Make sure you get permission before attending a ceremony, whether through your friend or a local religious institution. Ask for etiquette advice if you need it. It can be seen as disrespectful to attend a ceremony without knowing the ropes, to find out everything you need to know beforehand.
Separate the beliefs of religious extremists from regular people. Terrorists exist in many major religions—including Christianity and Islam—but the religion itself doesn’t deserve scorn because of that. [3] X Research source
You could say, “I believe what I do because it was a big part of my family’s routine. Would you mind sharing where your beliefs come from?” Understand that not everyone will want to talk about their connection to religion. Rather than pressing them for an answer, accept this and find someone else to talk to.
While this can be a great way to learn about different religions more personally, do some research beforehand. That way, anyone you ask for help can see you’ve already made an effort to learn! “I realized that I wanted to know more about other religions. I did some research, but there were a few concepts that confused me. Would you be willing to explain them?” “I’m trying to be more open to other religious beliefs, and while research has been really enlightening, I thought talking to someone might help. No pressure, but I’d love to hear your perspective on this. "
For example, if you approach an open dialogue as a Christian, don’t ask someone a question that assumes there’s a singular God. That’s your belief, but someone who practices Hinduism believes in many gods.
If you get angry, it’s okay to politely excuse yourself. Take a walk, take some deep breaths, and return when you feel calm. For example: “This is a sensitive subject for me. I want to be more open, but I think I need to go cool off. Can we come back to this in a few minutes?”
Ask typical “getting to know you” questions like, “What hobbies are you into?” and “What movie could you quote by heart?” Once you find something you have in common, it’ll be easier to relax and get to know the other person deeper.
Empathy is vital when talking about religion because many people hold it close to their hearts. Study facial cues and body language so you can lighten the conversation if someone gets upset or emotional.
If you eventually agree to disagree, you can do it without putting down the other person’s beliefs. Acknowledge their point of view, and use “I” statements to avoid sounding argumentative. For example, “I’m happy to continue following my own beliefs, but after learning about yours, I feel like I understand you better, and I have a lot of respect for your faith. Thank you for sharing your perspective with me!”
Read about different beliefs and traditions from around the world. Watch movies and TV shows and listen to podcasts about different cultures and religions. Read up on other cultures’ viewpoints of your own beliefs.
