Why are religious people always trying to convert other people to their point of view?

Question

No-one knows for certain that their belief is right, so why not leave others to decide for themselves.
I have no problem with there being a God or a creator. My problem is the unhappiness religious bigots have caused throughout history.

Answer 1

cuz they need your offerings (money) to pay the light bill

Answer 2

I can see that a lot of people haven't read or understood the actual question and there are still people doing exactly what you said straight after saying they are not doing it. No one can be sure that their religion is the right one, however, it is apparent that there are people of many religions who believe theirs is the only one, etc, etc. Well anyway, I understand the question and my thoughts are that these people do actually believe they are doing good because they truly believe they are "saving" you. The funny thing with some people is that none have even took the time to find out what you believe, just tried to put across their own point and tell you that you need to be saved and prayed for. It is true that if there were no religions then there would be far fewer wars. I know, as you do, that is is not all religious people and I can not see as you mentioned anything about any particular religion. Well anyway, I think the religious bigots want to be powerful and they think that they can be that by manipulating others to believe them.

Answer 3

Wouldn't you really feel bad if someone did know the way to eternal happiness and didn't tell you about it?

There are so many paths to chose from and so many questions everyone has, God can sometimes use other people to help you get on the right path.

Do you honestly believe that only "so-called" religious people have been responsible for all unhappiness and wars - and that everyone else have completely innocent?

Do you really believe that all the messages and promises put out by governments, scientists and media are all wholesome and all that you will ever want to know?

There are many people willing to mislead but few available to teach the right knowledge.

If you truly want to decide for yourself then start by opening your eyes and ears because if you don't listen then you may miss out on something.

Start by opening your eyes and trying to understand what is available at the following sites:

Answer 4

Truly religious persons that love the Lord Jesus have a responsibility to share Jesus, if you choose not to hear they will not force you but will continue to pray that you might accept Jesus as your personal savior. If someone is pushing or being superior acting or condemning of you then they are not acting in an acceptable manner for the Lord.

Your second issue is the real point that you were trying to make and in all fairness, yes the religious bigots have created a tremendous problem in the history of the world attempting to force their religious beliefs on others. These people were in fact misguided though perhaps well intentioned, it gives a bad name to those who would share the love of Jesus, after all it is a choice that one makes and will not be forced on anyone.

Answer 5

Religion shouldn't be something that is forced upon you...its something that YOU find.

People actually think they are doing you a favor...or at least that's what I think.

I saw somewhere that this TV preacher wants people to gather together and form "God's Army" and save as many souls as they can. I view that kinda like the whole brownie points thing. You have to have so many to get to the next level...is that what they think? They have to have saved ### to get to heaven?

I am Pagan and am married to a Muslim man (our five year anniversary is coming up in September), I have friends who are Christian and Muslim (obviously...lol). I think that people need to see past religion and into the person.

There will always be that one person who has to have things their way...even when it comes to religion. If you ignore them, they might go away. Or if they are coming to your door...you can do what I did...hehehehehe - that was the funnest day ever.

They were trying to convert my husband, and sense he is too nice to say "I'm not interested, please leave me alone." I had to help. They actually thought they were going to convert him. I let them know - I could have been nicer about it - that he wasn't interesed in what they had to say.

I mean, don't you get the point when someone makes you talk about this stuff through the door on a day where the temp is 100 F.

Answer 6

I cannot speak for other Christians, but I do know that it's easier to show someone the love of God to get them to want to come to Him than to put a "fire and brimstone" fear into them. As a Christian, I hope to help lead others to Christ through my words and my actions. That's not to say that I don't believe strongly in things, and have strong ideas as to what is ok and what is not, based on the Bible. But things like murder and arson are still murder and arson...no matter how many abortion clinics or doctors are killed...so it is still wrong. All I can hope is that I can make a difference where I am...and maybe along the way bring a few more people with me. God loves you so much...enough that Jesus gave his life for you. In the end, that's all that matters. It's a relationship between you and Him. Please don't let a bunch of zealots ruin that.
No matter how much they say the store brand tastes the same, I know that Kraft Mac and Cheese tastes better... that Best Foods Mayo tastes better than Banquet Mayo. So that's what I buy...what's real...no matter what anyone else says.
In the end, we do this...as you quoted "try to convert people" because we love them. I do not know you, but I love you and I truly care about you and your spiritual well-being.

Answer 7

I think it's all about control. They wanna control all u do, and there are religions that do exactly that. They're bored, have nothing else to do, and they want to feel superior to others by pushing them down. Not all religious people do this. I consider myself religious, and in all religions we're supposed to bring more people in. Well, I choose to do it by living what I consider a good Christian life, and if people see that and want to live similarly to me, and join my church(cuz that's a part of my life), then I've done my duty of bringing people in. I do see what ur saying though, there are people who'll damn u to Hell if u don't go accordng to how they do things. I don't do that, I let people decide for themselves(I hope I do), u can catch more flies wth honey than vinegar anyway. All these people that force their religiion on others, I don't see them sowing any seeds.

Answer 8

dont say religious people becoz islam and christianity are not the only religions...there are far bigger truths in the east

Have you ever got a knock at door from a Taoist, a buddhist, a Jain,, or a Hindu asking you to convert. Because they know they have the truth and dont need big numbers to prove it

Answer 9

I'm christian and I don't care what other people believe in, their beliefs are their own and it'd be boring if everyone believed in God. I'm friends with a Pagan and a Satanist and we get along just fine and we never try to convert each other or talk about our religon...we're happier that way.

Answer 10

True Christians know for certain their belief is right. We just wish everyone believed in the one true living God. He is the only way to eternal life.

Answer 11

Has anyone ever pointed a gun to ur head telling you to believe? If not,why generalize? IT'S CALL FREE WILL! You have a choice. you just come on here to stir up strife. This is a religion and spirituality section. You come here and ask a question and it put you in the line of fire! Don't get it twisted.