Why the Dinner Table is the Perfect Place to Talk About Religion
Time to talk about the taboo conversation of religion.
Religion and politics. Two topics that you do not mention at the dinner table. But why? Society as a whole over the past 30 years has adopted this mantra as fact. The thinking is that conversation at the dinner table should be wholesome. It should be fun and happy. Most of all it should be agreeable.
“difficult conversations are almost never about getting the facts right. They are about conflicting perceptions, interpretations, and values.” — Douglas Stone.
Society is doing itself an injustice by steering away from difficult conversations at the dinner table. What the current mantra is ultimately saying is that we should not really talk about controversial, or different, or meaningful issues, especially if there will be disagreement amongst people because of those issues.
Allowing topics like religion to not be discussed allows for people to not expand outside their normal way of thinking. With so many religions in the world, there are many beliefs to be learned about.
Having these conversations when you are young in turn grows a more understanding, compassionate individual towards others.
People are scared to talk about religion because it means talking about your faith. How you think and believe. That is a deeply personal subject. It can be a turn off when brought up in the wrong way. But when you start the conversation young, and you are used to addressing those controversial topics, you are more likely to understand another’s point of view on religion.
It all comes down to acceptance.
Acceptance that there are other religions and beliefs besides yours. Acceptance that your religion is not the only true and correct one. The conversation starts in your family at the dinner table, where it is okay to talk about deep topics like religion. Take that time to address your point of view on religion, but also others. What do others believe? Learn about what creates culture and meaning to others, and you can start the process of acceptance.
All too often we hear about discrimination towards others because what they believe. This sadly is the case not just in America but worldwide. Taking the time with your family, with your children, to address religion will benefit them in the long run.
It also teaches your family conversation skills necessary for life.
How to handle when someone disagrees with you. How to effectively communicate how you feel. How to navigate the waters of deeply controversial topics. You want to think, “how can I find common ground with someone so we can grow together?”
This may not be easy. You will want to put yourself on the defensive. You will want to immediately one up the other persons point of view. But taking a step back and analyzing what they are saying allows you to grow together.
“Simply by changing your own behavior, you gain at least some influence over the problem.” — Douglas Stone.
Disagreeing with someone's point of view is OK.
With all these controversial topics being talked about at the dinner table, it is okay to teach your children and family, that to disagree with someone is OK. It is perfectly fine to have differing opinions on the subject of religion. What is not fine, is allowing your beliefs and views to cloud your acceptance of others. What is not fine is pushing your beliefs and views onto other people.
The dinner table is for laughing, talking about your day, eating a good meal, and communicating. The dinner table should also be about deep, meaningful, controversial topics that expand our minds and help expand the minds of our families.
