Informal reunion with a few friends in adolescence is very pleasant. It was not a big event, but only a few people gathered to karaoke at a friend’s house. It was really just a relaxing event at first but then had time to become tense by a story.
The tension occurred when four of us took some snacks together in the next room. At that time one of us briefly and lightly told about his daughter who conveyed her desire, whether serious or not, to become an agnostic. A little explanation of the reasons for her desire is that she can no longer believe in religion even though she still believes that God exists. Something that originally was a parent’s story about his daughter then developed after more people gathered, were involved, expressed their views, and argued.
The discussion then widened into a debate between right or wrong from the attitude of choosing agnostics, even extending into the realm of theist and atheist, life after death and its contra, reincarnation, etc. to flowing various excuses, principles, verses, references , figures, history, sources of thought and opinion, etc. Tensions also arise because there are also religious differences among us, besides those who are pro and contra against agnostics and atheists.
Really, all the topics they discussed or debated were not interesting for me, but how they insisted, attacked and defended each other, far more interesting to observe. After some time the discussion was not finished, I chose to go back to the karaoke room and sing again. Another friend who followed me commented, asking, “It is troublesome for us to talk about beliefs and unbelief, or also differences. By the way, why are you just staying quiet in that forum?”
“If everyone feels very right, feels that they really know and believes, is my opinion important?”
“Yes, at least you can convey your own point of view, right?”
“It is a discussion without moderators, without direction and purpose, if my opinion is totally different from all of them, surely the discussion will be wider and not produce anything other than the increase of personal ego and group ego. So, why do I bring my point of view? Besides, I don’t know anything about all that. “
“Then, what is your view of them?”
“Nothing, except like watching humor about their insistence,” I replied while starting to sing the song We Are The Champion.
It’s funny, a few minutes later one by one they began to gather again and joined singing the song together, even repeating it once more.
In such a situation, I always don’t want to say anything. I do not want to debate something that is essentially non-duality in the parameters of duality. I also do not want to be forced to choose and side with a pole or have to struggle to stand at the midpoint, because for me the balance even has to negate the two poles themselves. Indeed, in the life of duality, it is difficult not to take sides in a pole, is it?
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In such a situation, how would you behave?
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Take sides
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Be neutral
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Leave the debate
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Users voted 12 times.
Q: In such a situation, how would you behave?
Take sides (2 votes) – 17%
Be neutral (9 votes) – 75%
Leave the debate (1 votes) – 8%
I enjoy debates like anyone else. However on sensitive subjects like politics and religion, I stay on neutral ground.
That’s another something in common between us.
Some issues are very sensitive to discuss.
If you like to fight with your friends or relatives or even family, talk about religion and politics. I don’t personally like to talk about religion.
I think there is a common idiom for us in your comment.
ahhh good idiom is fun. I love teaching it.
Yep! Teach me more about it.
come on you know more than me… you wisdom is greater than mine haha
it comes with the age I am sure
Geez…
Do you say that with the assumption that I am a very old man?
Hehehe…
I’m not a conflicting person and I would probably retire dear friend
I can feel the subtlety of your very friendly manners, my friend. We have the same attitude about avoiding conflict.
Exactly-you just forgot about me
Forgot? You? What?
No! Never…
How can I forget about you, my good friend?
I kind of joked-I know you would never forget me my friend
Especially because your smile on the photo is so impressive.
It usually depends for me … but I try to shun conflicts
Agreeeee…
I have called the friend who told us about his daughter, he was very confused and was surprised that what he had said to a limited number of people could extend to all those present at the event yesterday. It seems that he became anxious until now because he was worried that he had triggered a conflict or would cause a change of attitude among those friends. I said I would meet him in the next few days.
Sometimes people can give an opinion in a way that does not sound threatening, but not always. You could do it
Yep! I can do it in other debates, besides religion. lol
Gatherings of friends often brings the subtle push to conversation. This one is interesting, I suspect it varies (reaction) person to person.
You’re right.
That’s funny, to saw how a light story could be a hard discussion. I watched them each, and how their face, gestures, and their voice which full of motivation along the debate.
It is a very difficult topic to discuss. We have hopes for our friends. We have hopes for their children.
I really hope for the same, my friend. Indeed for me, everyone has the right to choose the best for them, unfortunately, my country is based on the One Godhead as the first principle of the Pancasila (Five principles), and it will put such choices in many difficulties.
I do understand that, it makes life much harder when you choose the path of resistance.
Of course. Except for they have a brave heart, ready, and willing to get any risks, or stay in a country which more permissive upon the choice.
Freedom, according to Janis Joplin, is nothing left to lose.
Actually, it’s an inspirational comment, Doc. but…
Well, at least, we both like Janis Joplin. About freedom, I’m sure we both can write it in long articles that can make readers bored.
I am sure we could both even bore each other. Freedom is a very tough word and one of the words my grandfather used to always call an “argument word.” Just say it, and an argument will start!
Yep. The word is indeed multi-dimensional, therefore it will be difficult to talk about it if the parties do not equalize each other in frequency.
Well done! Nice post!
Thank you so much, Georgi.
I always remain neutral with the subjects of religion and politics. Cute photo Albert.
We have the same attitude about that, Carol.
Thanks. That is a small replica made of pottery.
You are welcome, I was glad to read this post.