Religion and politics

 There are two subjects that we aren't meant to discuss - religion and politics, so let's discuss them...

I know a lot of people, many of whom have differing views on both religion and politics, (and probably music, food, books, brand of washing powder, etc), and you'd be amazed how little it comes up. I know nowadays it's the done thing to argue and bicker about every single little thing but I'm genuinely tired of it. 

When I was between the ages of 18 and 20 I desperately wanted to argue about anything and everything, I was an almost militant atheist, to the degree that if you were religious I would want to prove my opinion is more valid than yours. Similarly I would happily bicker with anyone who had differing opinions politics-wise, in fact this was a regular happening. 

As I write this, I am 38 and although I am still very much an atheist and left-wing, there has been a definite shift...

I don't like to argue about that stuff anymore, in fact - if somebody feels like their religious faith helps them get through the day, I endorse that. Just because I myself may not believe in it, who am I to judge? The main point being that none of us actually know who is right as by the time we get confirmation, we are deceased, so the only factor we have is faith in our beliefs, be it an atheist, Christian, Hindu, Mormon, etc. I don't feel it is right to argue with someone over something that ultimately has nothing to do with me. 

A good example of the way my opinion has altered in this respect is Richard Dawkins, I can recall thinking his brand of atheism was brilliant, the way he shot down religion with logic and reason. But nowadays, I find him displaying the exact same characteristics he is rallying about but from the other side, he himself preaches about others preaching. Plus his views can definitely be construed as bigotry, which I find abhorrent. 

The same with politics, I am a lifelong Labour supporter, (being working class this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone), and I am most definitely anti-tory, I despise everything they stand for and genuinely believe they are morally corrupt, from the likes of Boris Johnson downwards. Some of my favourite people actively speak out against them, as have I, quite rightfully and I will never understand how they get voted in, but...I won't hate somebody based on the fact they support them, I may be disappointed, but I won't sever all ties or fall out with them over what is, essentially, their opinion, as life genuinely is too short. It takes all sorts to make a world and therefore rather than falling out with friends, I just accept them for who they are and hope they do the same with me. I hasten to add that I am not defending the tories, nor endorsing any kind of support for then, they are awful, all I am saying is that debate and criticism is fine, just don't hurl abuse at someone based on a differing opinion. 

Also, as a sidenote, no amount of arguing will ever change someone's mind, I know that Labour, at heart, have the most policies that I agree with and my mind will never get swayed by someone haranguing me. The same applies for any political party, I may criticise the party you vote for, but I won't hurl abuse at you personally.

I've always tried to live my life by the maxim "do not do unto others what you would not have done unto you" (by Confucious I believe). I genuinely try to be kind to most people and as I get older the effort becomes less as I become less angry about things that are out of my power. 

It is worth noting that some of the kindest people I know or have known have been religious and despite knowing that I myself am not religious, they have never attempted to convert or "save" me. They just accept me as I am, which I approve of and indeed extend the same courtesy, who am I to question their beliefs. Again, some of the kindest people I have met have been fellow atheists, so it just goes to show - beliefs in any shape or form can equal kindness. 

So I guess what I'm saying is that yes, perhaps we shouldn't discuss religion or politics but if they are mentioned, let's not judge, just accept folks are different and move on. The world is a hard enough place as it is already, I don't want to add any coldness to it. Also, I don't think someone's personal beliefs should completely determine who they are as a person, that is just one facet of them.

(P.s. I realise I will lose cool points with this blog, but I've never been cool anyway so I'm ok with that)