I live next to a Buddhist temple(actually, it's down the block). I've gone to a couple of services, just to see what it was all about. Everyone seemed really nice, and nobody tried to convert me. Instead, they just said it was great that I was interested in their ceremonies and their culture, and afterwards I got a little light reading, cookies and juice:)
Why can't it be the same for other religions?
2006-08-07 06:41:33 · 26 answers · asked by faorie_arcana 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Aren't JW and Mormons Christian sects? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
2006-08-07 06:48:02 · update #1
While Jesus was on earth, this is the command he gave to his disciples to follow and to all future Christians to follow:
Mathew 28:19,20 " Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
Mathew 24:"14 And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come. "
So, if you're not following the command of Christ, can you really be called a Christian? The word Christian mean Christ like!!!!
2006-08-07 06:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
This is exactly why Christians and Muslims feel they're being "persecuted" by atheists/agnostics/pagans, etc. They don't seem to understand that other people don't like when they try to push their religion on them, and would really like them to keep their religion to themselves.
When's the last time you saw a Buddhist go on a news program and say that their religion is "under attack?" How about a Hindu? A Shintoist? A Wiccan? The reason is because they don't feel the need to push their beliefs on those around them, thereby sparking a backlash against them.
Oh, and some are saying JW and Mormons. Those two are Christian religions also.. just not mainstream Christian.
2006-08-07 06:45:25 · answer #2 · answered by Eldritch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*chuckles* According to Buddha can I point out a few things: 1)Buddha never claim to have started a religion- in the authors forward he even says his is NOT a religion.
2)The Buddas believe that everyone is on a journey of discovery- they feel that given time, everyone will find and follow the path of true enlightenment.
According to the bible, they're wrong. But thats neither here nor there- this is what they BLIEVE and lets face it- perception is reality. If you can't percieve it, you can't detect it or work with it right?
Meanwhile, the Bible's "Great Comission" says Christians are to seek out and show BY EXAMPLE how to live.
Interestingly enough, most Christians are pew warmers.
Interestingly enough, most Buddhists are chair warmers.
Islam, actually has written in the Koran that its ok to rape, pillage and steal as long as its not from your own tribe. I personally believe that Islam is a front for satans more active believers
2006-08-07 06:48:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Witnessing is a vital part of the Christian life; the Bible teaches that the true believer will desire to share with others what God has done for him; read John 4:28-30,39-42 and 1 John 1:1-4. God commands us and empowers us to be His witnesses (Matthew 4:19 and Acts 1:8). Our testimony will not always be accepted, but through the Holy Spirit indwelling our hearts we receive power to live a victorious Christian life and serve Christ effectively; read Ephesians 5:18 and Luke 11:13.
2006-08-07 06:53:28 · answer #4 · answered by amomentssunlight 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term "sect" technically defines a smaller religion that has broken from a larger and older religion. By that definition, Jehovah's Witnesses are *NOT* a sect, since their modern origins came from unaffiliated bible students who worked to perform a sincere study of the Scriptures without regard for any existing so-called "Christian" doctrine.
However, the term "sect" most commonly is used to refer to a subdivision of a larger 'umbrella' faith. By that more-common definition, Jehovah's Witnesses might be called a Christian sect in the same manner as Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism are Christian sects.
Incidentally, the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses is motivated much more out of love for God and neighbor than any expectation that they may convert householders. It takes much more than one or even several doorstep conversations to explain true Christianity!
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm
http://watchtower.org/library/w/2001/8/1/article_01.htm
2006-08-07 10:26:33 · answer #5 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you think Christianity and Islam became largest religions with so many practising people? It is because of their relentless efforts to try convert the whole world in last two millenia.
But, other religions which have suffered because of the massive onslaught of christianity and islam are taking the example set by these religions and now trying to follow them in making othes to convert or atleast prevent conversions from their religion into chrisitiany or islam.
For example, never before in 5000 years Hindus tried to convert others, in fact they used to argue that one has to be born hindu and one can never be a hindu by converting. But, now to protect their religion and stop decreasing numbers they are also beginning to convert others..
Greatness about christian conversions is they do it so cleverly that they lure people to it either financially or other means. Whereas Islam does it by creating a sense of fear in countries where it is a majority religion. A country with a 80% population of muslims in no time becomes 100% because they can never let other religions to survive.
2006-08-07 06:48:25 · answer #6 · answered by Eyedoc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah...JW and Mormons...neither of these are Christian Orthodox. (JW's believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are satanic...and Mormons believe there are many gods.) Their core beliefs do no line up with Orthodox Christian beliefs.
Well, I can only speak for us Christians. We have a relationship with God/Jesus. It's not about ceremonies or religion (Catholics might dispute this and I'm not picking on the Catholics.)
We are taught in John 14:6 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes by the father but through me.
This means that we want everyone to find the peace and truth in relationship with Jesus. It's our passion to share our faith and our belief. It's up to you what you do with the information.
Grace to you and God Bless!
2006-08-07 06:46:17 · answer #7 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great question... Cheers!!! Live long spread your question.
Only like the christians and muslim indulge in these kind of activities. Do you know Christians in some places in the world pay money and alcohol to convert?
There is nothing religious about Missionary christians. Mother theresa was a big person in this activity. Conversion is the greatest Christian conspiracy.
2006-08-07 06:51:36 · answer #8 · answered by 100Hertz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your naive; There's aggressive Buddhists and non aggressive Buddhists, just like in other religions. To say that all Buddhists are not trying to convert you is dumb because that's the goal of all religions to convert more and more people to it.
It looks like your mostly looking for a low maintenance club to belong to. You should have basic beliefs and then go towards religions that you feel good about.
2006-08-07 06:47:36 · answer #9 · answered by Ice4444 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funnily enough that's pretty much the way other religions try to convert people nowadays as well. While there are some zealots out there who'll try to frighten you with passages from the book of revelations or some such, modern religion seems to take a lighter, friendlier approach.
2006-08-07 06:47:05 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋