The Taboo Topics...

Have you ever been told to avoid talking about politics or religion with people? While I understand the idea behind these instructions, politics and religion are actually topics where you could have some pretty good conversations. So is the problem the topics or that fact that a lot of us aren't very good at talking?

Somewhere along the line, we may have lost the concept behind an open minded discussion. Instead, a conversation is more like a battle where your goal is to verbally smash your opponent into submission. Whatever happened to the idea of having a discussion where you may ultimately, agree to disagree?

Exposure to new ideas can be a very healthy thing. Remember at one point in time, it was thought that Earth was flat and was the center of the universe. I find it interesting at a time when the world is more connected than ever, some are more isolated from the ideas that come from it.

Religious Branding?

I've been a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program this tax season. I've helped out some people, learned a lot about taxes, and noticed something interesting when it comes to "religious branding."

When a client is itemizing their deductions, I'll check to see if he or she made any charitable contributions. I'll find out that the client did give to their place of worship. They know the amount they gave. As I'm entering in the information, I'll ask for the name of the place of worship.

"Uh, let me think about it. I'm not sure," is usually the response I get. I'm sure that the client did make the gift but it's funny that they can't remember the name right away. Often after a minute or two, it comes back to them.

Perhaps this is a case of people knowing what a place does but not knowing what it is named. For religious institutions, this may not be a problem but for a business, it's bad news.