Agree to Disagree

I've always been considered more "liberal" than most in my family.

I tend to differ with regard to my political beliefs, my thoughts on social issues and my sort of a la carte Catholicism.

So, it's not surprising to me when I find myself in a constructive dialogue about difference of opinion.

And given that I focused my graduate studies on a degree in Conflict Resolution, I'm no stranger to difference.  I really think it's the only honest, authentic way to engage in this world.

But the older I get and the more conversations I have particularly with regard to faith/religion...I'm finding that it may not be as productive or helpful to have an all-out debate with those you love.  Sometimes, agreeing to disagree with the goal of the preservation of the relationship in mind is the best route.

And believe me, that's hard for me to admit given that I came out of the womb debating.  But the truth is that we're not here to change one another.  We may enhance each other's perspectives or provide a richer picture as to why we adopt a particular world view, but if you're debating the validity of ones faith, it's a losing battle.

So, depending upon how important the relationship is to you, it may be more helpful to smile and agree and to disagree.