An Argument Against Arguing: Spitting in the Wind |
“It is a absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.”
– The Usurpations of Reason, John Henry Newman (1843)
For the entire 19th century, and most of the 20th, it was considered rude to express one’s opinion about politics or religion. Why?
Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms (1879): “Do not discuss politics or religion… You probably would not convert your opponent… (You will) arouse feeling without any good result.”
Leading a symposium on the subject at a Jewish convention, I asked a prominent participant if she will poison her upcoming Seder arguing with her son who publicly supports a president she despises.
Her response made me shudder: “I’m not inviting the son of a bitch! I’m not going to listen to him defend that fascist!”
My last column “Unnecessary” Hate, explored the Sinat Chinam that destroyed our Temple. Is there any better example than prioritizing politics over family? Can anyone believe that is God’s desire?
The ostensible purpose of a Seder is to recall our liberation from bondage. The real purpose is to promote families annually gathering.
To defeat both purposes by arguing returns us to bondage, imprisoned by our political intransigence.
We have had Seder guests from both ends of the political spectrum, sometimes simultaneously. We manage it by........