Why People Don’t Talk About Religion

Growing up, there were two subjects that people didn’t talk about in public – politics and religion. The reason was, of course, that these are probably the worlds most divisive topics. In order to avoid arguments and keep friends, people just stayed away from those two topics. Interestingly, back during that time, the differences between people who held different beliefs about religion and politics was much closer than what we see today. Now, the differences are much wider. In today’s world, instead of avoiding religion and politics altogether, they only have to be avoided under certain conditions – when the discussion is about the Christian faith or political positions based on that faith. For those promoting some form of naturalistic religion (Atheism, for instance) and its political expressions, talk all you want.

In politics, the big topics these days include such things such as abortion, homosexual marriage, climate change, illegal immigration, religion in the public square, gun control, and a few others. But even with this, the arguments tend to be rather shallow. The reason for the shallowness is because while people are emotionally tied to their favorite personal point of view, most really don’t know “why” they believe what they believe. As a result, we see everyone shouting what they want to happen, but no one being able to intelligently articulate any reason why their point of view is right.

That’s politics, but what about religion? The truth is, this is where the real discussions ought to be taking place. Even though most people don’t realize it, political positions are ultimately an expression of their faith. It is at the level of religious faith that the answers to the “why” questions come into focus. But with so many people not being conversant at this level, the best most can do is to blast opponents on a shallow surface level by advocating for their favorite political policies and debasing those who disagree.

So why don’t people go for the real knockout blows by giving intelligent reasons why their point of view is true? It is because most don’t feel educated enough to make their case.

Recently, The Barna Group did some polling to discover why people are so unwilling to broach the subject of faith in public. What they found was that most don’t do it because they feel incompetent regarding matters of religion. This not only had to do with discussing faith matters in public places, it even applied to talking with family. Shockingly, parents (especially fathers) tend not to talk about faith topics with their kids because they feel intimidated; they don’t know what to say.

So what can we conclude? The result is that the next generation does not get educated on matters of faith – just as happened with the previous generation and the generation before that. With each passing generation, religious knowledge seems to become less and less, until we end up with what we have now – people not knowing how to give reasons why their faith is true.

There is a solution to this problem, of course. It is to become educated. And it’s just not that hard. That said, in order to do it, one must set aside pride and wrong priorities, then make the effort to do it. If you are up for it, I would like to help, and can offer several opportunities for you.

First, let me point you to the MarketFaith Ministries website (www.marketfaith.org). There are many free resources there that you can learn from. Read the articles.

Second, I have written a number of books that provide an even more in-depth training opportunity (www.http://marketfaith-org.3dcartstores.com). Read the books.

But I can also offer an even more personal opportunity. I would be more than delighted to come to your church or Christian organization and share an in-person training opportunity (call me at 850-383-9756 and let’s talk about possibilities).

The stakes are too high to allow yourself to be afraid of engaging our world with the claims of Christ. Don’t let yourself be caught in the ranks of the fearful and uneducated. Make yourself a plan and get working on it now!!!

Freddy Davis is the president of MarketFaith Ministries. He is the author of numerous books and has a background as an international missionary, pastor, radio host, worldview trainer, and entrepreneur. Freddy is a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Communication, and holds MDiv and DMin degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a popular speaker, particularly on the topic of worldview and its practical implications for the Christian life. He lives in Tallahassee, FL, with his wife Deborah. 

You may also contact Freddy at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule him for speaking or leadership engagements.

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