Let’s talk about religion and politics…

The thing is, I think they are divisive to some extent because we leave the conversation to the intolerants and name-callers on both sides… I’m pretty sure, for example, that you and I disagree about gay marriage. But if reasonable thoughtful people posted about this or other social issues I would listen with a lot more respect than I have for those who seem to only want to rile people up and use the issue to spread hate and sow discontent, and so I would probably learn a lot more than I do from “famous” conservatives.”

Anette then asked all kinds of questions about Mormons and politics which I answered to the best of my ability. But can I speak for all Mormons? No. Can I even speak conclusively on my own opinions? Not really.

My political and religious views are formed by the sources I select(newspapers, magazines, my husband) and in general, I choose articles or people who reinforce my current views. So what I am learning? Very little.

What knowledge can I glean from Anette and other thoughtful, reasonable people(that means you!) with differing views? Infinitely more.

And thus was born a beautiful idea– a blog where we can talk about politics and religion(and how they relate to each other) in a compassionate, intelligent forum. The ground rules are simple: no name calling, no bashing, no railroading…. just direct, clear conversations about why we believe what we do.

Anette and I have both been waiting for life to slow down to start this blog(she is a science writer, mother of two and native German–how cool is that?) but realizing that that will never happen we are launching the site and praying it takes on a life of it’s own(and we really, really want to start it in a non-election year!).

We need writers; we need you. In my own, very biased opinion, I believe I have the smartest, most diverse group of blogging friends anywhere. Many of you won’t write about politics on your own blog(and I certainly understand why!) but I’d love to read your thoughts in our safe little haven. Ooh, and if anyone wants to design a cool template and/or switch the blog to WordPress I would be thrilled.

Please email me at 5boys1princess@gmail.com to become a blog contributor and I’ll add you to the list. We’d like to get a nice mix of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Atheists, Evangelicals, Mormons, Jews etc.

C’mon, I’d love to read your thoughts– and who knows? You might change my mind.