The Elephant in the room.

The Elephant in the room, by most people is interpreted as what people are thinking about but are not talking about.  I have been reminded about the Elephant in the room from a December Holiday encounter that had to do with a discussion relative to religion.

Of all the things a person can talk about, religion is the most dangerous issue to speak about because depending on the level of involvement or belief people have, some people can or will overact.

The reaction can become threatening, challenging, become very personal and extremely scary.

Civilizations have been destroyed based on religious belief. Over the generations, some people have become more tolerant in their visual and publicly verbal reaction to differences in belief.  But there are those for whom, if their privately-held beliefs were known, many of their friends would be shocked or, even worse, agree.

In my judgment, belief, religion, right from wrong, how we bring up our children, what is a good person, what is a person of good character, what religious institution a person chooses to attend, or what, if any, religion a person believes in should be an individual decision.

Nobody should feel afraid to say something about his or her beliefs and feel that they will be part of the vitriol of those so angry at anyone that does not believe exactly what they believe.  

Some feel the most prudent reaction of those who feel huge negative vibrations about what they believe is to show a soft smile and not say a word. They keep their mouths shut, go along with the majority and not say anything, and for them, this is the best approach. Ignore and don’t talk about the elephant in the room. 

Fear is a great persuader, and like those that are so entrenched in their belief but pretend to be more flexible, that is exactly what those that fear the vitriol also are required to do. Yes, the elephant is in the room, watch what you say, where you stand and don’t say a word. Shush