Why is it when discussing subjects such as Religion or Politics some people?

Because many people hate to have their world views on certain subjects challenged. I myself don't mind much, until a person with an opposing viewpoint tries to force it down my throat (thick line between stating/arguing a point and forcing it onto people). That's not very pleasant either, and I try not to do that.

I think with some peolpe we just ´hit a nerve´when religion is mentioned. They are so wrapped up in what they want to say and expound on THEIR beliefs, that they really don´t hear you! They haven´t noticed if you are agreeing with them.

I think some people are threatened by thoughts and ideas that differ drastically from their own. When threatened many humans will lash out in a defensive reaction. Others, I feel, can't stand the idea that they may be wrong as has been mentioned.

Lastly, and this is so sad, some people just like to instigate conflict and they know that the two subjects you mention are great ways of doing it as most people hold the beleifs they have about each dearly. The people instigating get a feeling of power from the turmoil they create and often times they enjoy the strife and suffering their thoughtless comments cause others.

People with entrenched viewpoints generally have only one viewpoint on anything and that viewpoint is usually somebody else's (IE propaganda) that they've read somewhere. They are incapable of 'standing in the other guy's shoes' and imagining what life might be like for other, poorer people.

Because it is the nature of people to suffer the, 'I am right, you are wrong,' syndrome, especially in matters of religion and politics.

That's why Satan got thrown out of Heaven. It's called Pride and Arrogance. We all want to be the one in charge and the right one.

We don't like other people getting one up on us. It is the number one flaw in humanity. It happened in the Garden of Eden, and it won't go away until God eliminates it.

There is a mis-quoted, verse from the Bible, that says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. " This verse simplifies the lessons of love and humility. Only we learn these, we can actually converse in a civil and respectful way.

In other words, "I love you man, but we are just going to have to agree to disagree. " I've had friends all my life that I disagree with. The problems come when the people I talk with aren't my friends, but someone I work with or have just met.

Under a challenge of their way of thinking, defenses go up, because I immediately become a threat. I may destroy their entire belief system. That would make me superior in their eyes, something which they won't allow.

As humans, we attach our emotions to everything including politics and religion. As humans we should be able to have a civil discussion without the side effects of rage, etc. But, often we cannot. Part of that stems of the blind following behavior some of us exhibit in terms of those to subjects.

For example, a person might say that it is tradition in his family to be a democrat so therefore he is one as well. That premise alone becomes the basis of his belief regarding politics...reason does not necessarily come into play. People want to believe that everything is America is good and that no one has ill-intentions or is willing to hurt us attempt destroy our culture...they want to believe that so badly, they blind themselves to the facts that may support it and embrace an attitude of "if I believe it hard enough and long enough" it will be true.

When that position is challenged, they are quickly enraged because they really cannot defend their position with any factual basis. WB.

In my limited experience, the foundation upon which religion (and politics) is taught to us as children is often based on a concept of "you need to learn this because this is the one true way.

If people are taught from an early age that what their parents and religious leaders and other people that they love and respect believe is the only right answer, when other people question or challenge those beliefs, they are also challenging the authority of figures that the individual holds very close.

This makes the "attack" a much more personal attack than it would be for other beliefs that aren't also tied to extremely close personal relationships.

Obviously, this is not an all inclusive answer since I can think of plenty of friends who have different religious beliefs now than they had growing up and would still be potentially offended in a similar context. Just a thought.

Zeal, I think like winterfate said some people just don't like their views turned upside down. That and they may be afraid that the other person is right so they have to prove them wrong.

Because we as humans seem to always believe we are right and the other is wrong..human nature is to protect yourself at all costs..and if we fear something or do not understand it then we go on the defence..sad really!

I like a good debate and hearing both sides to an argument..and sometimes it even changes my views..

State of Mind which hosts prejudices and resentments based on false premises causes some to have no tolerance the subject or the discussion about government and religion, spirituality and politics.

Whatever the thoughts gravitate to from a footing of lack there is going to be negative behaviors and negative emotions as the effect as the root of these actions we observe in ourselves and others.

Cold thoughts project what can be described as cold in their behaviors.

Discussing a subject with someone who disagrees with you is how we learn. These people believe they know everything about everything, and don't realize how much fear they have in gaining knowledge. If they admit that you maybe right on one small detail they actually think their entire belief system is in danger of being destroyed.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.