Part II - Not Talking about Faith

I got a great response from this first post.   When I asked why people don't talk about faith, but are willing to talk about everything else.


One guy said, "Talking about faith for some people is like talking about erectile dysfunction.  Most of us got to face it at some point in our lives, but it makes us acutely uncomfortable to share with other people."


What a response!


I just wonder why our society, which is based on "One Country Under God" and has as it's foundation one of the few spiritual contracts, the Constitution, that we are so uncomfortable talking about our faith.


I am a little different.   I admit it.   I grew up around the church, around pastors and workers in churches.   Conversations about God and my faith have been a part of my life since 4th grade.   I am very comfortable talking about it.   However, I am truly curious why it is so difficult for others.


So far I have the following reasons:


1.  While we can change our minds about the weather, politics, the price of gas, our favorite color even, without fear of being attacked, we feel that our faith (whatever it may be) cannot be changed and perhaps shouldn't be changed because of what others feel about it.


2.  For some of us, it is difficult to put into words what our faith really is about.   Some have a "feeling" or a "conviction" but have never needed to describe it using words.   Others just don't know what their faith really is and are uncomfortable speaking about it.


3.  Some of us feel that our faith is too personal to talk about with anyone.   It is something that is beyond personal, beyond words.   It is an intimate relationship with the infinite.

4.  Some of us have been burned by people in the church.  We have been judged and do not want to go through that again.


I respect all of these reasons.   I really do.   However, it is still a little frustrating when I have a true desire to understand other people's faiths.   But, I will be patient.