Why do people think I'm ripe for conversion because I ask questions about religion?

Question

I'm a Universal Unitarian and very secure in this fact. I simply like learning about other religions and asking questions about them. But I keep getting people telling me that "obveously your heart is straining for God," and "you wouldn't be asking these questions if you were reall a non-believer," and "you have a void in your heart that Jesus needs to fill." Um... what? No, I don't. Why don't people seem to believe me when I say I'm perfectly happy not being a Christian?

Similarly, why do people assume I'm Muslim when I try to defend Islam? I'm not Muslim, I'm simply someone who dosn't think you should say an entire religion is evil simply because of the actions of a few extreemists and the ignorant views of the public.

Sorry, Militant Atheist, I'm spoken for. :p

Damnit, people, I'm NOT naked in my picture! It's called a tube top! Ever heard of it?

Answer 1

I've experienced similar incorrect assumptions. I love conversations about religion, spirituality, philosophy, etc. I love to learn about these topics. But I don't have any interest in belonging to an organized religion. It's simply an intellectual interest on my part.

I think the reason is some people hear what they want to. They want to hear that you are interested in converting, so that's what they make of it. Some people can't conceive of a person wanting to discuss something just for the sake of an intriguing conversation.

Answer 2

>>>I'm simply someone who dosn't think you should say an entire religion is evil simply because of the actions of a few extreemists and the ignorant views of the public>>>

I agree with you there. Unfortunately, many people who are willing to adopt that view toward Islam don't extend the same courtesy toward Christianity. I'm not saying you are one of those people (you're not), but there are definitely people like that.

We have people trashing the entire Christian faith based on the actions of a tiny few people back during the Inquisition and the Crusades (both of which were really more state actions than church ones).

These folks are either unable or unwilling to see and acknowledge the great positive marks left by Christianity in the world over the centuries.

Answer 3

Well hey thats a solid point of view, but havent u figured out now that jesus is the key? Look at all the other religions and try to match a jesus. And if u want u could actually read the bible and figure it out for yourself even when taking a non biased opinion. We all know that religion is mans way to god, and thats why im just a christian. Christianity to u is a religion, but to me its a medium between god and man kind.

Answer 4

Many faiths feel that it is their DUTY to convert you if you are not of their sect, witness the 2000+ different versions of Christianity, whether you ask a question or not.

That is why I became a Baha'i, We believe in progressive revelation, that each prophet brings new light to the world, building on, not extinguishing the light of the earlier ones.

They/we are required make an independent investigation of the truth and expose our children to other faiths so that they can make a wise choice.

We all worship the same GOD, it is only the prophets we disagree about.

BTW-I did read your blog and if you would like to share a rational conversation about things like this, you are welcome to contact me.

Good life.

Answer 5

If you ask a Christian about Christ they will want to fill your life with His message. It is assumed that if you ask, you are seeking. Perhaps you differentiate that you are merely seeking information, but not to fill a void in your life. As a Christian myself, I am charged to spread His message, however, I do not force Jesus on anyone. Whoever accepts Christ must do it with an open and willing heart.

I believe you are happy being non-Christian. I also know the joy the Lord brings my life. So if I can assume that the Christians you have spoken to are as excited about Jesus as I am, then I can understand why they have responded in that manner. Again, I do not force my beliefs on anyone else.

As a matter of fact, my best friend is Muslim and we have in depth conversations about our religions, but never in the nearly 30 years of friendship have we forced our beliefs on each other. It is wonderful to have someone you can confide in to help you understand the behavior of extremists, of which exist in any religion, etc.

I enjoy learning about other religions too and Christians WARN me because I practice yoga. People are passionate about their beliefs. It truly sounds like you respect that passion, but maybe you didn't understand why Christians don't seem to 'accept' you being content with your beliefs/life. My advice is to keep asking, but keep an open mind and expect this response, because now you may understand better why Christians respond to you this way.

Answer 6

International Relations Coordinator Robyn Broughton says His Holiness quite desired to engage with employees and pupils. As the potential of St David is confined to 500 men and women, it was once determined to run a contest to decide on which employees and pupils can attend – asking what query they could ask the Dalai Lama. The pageant closes on Friday 19 April, however Mrs Broughton says there was a exceptional reaction already from employees around the campus. “We have had entries from around the board,” she says. “Right from PhD pupils to senior leadership.” And the questions quilt a spectrum of subjects too. “There are particularly a couple of round the right way to obtain steadiness in a hectic existence, particularly a couple of round His Holiness’s ideas across the position of tertiary schooling for younger men and women, a few round the right way to keep optimistic, anyone has requested ‘If you might be an animal, what could you be?’, an additional has requested ‘What is your favorite youth reminiscence?’.” The last inquiries to be positioned to His Holiness will likely be decided on via the countrywide organiser of the Dalai Lama Trust, however Mrs Broughton believes there will likely be combine of great and extra mild-hearted questions. Professor Mark Henaghan of Law will facilitate the consultation and positioned the inquiries to him.

Answer 7

There are some who think that *everyone* is ripe for conversion. They can't get it through their heads that not everyone believes the same fairy tale they do. It's the worst kind of bigotry, don't you think? I mean not only do they want to tell you what you *should* believe, they think they can tell you what you *do* believe. It's sickening. I also think it's often a sign of weak faith. So much so that even the thought that someone could live a different life than them would shake their faith.

Answer 8

As a public and open forum, you're bound to get a few zealots who believe it is their duty to try to convert you...and show you the error of your ways. When I told my mother than I did not call myself a 'Christian', she said...that's too bad! Religions have built-in mechanisms to keep their believers in tow...and many, including Islam, believe that theirs is the one and only 'true' religion. My response to your (obvious) plea for relief from these well-meaning people is to turn a deaf ear...don't engage them in conversation and don't feel obligated to respond to their 'helpful' suggestions or outright accusations. It just leads to more of the same. If you have faith, no one and nothing can get between you and your beliefs. If you don't, that door will be forever open to all comers...

Answer 9

People who ask religious quesitons are thought to be potential candidates for conversion because of the basic fact that those who are perhaps disatisfied with the religion of their upbringing will often go through a period where they 'shop' for, or 'seek' other religions.

Those who try to convert you probably don't mean you any harm, they are just responding as they have been trained.

Answer 10

I'm with you on that. I like asking questions simply to learn why people follow that religion or why they feel a certain way about things.
Some people are just a little on the crazy side. I've just learned to walk away and ignore it.