Why do you believers in God press to convert atheists?

Question

I know for Christians, scripture states "have you faith, have it to yourself," and clearly mentions that only the Spirit of God can reveal Christ to anyone. Though The Bible also says to share the Gospel and to be ready with an answer, that is not the same as trying to get people to embrace your belief. The gift of evangelism is not that common.

Why do you personally try to convert others?

Trainer 53: I accept each person's individuality in answering, but you are mistaken to says "Scripture does not state anywhere 'have you faith, have it to yourself'"
Perhaps your concordance search doesn't recognize paraphrase or multivarious translations.

NKJV, Romans 14:22 states
"Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves."
Though the context is about food and drink, this is always advisory not to let your faith cause others to stumble. If my way of relating my belief produces grief, anger, or retailiation, then by Christ, it is up to me to question my actions.

Answer 1

Our Lord commanded, "Go, and make desciples of all nations". He is God. We should not disobey him.

Answer 2

Enlighten, not convert.

Conversion is up to you.

And it's the Atheists trying to knock down religious beleifs with science or Darwinism or saying it's a silly old book the Bible.

Now if you don't do that, that's cool.

Religious people often back up science when science is true and correct. It is a fact that science makes us fly or removes our ruptured appendix.

Maybe we'd have less problems with Atheists if they'd stop acting like closet religious people. Let's face it, so long as you subscribe to the concepts of Good/Evil, Right/Wrong you are speaking, essentially, of God and Satan!

You know. Helping people out after an Earthquake: Good

The US Invaiding Iraq: Bad

That making judgement calls. That's playing God. That's saying I know right from wrong!

The big question is based on what!

Common knowledge. Politically Correct thought!

All of those things are based on ancient religious teachings passed down, right to you!

And you bought into them!

It's the God thing that's the stumbling block, but as some religious people point out, when you family members or close friends are in an accident or on the brink of death, do you find yourself wanting to pray. What do you do, sit there and moap? Get drunk. Hit the wall with your fist!

How does an Athiest handle personal sorrow and catastrophy!

0.5% of America is Athiest. The rest believe beyond what they can see touch and feel. They have a faith. They have a belief that even in death comes good and a new and different kind of life. They are optimistic.

Convert. You convert yourselves. I can't convert you. I can only enlighten a little, at best.

Everyone has to find their own way.

Answer 3

although the Bible actually says go into all the world and preach the gospel, GOSPEL, MEANS Good news, and many Christians take this as a commandment. they are just trying to share the Good news that they believe in with others, although some go a little overboard, I personally gave up trying to convert others years ago, if they want answers, I am ready to answer, but feel pushing my beliefs on others is more of an annoyance than productive, Thank to Mormons and Jehovah witnesses Ive learned just how annoying it can be. and there is no way they will ever convert me,

Answer 4

I agree w/ you that if someone doesn't want to hear what you have to say then by all means leave them alone! right:) to answer your question though....most people who are sincerely trying to convert someone else usually do it b/c they believe that the bible is true and want an atheist to also believe it so that they will be saved and spend eternity in heaven in the presence of God. and others unfortunately do it b/c they like to argue.:( my thoughts on the issue....although constantly running into christians who are bent to convert you may be annoying and get old, try to remember that not all christians are that way and that even if they were it's only b/c no matter how good a person wants to be no one will ever be perfect and people will always let you down. that's why i base my faith on Jesus. as long as churches are full of people they will be full of hypocrites and sinners.:) Have a good day!:)

Answer 5

I don't personally try to convert any atheists. I figure that's what they believe and I leave them to it.
Scripture does not state anywhere "have you faith, have it to yourself". Faith is always meant to be shared with anyone at any time, but we are to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when doing it.
The Scriptures also tell us to not get into any arguments about it, as it only ruins those who listen, and arguments don't change any body's minds either.
When I'm sharing about Christ at work or wherever, it's always when I'm either trying to help someone when they're struggling, or praying for them when they're hurting, or trying to help in some way, but being pushy about it, I'm not.
Try to not put all of us in one big lump, I try to not put all the atheists in one big group, some are really nice, and some like to stir things up alot.

Answer 6

I usually do not try to argue with atheists until they try to ridicule my faith first (How else would I know that you are an atheist? You don't wear a sign.).

Maybe it is my personal ego; I get annoyed whenever someone tries to prove to me that he is smarter than me by asking a bunch of stupid questions.

You know, critical thought implies that someone actually thinks! Simply asking smart-mouth questions that can be easily rebutted with a moments thought, or a moment to look at a footnote in the margin below the verse, is not the same thing as critical thinking .

Answer 7

I personally do not try to convert others. I live my life by example and if someone comes to me with questions about my faith, I tell them what I know without trying to indoctronate or with an agenda in mind.

I allow God to use me to plant seeds, it isn't for me or any Christian to force a choice on someone. It is unfortunate it happens, but the best we can do is live by example by living our lives to the best of our abilities. To let your word be your bond. Live a life with honesty and integrety. That's how one can make a difference.

Answer 8

Some religions, not all, say that you have to "witness for the Lord" and that to them means spreading the word of God, and in effect try to convert people to their beliefs.
Personally I am with you, "have you faith, have it to yourself" but once that preacher tells them to witness, there is no stopping them. Best you can do is to offend them so bad that they start to avoid you, this worked for my ex-father-in-law. One day some nice gentleman knocked on his door and asked to speak to him, to which he obliged. When they were finished with their "talk" he proceeded to tell them what was wrong with their thinking, and they never came back to his house.

Answer 9

You are seriously misguided. It is the Atheists who are trying to convert everyone else to their own beliefs. Just look at how they want to remove "under God" from the pledge of allegiance. How about the removal of the 10 commandments from our court houses?

DUH???

Answer 10

Actually, the biblical call to evangelism is clear and repeated. I find it annoying most of the time too, but they are following the commands of their scriptures.

Answer 11

I think that they mean well. They are trying to "save you". Which though somewhat annoying at times is not evil. As we mature we learn to get along with each other regardless of our beliefs. No one wants something forced on them so I understand your dismay, but when I look at why they are doing it....it's hard for me to be angry at them. Peace.