Who says religion and politics don't belong in polite conversation?

There are two subjects etiquette rules say we shouldn't talk about in polite conversation: religion and politics. But political science professor Amy Black says it's both valuable and essential to discuss our political and religious world views.

"These discussions can very easily become deeply personal and polarizing" when we disagree, Black said.

But only through talking about things we might not understand or agree with can we build bridges, between different religious and political groups, and inside these groups as well, she said.

Black is a professor of political science at Wheaton College in Illinois, and the author of "Honoring God in Red and Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason."

She spoke April 20, 2017 at the Institute for Freedom and Community at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

To listen to the speech, click the audio player above.

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