Why Politics and Religion Can Ruin Relationships

Discussing politics and religion with the wrong person can have a severe impact on your relationships. While these topics are deeply personal and can reveal fundamental values and beliefs, they can also be a source of heated arguments and tension. In this article, we#39;ll explore why these subjects often ruin relationships and whether it#39;s worth considering them as deal-breakers.

The Impact of Differences in Beliefs

Your political and religious leanings are closely tied to your values, practices, and perspectives in life. If you and your partner have opposing stances, you may find yourselves in repetitive arguments. For example, if one partner is Christian and the other is Jewish, you might argue about holiday celebrations, family practices, and cultural differences. While some couples are willing to compromise, others may find these differences too significant to overlook, leading to potential breakups.

The Role of Faith and Simplification

Both politics and religion often rely heavily on faith and a simplified version of reality that aligns with the holder#39;s worldview. Supporters of a particular political figure, like President Donald Trump, may shut themselves off from any information that contradicts their beliefs, just as people of faith may do. This polarization can lead to extreme positions and a lack of willingness to consider opposing viewpoints.

Discovering the Unreasonable

You might find that the person with whom you have been having cordial exchanges and with whom you share interests and hobbies turns out to hold beliefs that are completely unreasonable. Similarly, you might discover the same about them. These misunderstandings can arise when one party believes the other is either misleading or naive.

A Personal Example

Just before the 2016 U.S. presidential election, my brother-in-law and I had an agreement that if Hillary Clinton won, I would accept her as the president, and if Donald Trump won, I would do the same. I believed Hillary would win, but when she lost, my brother-in-law became angry and disappointed. He felt that by continuing to support Trump, I had hurt my sister and challenged her faith. His anger stemmed from a combination of our political polarization and the ease with which politicians can manipulate people to fight over party lines.

Understanding Polarization

Our politicians often use people#39;s beliefs to create division and conflict. They want us to believe that differences are insurmountable and that our opponents are not only wrong but also evil. This strategy is designed to increase political engagement and mobilize voters, but it often leads to heightened tensions and a breakdown of civil discourse.

It is crucial to recognize that while politics and religion can be polarizing, compromise and mutual respect are essential for maintaining healthy relationships. If you find that discussing these topics with someone leads to frequent arguments and emotional distress, it might be wise to reconsider your relationship dynamics.

Ultimately, understanding and respecting each other#39;s beliefs can foster greater harmony and prevent potential relationship breakdowns.