my moto is, if your looking for jesus, ill help you find him. But i wouldnt push my beliefs or preach when not asked. That just seems wrong. People seem to think this is "un christian like" what do you think?
2006-09-07 06:53:57 · 31 answers · asked by john 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is a clear command in the bible, by Jesus, to teach and preach the Good News of the Kingdom - and to all the nations (read Matthew 24:14 and 28:18).
So reaching out to people with the Kingdom Good News by offering Bible studies and printed material to help people understand the bible is fulfilling that command. They are offered by peaceful, peaceable people who want what's beneficial for their neighbors. This is done without pushing, forcing, or threatening (as has been done by Christendom in past centuries).
If you were in a building that had a fire and didn't know it, no doubt you'd be appreciative if someone called out to you and warned you that there's a dangerous fire.
2006-09-07 07:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by nolocanal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with what your'e saying is that there are probably millions of people who have no interest in religion or God. They are in spiritual darkness and if we wait for them to come to us, then how will they ever come to know about God or what his requirements are? Jesus went to the people and his disciples were instructed to go from house to house preaching about God's Kingdom so that is what Christians should do now. We have to be preachers of righteousness like faithful Noah was. We must warn as many as possible about the coming Great Tribulation and God's war against all wickedness, just as Noah warned others about the flood. Do you think Noah or Jesus were "pushing" their beliefs on anyone? It's something for you to think about.
2006-09-07 07:23:48 · answer #2 · answered by Micah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All people have the tendency to believe that what they think, believe in or do is best. That is a mistake, but it's a common one. I agree with you, but you will find that most people don't. In a strange way, it seems that we feel more human or "real" when the ones around us think the same way we do. It makes us feel more secure and confident. But it's a proven fact that, even if you see someone you care about going on a wrong path, telling him/her what to do or what not to do will only make him/her hang tighter to his/her own beliefs. God tells us we have no right to judge. Forcing our beliefs upon someone else means that we do judge that someone for not being like us. But, then again, if others don't have the right to preach, we don't have the right to judge them either. That's life, a twisted, complicated matter of morals.
2006-09-07 07:16:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are afraid. They are not secure in their beliefs and need constant affirmation from others.
The more people they can get to agree with them, the more comfortable they become.... but it doesn't last long. They have to continue, on and on, trying to convince more people. It's like a drug, and they are always moving on to the next fix.
I've noticed this among all religions and among agnostics and atheists as well. And it goes beyond religion. It extends to ethics, politics, family dynamics, on and on. Our whole belief system is filled with this town-crier foolishness.
People are children. I wish they could learn to accept and value themselves. If they want to share information when someone is asking, that's different.
2006-09-07 07:07:00 · answer #4 · answered by KALEL 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The New Testament admonishes believers to:
... watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
With that as their guide, some people see it as their duty to actively attempt to convert other people to Christianity -- or to their particular brand of Christianity. They usually have the best of intentions, but they also can be a nuisance.
Others think that living a just and faithful life, treating others as they would be treated, demonstrating tolerance, sets a Christian example for others to follow. (In fact, living that kind of life would be a good example in all faiths.)
You have the right idea. If people want to discuss your faith, be there for them. Otherwise, let them follow their own beliefs.
If there is a heaven, I don't think they'll count the notches in your cross before they let you in.
2006-09-07 07:02:47 · answer #5 · answered by johntadams3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each person is doing it for a different reason.
Some are doing it because the tenets of their religion, as they understand them, demand that they do so. One simply cannot be a good (fill in the blank) unless one is attempting to share that consciousness with others.
Some are doing it because they earnestly and sincerely believe that they have the key to something precious, which they would be remiss in NOT sharing with you.
Some are doing it because they feel they have moral high ground, and they are in judgment of where you are, hoping to rid the world of negative influences.
Some are doing it because someone else told them to.
Some are doing it because they are mentally ill.
Some are doing it because it's fun for them.
Some are doing it because they fear punishment from a deity or a person if they don't do it.
There's a different reason for every "pusher."
Why not ask the next one, without judgment or unkindness, why they are sharing that information with you? And when they answer, listen carefully, and ask another "why" question.
If you keep asking "Why" with genuine curiosity, you might find out that person's REAL reason..."My mother taught me that." or "I can't stand the smell of your cigarette smoke." or something equally surprising.
2006-09-07 07:09:25 · answer #6 · answered by Gracie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your attitude is not unchristian. In fact it is very Christian because it respects the dignity of your fellow man. The best way that you can lead people to Christ is to live your faith. Christians aren't doing that if they are disrespecting people who don't happen to share their same beliefs, just so that they can feel righteous.
St Francis said it best:
"Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
2006-09-07 07:00:48 · answer #7 · answered by anabasisx 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Many evangelistic style religions interpret the Bible as they see fit to meet their own ends. Reading the entire paragraph, not just the sentance within the reference number, will reveal the true meaning of the passage that the author was trying to convey. When confronted with what I call 'Bible Beaters", I pull my own Bible out and show them what a paragraph mark looks like. Prayer, which is common among all religions, will reveal the meaning of what you read the way the God of your understanding wants you to understand it.
2006-09-07 07:02:08 · answer #8 · answered by Jimbo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certain denominations are trained that it is part of their job and ordered by their religion to actively "witness" to non Christians. Most of these people truly do mean well and believe that they are helping you by getting in your face. I try to give them a break -- I would probably do the same if I truly believed I had the answers to all of life's important questions, and that the people who didn't know what I knew were going to suffer for all eternity.
2006-09-07 07:04:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with you. I love my faith and would share it in a minute to someone interested. But we cannot drag people to the altar of Christ kicking and screaming.
I guess people interpret sharing the faith differently. I think we can share by living a life of faith and people become curious as to why we feel so sure in our lives and they become interested.
But banging them over the head with Scripture isn't going to bring anyone around...it turns them against Christianity - which is made obvious by some of the opinions of Christians on ANSWERS.
2006-09-07 07:01:31 · answer #10 · answered by chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋