You’ve heard the adage that one should never discuss politics or religion in mixed company. I was taught this at a very young age. It was right up there with the “Golden Rule” and “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” I’m assuming the thought process behind such “rules” is that one should always be polite. One should never cause unnecessary drama or risk angering or hurting someone’s feelings. On the surface, these instructions are quite prudent. I spent most of my early adulthood adhering to these directives. However, when one takes into account the fact that politics and religion are two of the most affecting factors on human existence, don’t you think everyone should be talking about them?

In this age of Facebook and Twitter, opinions are glaring at us every time we look at a screen. The sheer amount of crap that is shared on social media is astounding. From memes to articles to posts from the ordinary everyday citizen, we are inundated with opinions on the politics and religions of others. While some are factual, others (most) are blatant propaganda. I cannot deny that such discussions can and often lead to debate, but the fact that open dialogue is being had about such topics is heartening.

I have a Facebook friend that I’ve known since high school. He and I have a fundamental difference in thought processes concerning politics and religion. Recently, he shared a video of a Muslim woman in Moscow who was carrying around the head of a child who had been in her charge. There was very little information included with the video initially posted other than the fact that she had beheaded the child. His caption read “Another reason to stop Muslim immigration and close mosques in America. #MuslimsAreDemocrats.” After recovering from my face-palm, I commented on the post. In a matter of minutes, he and I (and soon others) were in the midst of a heated discussion. Once my blood pressure had escalated to dangerous levels, I waved the white flag. I did not surrender to his way of thinking, nor he to mine, but I surrendered to the fact that he and I could argue until this time next week and never change one another’s minds. We called a truce. But you know what? We talked about a critical issue. Several issues. You may be thinking, “What is the point if no one’s mind is changed?” The point is that we forced each other to think. We forced each other to take a good hard look at what we each believe and WHY we believe it. We forced each other to reinforce our personal stance. And the fact that our exchange ended peacefully, despite our differences, was an example to others.

We, the collective people, do not have to agree on everything. We are never going to agree on everything. And most especially, we are not going to agree on politics and religion. But if we never discuss these things with one another, how will we know what we believe? Personal conviction is so important; but if our convictions are never challenged, how can we be confident in them? So I challenge you to talk about these things. Ask your neighbor his thoughts on Donald Trump. Ask your Jewish coworker about her faith. Comment on that Bernie Sanders meme. Challenge that person whose status accused all atheists of being immoral. Talk about it. When we show people a modicum of respect and decency, it’s amazing the topics that we can broach. Just keep it classy, folks.