"I just don''t want them forcing it down my throat"

[LanternWaste]

"I just don''t want them forcing it down my throat". That's a phase we either hear a lot or say a lot, especially when it comes to religion. I was involved in a thread that danced around this very thing earlier today.

I've heard the phrase used to describe or indict people for praying in public or talking about their faith outside of home or church. But mainly, I've heard it used in reference to people who actively witness-- regardless of whether it's verbally, or a co-worker with Biblical phrases pasted around their desk cubicle or even someone who passes out literature door to door.

And honestly? I really don't care one way or the other. But the earlier thread got me thinking, "what happens if if I replace the word 'religion' with the word 'progressive'"?" In other words, when we talk about our Progressivism, our love of what we believe the direction of this country (and indeed, the entire world) should be to others who do not agree with us, are we guilty of "forcing it down their throats?"

We talk about politics at the lunch table. I have political statements and quotes taped all around my work station and have gone from door to door passing out political literature and advertising the candidate that I honestly believe is the right choice. Heck, I even have politically oriented t-shirts that I wear. The very thing that religionists are indicted for with the phrase, "forcing it down my throat" is what we do on a political level.

If my premise is correct, then isn't it disingenuous to say (for all intents and purposes) "we condone forcing one philosophy (progressive politics) down people's throats, but it's just wrong on so many levels to force another thing (religion) down their throats.

It's certainly not a separation of church and state issue, as this is purely on an individual level. Forget churches and bodies of congress-- I'm talking real grassroots activism, regardless of whether the activism is for religion or for politics.

So I guess my fundamental question is this: Is it o-kay to force politics down peoples throats, but not religion? Or am I simply missing an obvious and relevant point on this?


Now... before you begin to think I'm posturing or trying to be clever, I'm not. I had this conversation with myself this afternoon and what I wrote above is the conclusion I came to. But it's difficult to truly examine an idea from all sides when I don't know what all the side are. I'm hesitant to post this as it looks to be flame bait (even to me), but it's really not. It's an honest question I've been grappling with all afternoon and I'd really like some additional perspectives on this one.

I'd also like to add that maybe this should be posted in the Religion group, but it seems to me that my question isn't about religion per se; it's more about contrasting as to why if A is good, then why is B bad?

Thanks (and 'A Christmas Story' has just started on TCM if you're interested...)