So does anyone know why members of certain religions do share their beliefs?

Question

Quite a few do share their belief. Most people, if asked, will tell others what they believe. But, true, there are those who take actively tell others about there belief. For example, a Baptist came to my door several weeks ago, along with a whole group of fellow members. A lot of you have referred to only one group of people who do this, but depending on where you are, there are others.

Why do you think they do this?

Is it just to "force" it on others? Or do they have another reason? And, just because someone shares their beliefs with you, whether in a casual setting or comes to your door, does that mean that they are interfering? What if they are doing it because they are trying to give you more choices? That they feel an obligation to share things with you. Do they really FORCE you to accept what they say? Or are you given a CHOICE?

To those of you who say you are Christians, what would you have done if you lived in the first century AD and Jesus or one of the apostles or another of his disciples came to your door, or spoke with you at a well - like Jesus with the Samaritin woman? They really did do this, you know. (If you dont think they did - perhaps a fresh reading of the Gospels and Acts and all those letters that Paul and Peter wrote would clear this up.)
Jesus sent his disciples out by twos to preach the Gospel. And, why would Jesus command his followers to do so, if he did not want them to?
And, what if those people feel that if they ignore those words of Jesus, they could not be considered his follower?

Note to J: The category is Religion and Spirituality - this is a religous question. But, you are not obligated to answer any question you dont feel is worth your time. Those who want to answer may. It is an open website and .... oh maybe I am wrong - perhaps you are the moderator of this website?

Note to Level III: I wasnt asking you to cheer for Baptists - none of my questions or comments has told anyone to favor one religion over another. I have been consistent in stating that one is responsible for their own beliefs, but that they should research them (and be able to stand up for them) I am gaining insight on how people feel, since I do live in this world.

By standing up for your beliefs, I mean that you should be able to give references, i.e. Christians for example should be able to show why they believe as they do from the Bible, Muslims from the Koran, etc. If you dont really know what your book tells you, can you believe it?

Answer 1

I have talked to a lot of people about religion and I feel we always have a choice. But sometimes others have good ideas to.
I admire there caring attitude. It would take a lot of courage to go to someones door and talk to them about the most personal thing in your life. They really want to help you, that is showing love. Most people would rather be eating and watching a movie than listening to your problems. They took the time and effort to come and help you. I think you should listen and be kind.
Doesn't mean you have to change your life, do your own studying but they came do the courteous thing and listen.

Answer 2

This may just be my opinion, but if there is any religion which claims to have the truth, then it would seem logical for God to require his people to share the truth with others... unless God wants to keep the truth to himself and not tell anyone else about it. If you were God, wouldn't you want your children who are privileged with knowing the truth to share it with others?

To date, I have only had Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons come knocking on my door to share their beliefs. Perhaps there have been others, but I was not around to meet them. If I were to judge by my experience alone, I would guess that these two groups are the only ones who are serious about spreading God's word. Baptists are everywhere, but I haven't had them knock on my door yet. But I have seen Baptist pamphlets scattered on the ground in some areas... (usually the pamphlets I have seen only talk about how Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Catholics, and everyone else is wrong, though, so I actually don't know anything about what the Baptists themselves believe).

As far as sharing the Gospel, I think that if you believe it is true you should share it with others (in a polite way, of course). Why would you conceal the truth? It seems most people are more likely to talk about a movie they really liked, than they are to talk about a religion they really like. If they like their religion so much, why don't they talk about it? My guess is people don't share their religion because they don't feel it is that important, they are afraid it may not be true, or they are afraid of offending someone.

By the way, I have never been forced by anyone to accept what they believe. It has always been my choice to believe what I believe. Some people may be overbearing, but they have no power to force my beliefs.

Answer 3

You are always given a choice because in truth nobody can force you. After they're gone, you're still left with a decision whether you buy into anything they've said. In a way, it's good they leave you with more choices by telling you about their religion or even mixing parts of their religion with your own or seeing an issue from a completely different view. They may want to get more followers to strengthen their faith and seek their validation or because they believe it's the truth and want to save you from a tormenting afterlife if it's their beliefs, but in the end it's your call.

Answer 4

Some members of a religion try to force you while others are sincerely trying to help. Unfortunately, those who come knocking on your door, for whatever reason, it always feels like they're trying to force it on you.

Maybe it's because you thought you were nice and cosy in the privacy of your own home when someone decided they should put their beliefs upon you.

So the answer to your question is both. It's just that the ones who are more forceful and try to make you fear anything else but their point of view often times overshadow those who are really being sincere and want to help you "see the light," so to speak.

Answer 5

I personally do not like people that go door to door and "Sell Jesus" as I call it. If you seek out and ask someone about there religious beliefs then no problem you do not have to agree but as you asked you should listen and be polite. When I am sitting in my own home or minding my own business and someone comes along and trys to put there beliefs on me I call that force. I do not like it and do not support it. Everyone in this world has a right to believe in what they so choose. I am not here to change any ones mind and I do not wish for anyone to try and change mine. When and If I choose to change or find a different path I will come to you...

Answer 6

If someone attempts to force you to believe in their faith that is not the way to go about it. There are those types of people out there. The Gospel should be shared not forced upon someone. The Gospel is shared out of concern for whether or not our fellow mans soul will go to heaven. Jesus was a teacher, he gave man a choice as to believe in him or not. Personally I have never seen God come down and hit anybody in the head with a Bible, so why should we treat one another that way. I am very disappointed that it has been presented to you in this was that tends to sour a person into wondering why they would want to be brothers and sisters with other people who are pushy and judgmental. God speaks to our hearts, and that's why most questions are asked about him. I hope that this will help you to know that all Bible believing people are not out to push you into our faiths and beliefs. God gives you the choice of believing in him, its not up to anyone else to make that choice for you...I would say to you that I believe in God, and that he works in my life every day and that I am blessed and then go from there. God Bless You

Answer 7

Those of us who are evangelistic (such as myself), understand Jesus Christ Himself charged us to do this at Matthew 28:18-20. Denominations that preach against evangelism -- and individuals who don't do it -- are disobedient to the Lord.

Matthew 28:18-20 tells us:

"18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples 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 things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

The words "make disciples," which in the original Greek text is "matheteuo," means "to teach or instruct." Therefore, evangelical Christians understand that, although only the Holy Spirit can lead a person to salvation, it is OUR responsibility to educate people about God and to ensure those called by God are instructed in His ways.

Answer 8

I think that it is presented as a CHOICE - but if I choose to decline the invitation and not participate or listen and they continue - then it becomes FORCE.

And certain religions use a tactic of fear to say "Well, you have a CHOICE, but if you choose NOT to accept our religion, you will be punished."

Words are incredibly powerful - and can be incredibly dangerous when misused.

As far as going door-to-door; one's home is private property. If someone comes to my door and I ask them to leave and not return, they should abide by my request. That should be honored, regardless of their other "obligations".

And if I want to learn about a religion, can't I attend a church/temple/synagogue/assembly etc.?

Answer 9

Yes they are giving us another choice, but better than that their are giving us the truth a lot of us dont know, they want us to feel so happy and secure as them, and must of all they want us to go to the place that God prepare for us The Heaven, that's why they do that, as you say so Jesus send us to spread The Word.

Answer 10

I don't think it is to force their belief on others, I just think that they feel so good about what their religion has done for their life and how it has impacted them that they would want the same for others. I could be wrong, but at least that is how I feel.