In my experience, it seems like two topics that people avoid in polite discussions are politics and religion.

Perhaps it is because they are two forces that have done so much to shape the world in both positive and negative ways - and unfortunately have been the core source of so much conflict?

I think the increasingly common reaction in the US is for people to either become polarized (focusing way too much on differences in a negative way) or else become apathetic and kind of calloused and condescending to either religion or politics.

When dealing with cross-cultural interactions, however, how much of a role does faith and religion really play in it? It seems like religion has such a big role in how people define themselves and thier relationship with the world and with others in it. But in general, most people in academics seem to avoid addressing the significance of the issue. Even in publications I have written previously, I have classed religion simply as one of many "sub-cultures" - but does maybe it have even a bigger role than national culture? I honestly don't know?

I guess I started thinking about this a lot more because I recently posted an entry to my public blog about "Being a Mormon Christian", which is not something I normally would talk about in a professional setting. My purpose was to try and share my personal experience in growing up in the Mormon Church, which was very different from a lot of the information and representations I have seen in recent media coverage.

But it made me wonder more about what it is exactly about religion that makes it such a sensitive topic?

Why is it difficult to have peaceful, meaningful conversations about any religion? Is it like that everywhere in the world or are there some places that are better than others?

What kinds of environments and circumstances make it easier for people with different beliefs to co-exist in peace, and even understand and respect each other - without feeling either fear, conflict, or a need for coersion?

I know for sure people don't want anything dictated to them, and I like America's concept of the seperation of Church and State, but in cross-cultural communication - how much of an effect do all of these things have?

And how can we create safe enough research environments where we can learn more about them?

I'm curious what everyone's thoughts are in response to these questions and ideas - I think the multiple perspectives from different cultures would be very interesting.

On a more personal note - if you read my blog entry about being a Mormon - what is your honest reaction? I am very curious in a cross-cultural perspective on it. Any initial thoughts and positive or negative reactions to any specific parts are welcome.