If a certain religion is so fantastic, why must people proselytize?

Question

I mean, if a religion is really wonderful, it will promote itself, won't it? Other than conversion in mind, why else to people go door to door to 'spread the word'?

Also, I've been living in Japan for 11 years and it still annoys me that foreigners come here to be missionaries. What's the point? Japan is a wealthy, affluent society. I can understanfd helping the poor, but converting? Come on!

Fortunately, Japanese people don't push religion generally.

Anyway, any takers for this question?

Answer 1

the "religious" responders have given you a point of view...

here's another

the more members, the lower the cost basis...
you know...economics of scale

for the proselytizers....bigger and better collections

Too cynical??? I think not....

Answer 2

How would a religion, or anything for that matter, promote itself WITHOUT people spreading the word? Any business person will tell you that the very best advertising you can get is word of mouth. When an individual tells you something is good, that carries much more weight than seeing a TV commercial. So if a certain religion is fantastic, I would think having individuals talking it up would be a good thing.

After all, how else are you going to find out about it? I suppose advertising is a possibility for this wonderful religion, but word of mouth seems like it would be a lot more effective,.

Answer 3

Japanese Christians send missionaries to the United States and other nations. It is because they have found a spiritual treasure of great value and as it is shared, its value increases. It overflows.

The only way a religion is known is by communicating it.

Hopefully Christians will be known by their love one for another, their mercy to those in need, and their obedience to Jesus Christ. One of the greatest acts of love in the Way, is to give up everything you have and give to the poor. This is often done by becoming a missionary. I know many missionaries who sacrifice from their successful lives just so they can show someone they never knew before that there is a great treasure that can be freely received.

Besides carrying the Good News, missionaries carry on incredibly meaningful actions of goodness. They go to arid places and provide the thirsty with wells. They go to war torn places and erect hospitals. They go to the famine stricken areas and they bring food and farming expertise. They go to lands lacking in education and they teach vocations and higher education. They go knbowing that evil reigns, and their lives may be at risk. Many have died, many have given their lives just to say "Because Jesus loves me, I love you. And i will show you by my faith and by my work for you."

Answer 4

Christianity is forever spreading........

For instance, I grew up in a unbelieving household and later became an atheist. I had no idea the meaning of the Gospel until I was exposed to it by another believer that gave me a Bible and encouraged me to go to church.

I believe people have to want God for them to see how fantastic Christianity really is!!!! Otherwise to the unbelieving eye, there doesnt seem to be appeal; a bunch of conservative stiffs waste a sunday every week giving 10% of their income and singing to an imaginary god. They are on the outside looking in.

Answer 5

Oh, it's just fun to tell others the Good News. Hope you don't mind, I'll leave you alone now.