Never discuss <blank> with members of the opposite party

[DigitalShadow]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with believing one's opinions are true. However, rousing, loud, angry polemic only serves to rally supporters. It turns off potential converts. So, when I'm discussing my views with those who disagree, or are uncommitted, I listen a lot, plant my ideas concisely and respectfully, and hope that the listener eventually considers my view and makes it her own. Tone is everything...well, listening first, then tone.

I don't think there is anything wrong with believing your opinions are true, but to me, believing your opinions are so true that you should actively try to convert people to your way of thinking seems wrong. I know I'm probably more guilty of it that most so this is certainly not a condemnation of anyone.

I think that ideally the truth is something that needs to be continually sought and re-evaluated with new information rather than firmly holding a position with the intent to imprint it on others because you are so sure it is right. It seems so many people (myself included) get into discussions without any intention of critically analyzing the other side's points but still expect the other person to accept the points you make.

To me that is the root of why some topics are usually a bad idea to bring up. I'm probably just rambling again though, so feel free to ignore this if it didn't make sense :)

[the Ogre]

Can we have a 'show of hands' for who thinks war is okay, yet doesn't support abortion? Because war is abortion of everything.

Okay, I don't like war, but agree that at times it is important and often misused (like, why aren't we in Darfur?), but I do not support abortion. I support the church's position and that is as far as I'm willing to go.

Personally, I think abortion is a type of eugenics run mad . . . how many abortion clinics/planned-parenthood clinics are next to poor and/or minority neighborhoods? Most of them are. I support the rights of individuals, even poor people, to have as many children as they want or not want without having to execute them before they are born.

Topics off limits when talking to one of the opposite thought (party, faction, whatever): religion and the ethics of being active in an activist/evangelist religion while pursuing a career in academics (particularly from a social-constructionist/marxist background). Yeah, talk about getting pigeon-holed.

[the Ogre]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with believing one's opinions are true. However, rousing, loud, angry polemic only serves to rally supporters. It turns off potential converts. So, when I'm discussing my views with those who disagree, or are uncommitted, I listen a lot, plant my ideas concisely and respectfully, and hope that the listener eventually considers my view and makes it her own. Tone is everything...well, listening first, then tone.

Okay, first: I agree. Second, a caveat: stating polemics (and what really isn't polemical?) in less then active-language makes one boring.

[Maxel]

Can we have a 'show of hands' for who thinks war is okay, yet doesn't support abortion? Because war is abortion of everything.

There's a difference- if a person goes into a war to protect his god-given liberties.

In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites (when righteous) only go to war to defend themselves from the Lamanites. The only time the Nephites (when righteous) begin the fighting themselves is when the king-men attempt to take over Zarahemla, and Captain Moroni leads those who love liberty into battle, under the banner of the 'title of liberty'.

The title of liberty was Moroni's coat that he tore when he first heard of the king-men's attempted coup. It read:

"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children"

-Alma 46:11

Wars over anything except to maintain or appropriate one's god-given freedoms are never justified and are horrible.

[ADoyle90815]

Condemning waterboarding as torture can be bad in front of some Republicans. Then, there are the hot issues such as abortion and same sex marriage.