so many people complain that Christians are always trying to convert people to what they believe is true. The question, however, is, is that what we are supposed to do or something that was just influenced by radical beliefs of a person in the past. I am Catholic/Christian but never have purposely tried to CONVERT anyone. I have spread my views and expressed my beliefs when the moments arise.
Now, the question, are we supposed to convert non-believers to our beliefs or just spread the word and those who wish to listen will listen? From what I know and have read, even Jesus just spread the word of God but never expected people to convert just because he expressed His views. He never showed direct proof that he was the son of God but instead quoted the Bible and the will of God.
2006-06-16 17:37:58 · 30 answers · asked by vail2073 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When you say someone is sinning or not following your gods way , are you not judging them ? And if so are you not (by your own religious laws) then condemned ?
If no one is being harm let them be and treat them as you wish yourself treated... that's your right as a human being regardless of whatever religion you subscribe to.
2006-06-16 17:58:07 · answer #1 · answered by shellers 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well...it's sort of the same thing. Jesus said in Mark "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." You can't force someone to convert, all you can do is plant the seed and let the Spirit work in their heart. So there's really no difference practically. If you are telling people about Christ, you are doing obeying his command. If God speaks to their heart and they make the decision to repent and give their life to Him, then that's great (and ultimately the goal), but for you, effectively, there's no difference between that and just spreading the good news.
2006-06-17 00:44:29 · answer #2 · answered by Julie B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I appreciate you well thought question. Jesus first ministered to the needs of the people. for example one of the things they needed most back then was a doctor. So He healed many many people. After He had demonstrated how much He cared for their physical needs and had established a real relationship of trust with the people; then he bade them "Follow me" The disciples were the exception,. Apparently they were looking for the Messiah to come and only needed an invitation to follow Him.
God has given us a wonderful gift to be a part of furthering His kingdom. Remember when the religious leaders told Jesus to quiet the crowd? He said that if they were silent even the rocks would cry out! We have been given the great Gospel commission and the ministry of reconciliation. However it is God who brings the increase. We only sow and water and reap what harvest the Holy spirit has brought. When the Disciples asked Jesus "what must we do that we might do the work of God" Jesus said you have to understand what the work of God is and that is that you believe!
Keep the faith!
2006-06-17 00:48:18 · answer #3 · answered by juddzey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CHRISTIANS WHOULD NOT KNOW ENLIGHTENMENT IF IT BIT THEM IN THE A S S IF ANYONE CLAIMS CHRISTIANITY AND TRIES TO CONVERT ME ILL BE HAPPY TO REMIND THEM OF THE BLOODY WARS THEY HAVE STARTED.
just spreading the word and those who wish to listen will listen is also trying to convert them. planting seeds of truth is also trying to convert them. leave people alone the world is oversoaked in christianity. everyone has heard it before some where or another. a person should be left in peace and if thier parents were stupid enough to raise them christian they will learn on thier own or die in ignorance.
ps i dont care what your religion is its inapporpriate to even TALK RELIGION OF ANY KIND IN PUBLIC because people have thier own beliefs and dont want to be bothered. if someone asks fine but dont bring it up especially if you are a christian or muslim. nobody wants to hear it.
the best thing to do is not preach it but your actions shows alot. its a whole lot better than a sermon.
they bind the minds with ropes of fear and tell them they are free...saved. www.jesusreligion.com
2006-06-17 00:40:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Biblically we are to go out and spread the word, plant seeds. Doesn't mean we harvest those seeds, that is God's job. We just put the info out there.
So I think the word "convert" is inaccurate.
Share the truth about the gospel, then it is between that person and God.
2006-06-17 00:43:31 · answer #5 · answered by AOMGMC77 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are to share the good news, show love and compassion, and pray continually, Becoming a Christian is a decision people must choose to make themselves, it can not be forced on them. The Bible says we are to be ready to give an answer concerning our beliefs. So we study the word to show ourselves approved, not by man but by God. Jesus lived the very word He shared, that's how we reach people,not by empty words, but by living it!
2006-06-17 02:17:20 · answer #6 · answered by micky89ss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, their duty is to pervert and imprison.
If christian - or any religious beliefs - were worthwhile, people who seek them out on their own merit. That the religious must proselytize and try to put their dogma into civil law demonstrates the moral weakness and violence of religion.
Cambodia has a wonderful law on religion: Complete and total freedom of practice. All religions are legal and will not be harassed by the government. At the same time, it is ILLEGAL to proselytize, be it door to door or in the streets; you keep your religion to yourself.
Every country needs to adopt a law like that.
2006-06-17 01:18:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When Christians work out what Christianity is, what exactly saves you, what Jesus taught, and which interpretation of the bible is the correct one, let me know and I'll take it into consideration. Until then I'm not interested in converting to "the truth."
2006-06-17 01:06:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's neither their duty to convert nor their right to enlighten others. How many Christians want Muslims, Jews, Buddhist, Hindus, Taoist, Atheist, Wiccans or any other Belief to try to convert them or even enlighten them to the Truth? No religion or philosophy has the right to impose it's dogma on anyone. Treat others as you want to be treated.
2006-06-17 00:59:23 · answer #9 · answered by wefields@swbell.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spread the word. Let the people choose for themselves if they wish to share in the love of God and Jesus Christ.
2006-06-17 00:41:49 · answer #10 · answered by *AstrosChick* 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are called to "spread the Gospel" to all creation. Not convert, just enlighten.
I look at it this way. . . I plant the seed - God will do the tending.
Preach the Gospel, Always. . . Use words when needed.
2006-06-17 00:41:36 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋