Talking about Religion

In this time of creative and strategic marketing and advertising, we seldom find companies that use religion to send their messages across. It is ironic how marketing avoids religion when a majority of people around the world considered themselves religious.

If marketers could somehow find a way to tap into religion to promote their products and services, then they would be very, very successful. Just consider how the Bible, without any form of marketing as we know it, became the all-time best-selling book all over the world.

In everyday life, too, we are told to avoid religion in certain circumstances. We are trained not to bring the subject up in polite conversation, not even among friends. Along with politics, religion is one thing that should never be talked about, unless the conversation is intellectual in nature.

This is mainly because religion is deeply rooted in any individual. It touches on your belief system and could hinge very deeply on your emotions. In fact, there are people who are consumed by their beliefs that they start cults. There are people who are willing to die for the tenets of their own faith. And there are people who would argue endlessly over the merits of their own religion and the demerits of others'. And because some religions can be strict about its doctrines, these belief systems have an inherent deterrent for detractors. For example, the Catholic faith teaches its followers that only a select few will be saved, and those who do not believe in the Risen Christ will perish. Not only that, the Bible is filled with stories about people who do not believe and the dire consequences that befell them and how others will try to lead the faithful astray. This main teaching or belief can be open to attack by others who do not share it.

Avoiding religious talk

While we often try to steer clear of religion, there will always be situations wherein you find yourself in a company that would eventually lead to discussing it, or try to draw you into arguments about it. If you find that you are not ready to talk about it, or you are uncomfortable with the topic, the best way to avoid talking about religion is to, flatly say no.

Be honest and tell the other person that you are not willing to talk about your personal beliefs.

You can also:

Try to change the topic. You could try to joke about it, making light of the situation and making it easier for you to avoid discussing it deeply. Another effective way to divert the subject of religion is to ask the other person about his work or his children, and let him ramble on about it.

Try not to argue. If you find yourself already having the conversation, do not argue with the other person. You may find yourself disagreeing with some of what is being said, and the other party might already be deliberately or unknowingly disparaging your religion. This makes it easy to, just go ahead and argue with the other person. Instead, signify your interest in what is being said, without pointing out inconsistencies between it and your own beliefs. Just nod or say something like, “That is an interesting point.” Do not bash others' beliefs, as you do not want them bashing yours.

Leave. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation. Make an excuse like the need to place a phone call, or go to the bathroom. There is no sense in continuing with a conversation you do not want to have or feel uncomfortable about. A graceful exit can save you from a sticky situation later.

Introduce another person into the discussion. There will always be people who want to talk about religion, and if you can put two of them together then you are in for a grand time. Stand back and listen to a healthy debate; you might be able to pick up some new learning as they parry back and forth with their beliefs.

If you find that you like to discuss religion with the other person, but feel that it is not the proper time or place to do it (like during a lunch break with other colleagues around), then suggest to him or her a better location and time. This will help you control the environment and enjoy the discussion more.