I agree completely with Brother Steurer. I want to go further, though. How to deal with family members and friends who are clearly under the spell of views that are not only questionable but outright lies? These fraudulent ideas are in a good many cases causing them intense anxiety--I worry about their health and even their sanity. When a total lack of critical thinking endangers their families and their health, what is my responsibility?
LoraDecember 2, 2022
Decades ago, when I was a young teen, my mother and uncle got into a heated political argument at Thanksgiving that seemed to go on for hours. We never went to Thanksgiving at grandma's house again. And what for? Nobody changed their minds.
A while ago, my brother asked me a direct political question, which I answered, and he yelled, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" I responded calmly, "You can out-yell me, but it probably won't change my mind. But what matters here is not my opinion, but that we love each other. What matters more to me than anything happening in current events is our family." That calmed him down, because we share this value: family is more important than anything political. We don't have to agree with each other to love each other.
There is so much name-calling in politics. I like the "Tell Me More" approach--where you seek clarity over agreement. If we ask questions seeking to understand Why people think what they do, we will at least gain understanding. I recognize that my opinions are not gospel truth. I've even been known to change my opinions. Opinions are not eternal. When we can love each other, no matter what, there will be peace on earth.
MaryannDecember 2, 2022
The best way to solve the problem of contention regarding political opinions is to make a mutual agreement that you will not discuss politics or make any political comments in the presence of one another. This is often the ONLY way to avoid contention regarding political viewpoints. I have also pulled back on reading so much about politics. It's like an ongoing soap opera, and it can become an obsession. Much of the reporting is designed to stir people up and to promote contention. I, too, have had a very difficult time understanding why some members of the church support political agendas that are in direct opposition to gospel principles. However, when we are engaged in scripture study, prayer, enjoying uplifting friendships, using our talents, and service, we will be much less likely to be stirred up in rage over politics. Our minds will be on a higher purposes. We CAN learn to CHOOSE to focus on more positive thoughts and to overcome unbridled anger.
KJBDecember 2, 2022
Let me guess, the person being written in about is a Democrat who thinks Biden is doing a good job...
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Breck EnglandDecember 2, 2022
I agree completely with Brother Steurer. I want to go further, though. How to deal with family members and friends who are clearly under the spell of views that are not only questionable but outright lies? These fraudulent ideas are in a good many cases causing them intense anxiety--I worry about their health and even their sanity. When a total lack of critical thinking endangers their families and their health, what is my responsibility?
LoraDecember 2, 2022
Decades ago, when I was a young teen, my mother and uncle got into a heated political argument at Thanksgiving that seemed to go on for hours. We never went to Thanksgiving at grandma's house again. And what for? Nobody changed their minds. A while ago, my brother asked me a direct political question, which I answered, and he yelled, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" I responded calmly, "You can out-yell me, but it probably won't change my mind. But what matters here is not my opinion, but that we love each other. What matters more to me than anything happening in current events is our family." That calmed him down, because we share this value: family is more important than anything political. We don't have to agree with each other to love each other. There is so much name-calling in politics. I like the "Tell Me More" approach--where you seek clarity over agreement. If we ask questions seeking to understand Why people think what they do, we will at least gain understanding. I recognize that my opinions are not gospel truth. I've even been known to change my opinions. Opinions are not eternal. When we can love each other, no matter what, there will be peace on earth.
MaryannDecember 2, 2022
The best way to solve the problem of contention regarding political opinions is to make a mutual agreement that you will not discuss politics or make any political comments in the presence of one another. This is often the ONLY way to avoid contention regarding political viewpoints. I have also pulled back on reading so much about politics. It's like an ongoing soap opera, and it can become an obsession. Much of the reporting is designed to stir people up and to promote contention. I, too, have had a very difficult time understanding why some members of the church support political agendas that are in direct opposition to gospel principles. However, when we are engaged in scripture study, prayer, enjoying uplifting friendships, using our talents, and service, we will be much less likely to be stirred up in rage over politics. Our minds will be on a higher purposes. We CAN learn to CHOOSE to focus on more positive thoughts and to overcome unbridled anger.
KJBDecember 2, 2022
Let me guess, the person being written in about is a Democrat who thinks Biden is doing a good job...
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