I have all too often heard people claim that since religion is so personal it should not be a subject for debate. As often as I have heard it it has never ceased to amaze me at how truly pathetic of an excuse it is. Anyone would be hard pressed to find a topic worth debate that was not personal. So why make such a lame statement? It seems to vary. Some individuals just don't like conflict while others are either cowards or ignorant. I have come across a few who seem to think that discussing or arguing religion is by its nature rude and disrespectful. I see it as being the other way around. Making exceptions for religion that they would never think to do for other institutions and subjects is arrogant and insulting.
I find this classic dodge particularly offensive since the various religions have no trouble interfering in the personal lives of others. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and any other religion or sect/denomination within have always and continue to take public positions on a variety of issues. Reproductive rights (not just Abortion) is a good example. I fail to see how such a topic could be more personal. Yet, various religious groups have always sought to tell others, not just their own believers, how the should think and behave when it comes to sex.
It is rare that I hear the individuals making the claim that religion is too personal to debate hold the various religions to the same standard. No matter what their motives for such a false assertion it remains a feeble attempt at avoiding critical thinking.
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