It is said that one should never discuss religion or politics “in polite company,” but, to me, that’s always seemed a rather convenient way to maintain [if not promote] the status quo. Following this particular rule of etiquette does naught but protect one from exposure to new ideas and perspectives. It allows one to believe that everything worth knowing is already known. It damns us to infernal, mind-numbingly eternal conversations about minutiae. And it ensures our never-ending division, both spiritually and politically…which benefits none but those who would be our masters.
America’s most belligerent, vocal [and thoroughly Christ-Free] “Christians” abhor any and all reminder of Jesus’ words…an aberration which long ago proved just the incentive I needed to become a Reverend. Our average [equally belligerent] “citizen” — “left” and “right,” “liberal” or “conservative” — is similarly averse to information regarding candidates’ and government’s records, if soundbytes [and other catapulted propaganda] are the stuff of dreams…a disconnect which made me a fan of anarchy. The complete absence of any form of political authority does not have to mean “chaos and disorder,” whereas complete control by any form of political authority always means “Trouble.”
Recently, I had an “impolite discussion” [in a friendly manner] with a self-described “highly-educated professional” who, when presented with an array of unequivocal facts, suddenly exploded. “I don’t need facts. That’s my opinion, and that makes it valid!” Variations on this theme are now a daily occurrence, whether discussing religion, politics, medicine, science, history…virtually any subject which might benefit from participants’ knowledge of facts. Life would be better if we simply and always [and ever so politely] agreed to disagree? Even about such as, oh…whether that spot on the map is Australia or Kuwait?[!]
Why do so many of us expect [if not insist] that our uninformed opinions be treated as sacrosanct? Why is it considered “impolite” to encourage Thought, to introduce facts, or to acknowledge the elephant in our living room? “Willful ignorance” is the most valuable commodity — to politicians and the clergy…to kings and generals…to Madison Avenue and Big Pharma…et cetera, ad nauseam. Why does it seem human nature to defend most passionately one’s right to be misled and enslaved? Why are the most profoundly ignorant also the most eager to act as The Deciders for us all? If ever there were a proper time and place for a “rude” Awakening, this moment and planet Earth would be It…Rv [for whom the oft-abused truncation of a veritable Truth — “if you believe that when ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to be wise, you are indeed a fool” — is an unpetable peeve.]
“When people who are honestly mistaken learn the truth, they will either cease being mistaken, or cease being honest.” — Anon
Incredible site!