Why are some people so hung up on converting everyone to their religion?

Question

I am not trying to insult anyone. I apologize in advance if I did. I am just curious because I have been buddhist for about three years. which really has no relevance except for the fact that whenever some people learn of it they ask me why I "converted" and how I should go back to my own religion or how I should go to theirs to be saved. Personally, I feel they can believe whatever they want. They have their stuff I have mine. It's all cool by me. But why is it their mission to try and "recruit" me?

just for future reference (and unknown_u), I am buddhist.

ok. I appreciate everyones responses so far, some comments were very informative and respectful. Please let me make some things clear. I know some have all the best intentions in the world and after talking with them I thank them. We have interesting conversations. My question referes those who are rude and forceful and flat out tell me I am going to hell and that my religion spawned from the devil ( yes one person has said that). I was inquiring about those who are ignorant to others feelings and beliefs.

Answer 1

This is very difficult to answer. Knowledge effects you on many levels. Whether something is true or factual is not relevant to a believer of faith. If you have been told something all your life and even if new evidence presents itself - you will tend to support the former idea. You have to understand the Christian mind. Most Christians see the world as black and white: no shades of grey. Either you are or are not a Christian. There is no other way to look at it. If you are not a Christian you are lost. Part of every Christian’s salvation and “Ticket to Heaven” is inextricably linked to several essential factors and one of which is to “Spread the Good News.” This is known as Evangelism. Yes. You have to endure the Christian’s witty incite filled pejorative analysis with cut downs and invidious diminutive behavior. It is their duty to explain to you what a looser you are for not being a Christian and what winners they are for being on the winning side. Although it seems like insecurity at first glance I feel it somehow reenforces some need to show they are superior. Wait, that's the same thing. . .right? Typical Christian comments are, “Are you still practicing that Witchcraft. . .come BACK to Christ.” “Hinduism is just a bunch of Pagans. . .FIND the Lord.” “You KNOW you are lost without Christ.” “The Bible SAYS. . .” They assume you should agree with them because they assume what they are saying is the ONLY way to look at it.

Answer 2

Before I decided to answer this question I read the answers you had already received.
Several of them are very good.
Let's see if I can make it a little simpler.
When a person is burdened down by sin and the different troubles of society the relief he feels upon accepting Jesus Christ and starting his new way of life is exciting.
Some what the same as a person that goes to a new restaurant and receives not only a good meal but great service, you want to share that with others so that they can enjoy what you did.
It's the same with Christianity, the relief and joy that is felt when experiencing a true spiritual touch of God is such that you want all your friends and family to experience it also.
Especially when you see some one trapped by the same sin and trouble that you yourself were trapped by.
Sad thing is people often go about it wrong and wind up driving people away from them and God.
As a Christian Pastor I just try to lead by example.

Answer 3

I see nothing wrong in and that's it. The Qur'an says there is no compulsion (force) in religion. That being said, some people try to shove their own religion down others' throats, thinking that they're right and the "poor sinner" is wrong. That smells like arrogance.

Religious people are taught to promulgate their religion for the sake of humanity's salvation. Sharing is wonderful, as long as it's respectful and never forced, and it's especially nice when the person actually asks a question about your religion. However, if they're not interested, then the one sharing should stop. If they don't, you can always say, "Arguing about religion is against my religion." I hope that works!

Answer 4

As a Buddhist do you not try to enlighten people? I would say this is the biggest reason people try to "convert" others. Also, Christians, people who have a personal fellowship with Jesus Christ have been commissioned to go into the world, but if they are living by faith in Christ, they will know whom they are to approach and whom they are not, as God(Christ)(Holy Spirit) will lead them. This is where (and I can only speak for Christians and Christian religions forget that we have the Holy Spirit we are to follow. Many just get busy about converting instead of following the lead of the Holy Spirit. My Preacher Daddy used to say after running into someone from a former church, that one must have been one of my converts, he sure isn't Christ's!. What he meant was he knew sometimes he got to busy about "doing" what he thought he was supposed to be doing, that he forgot to let the Holy Spirit lead him to what Jesus wanted him to do. I hope this has helped you understand at least from a Christian perspective why you might be approached and "recruitment" tactics be tried. I have read that a lot of religious cults have punishment tactics, like losing their salvation, etc., if they don't reach so many converts in a given period of time. So this may be another reason for the "recruitment" tactic.

Answer 5

Well, it is a couple of things.
1. They think if they convert someone, they get a free pass into heaven.
2. They care about others.
3. Since they believe in there religion, they think all others are wrong. So, they try and convert others. Since I am not sure if you guys believe in after lives or a safe place after you die. Bare with me. Wouldn't you try to get your friend to your religion if you think he will be tortured if he doesn't follow your religion?

Answer 6

That is the problem of humanity! They don't just want to live their lives, but they also want to live yours! And religion is a biiiiig thing. Everybody's religion is the best, so... we must convert to it. But, what is religion after all? It's just the philosophy of life. It is supposed to teach us how to live in harmony with everybody else, and for that... we need to respect each others! I guess many religions have failed to do that.
Some religions profit from the ignorance of their believers. I have been told so many dumb things (scientifically proven to be wrong) from people who have been brainwashed. A real religion lets its believers learn and become betterm, so they can live in... yes, harmony!

Answer 7

well my friend i would like to say i wish the entire human race would take in some of the principles of buddhism. To answer your question, I believe that when these religions were created they were actually designed to achieve some purpose in society, actually many purposes in society. To achieve the fullest impact and to ensure that the impact is one that will continue for many many years they must push the followers to try to gain numbers, almost as if creating an army...this whole time these followers believe they are acting in accordance with gods wishes

Answer 8

If you are a believer in something, you spread it so that you get assurance it is true through this communication with others.

As long as you can justify it to others and have other buy into it, then you feel confident that you are on the right track.

Thus recruitment is a human assurance process.

Answer 9

The simple answer is that they believe it is horrible beyond words to suffer the future consequences of NOT belonging to their spiritual family. They always seem to get a bad rap for telling others about their faith and encouraging others to join them, but not all of them are rude, pushy, or offensive. Many genuinely care for your welfare.

I think both the tellers of the message AND those who hear it could use a lesson in simple tact and courtesy in many cases. I have seen problems on both sides, not just one. We all need to be more considerate of others.

Answer 10

That is what is instilled in people in the Christian church, convert others because your religion is the right one. People need to get over thinking their religion is right and everyone elses is wrong, let people believe what they want because when it all comes down to it, people will only believe what they truely deep down believe and there is nothing you can do about it.