. But you are accepting of what I believe, even if you don't agree with what I believe. I think I am the same with you. Does that make sense?
I'll miss the thoughts you cast over what I believe. It gives me a chance to examine what I really do feel. I like that. You aren't afraid to be who you are Heather, and that isn't always easy NO mater where you live.
Are my ramblings crazy enough for you? :)
Tannie -
I hope you will respond when I post something that you see differently, because that is how I will learn! I love that you are honest and secure in what you believe, but also willing to read things that may put a different light on what you believe. So many people, me included, surround themselves with people who are like-minded and are just reassured that their views are the right views instead of being challenged and looking at things from a different perspective.
When I lived in Utah from 1991-1999, I felt a lot of anger, but held much of it in. When Steve and I decided to return, I knew I had to handle things differently or I would become bitter again. My blog has been a way for me to question some things about the dominant culture, things that I don't understand or that offend me. My hope was/is that people would comment and offer their point of view, especially when it is different from mine!
I've also been fortunate to have had wonderful conversations about religion with friends here and to attend some services. Those friends have also come with us to the church we currently attend, which has been great, because I was told Mormons do not attend other churches - obviously not true! Quite a few things I was told about Mormons have been proven wrong and I can't wait to get back out there, outside of Utah, and tell others who have biased views of Mormons!
I don't think you would come across as defensive, Tannie, when responding to my religious posts. I think you would be offering a point of view I had not considered. What I see regarding the Mormon religion is tainted by my own experiences and beliefs. I loved when Auri Ann responded and pointed out her view of why the Temple's ceremonies are restricted to certain members. It helped me see things in a new way.
I imagine I'll be searching until the day I die, which is fine, it's a great journey. I think all people search, whether it's searching within the parameters of a belief structure or searching without boundaries. I feel like my journey has been greatly complimented by the time I've spent in Utah.
Rambling is ALWAYS encouraged on here...so please, ramble away!! :)
Alright then, I'll keep them coming. :) AND, I'll be braver and comment more often.
I enjoy reading the comments too! I was told many things about Mormons from people who weren't, but didn't know much myself. I'm finding that just like the rest of us, they are diverse in their journeys. Stereotyping or keeping quiet does not help us understand or appreciate the depth of faith, the culture, or the friendships. I'm thankful for people being able to talk with others about religion and politics, but what about sex? JK, I'm so thankful you are willing to be bold Heather and Tannie. I am working on getting a thicker skin. Expressing myself to people who are not in my immediate family is easy. Disagreeing and experiencing rejection from family has been difficult, but I'm learning that it is better than holding it in--even with the consequences.
Kelly - it is hard to express oneself without offending others and for me, this blog has been a safe zone, because I don't have to see people's first reactions! I'm a wuss when it comes to standing up for what I believe in when confronted with differences in person, but behind a screen, it's easy. I love hearing about other people's beliefs and why they believe what they do, but I often take it as an affront against my own beliefs, and it's not about that (well, sometimes I think it is).
So glad we can talk about these things and I'm so glad others tell me when they think I'm wrong - it's good for me!
Oh Heather, I'm sorry that you are leaving Utah so soon. I would have liked to run into you at Summerfest at least four more times.
I enjoy talking about religion in person, if the conversation is open and agenda-free, and the participants in the conversation seem to honestly try to learn from each other and not just take turns preaching or listening to themselves talk.
I tend to silently lurk on in-depth religious discussions on the internet, just because it's so public, and I never know who could be reading. Being a Mormon is something that is very special to me, and so when I'm attacked on that front, it can really hurt, and my skin in that area isn't as thick as it is in other areas.
Politics I stay out of--just because I honestly feel so stupid about the whole thing, and just when I think I have a handle on what my views are, someone comes along with another viewpoint that makes a lot of sense and I get all confused again.
Charlotte - I think I write about my questions and views regarding religion on here because I view it as safe...when hello, I'm announcing my position to the world! Not having a belief structure keeps one from being a target and it seems a bit wussy to me at times, but I just have not found anything I can fully believe. I like aspects of Christianity, aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, etc., but there is not one practice I feel I can fully follow. I want to learn more about people's beliefs and religions, so I appreciate when you and others tell me what you think, because again, I'm an outsider looking in and it is easy to make judgments when on the outside! :)
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