Positivity

How often are we presented with a point of view that is not the same as ours? For many of us I would dare to say, all the time. I always hear, "we don't talk about religion and politics", and I must admit that often I find myself agreeing, because it is hard to talk about views we see as being wrong. Often I think that maybe the hardest part is to listen, not just talk...but really listen. I was recently reading Michael J. Fox's book Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist and he described himself doing something that many of us would NEVER do, he invited the Jehovah's Witness's in to chat with him. He talked to them, curious to hear what they had to say, not because he was having a crisis of faith but just to listen. He said something that struck me, he said that to listen to a person with differing beliefs was not threatening, because he knew that the only reason that he would change his belief system was if he heard an undeniable truth, and if he heard that he could handle it. I had to reread this a couple of times, and then I thought about all those times I myself have been worked up over one issue or another. This raises only questions....

Why did I feel threatened by others viewpoints?  Why is it so hard to invite someone who feels differently about something, anything, to have that discussion?  Why do emotions get the better of an otherwise rational, calm, individual? 

Could I invite in a couple of Jehovah's Witness's and have a nice conversation?  If not, what does that say about me as a human being that prides herself on being open minded to people who are not like me?

But the final question I think is,could I be missing the undeniable truth by not allowing my beliefs to be challenged?

Anyone?