How can you justify being a tolerant Christian?

Question

While many of your friends and family will burn in Hell for eternity if you can not convert them.

Isn't it your responsibility to convert as many people at what ever cost? Doesn't the end justify the means when it comes to eternity?

Answer 1

Only if you are confused enough to believe in things like a judgmental God and nonsense like Hell.

The idea that you are right and everyone else is wrong is a form of mental illness, it is not faith.

Silly little dream of superiority you have been having isn't it.

Love and blessings
don

Answer 2

When my fellow Christians annoy people to no end - this causes more lost souls than gains.

There is a time and place for everything. Realistically not everyone will be receptive or patient enough to listen. Even if the setting is right, people get ticked off when someone witnesses to them. In those instances, great - so be it...

BUT.., aggravating people at home, or getting in their faces with an attitude on the street is not the way to go. Study the methods Jesus and the Apostles used. Even Paul did not go crashing into Caesar's house and throwing around his religious views. He was arrested - and one thing led to another where the subject was unavoidable - he had to cover his religious beliefs for his defense. I'd like to see the ACLU argue separation of church and state on that one, when a man's very existence and freedom depends on his religious defense.

Answer 3

It says in the bible to be tolerant and not to judge as well. You can certainly fulfill your obligation to the Lord to speak to your friends and family about the gospel but even God knows there will be hardhearted people who will not listen. That does not mean you should shun the people who initially deny you. If you remain their friend or stick with them without being pushy, they may come to you by following your life's example. After all, people are curious by nature. If they see you doing what you are supposed to do and profitting in the Lord with a good and happy life they may feel compelled to ask a question or two. When you shove it down someone's throat, you may well turn them off religion for good. Then you have done no good to anyone. In fact you will have made Jesus and Christians in general look like bad people.

Answer 4

I am a tolerant Christian in many ways. I am tolerant of all the non-christians who are much more aggressive in their questions and answers than a lot of the Christians. I am tolerant of people that I work with and deal with on a day to day basis whether or not they believe like I do. Guess what, people are also tolerant of me. It is a two way street.
As a Christian we are to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the good news of salvation through belief in his sacrifice for us. I do not "get in peoples faces", I will speak to someone about my beliefs and what having Christ in my life has done for me if they are receptive. NOTHING is more annoying or a bigger turn off to me than to have (or see) someone in another persons face screaming and hollering about how much the Lord loves you and how you are going to hell if you don't convert to Christ right that second. Waving a Bible under a persons nose and screaming at them about their sins is extremely hypocritical, we are all sinners, saved and unsaved
I also am of the opinion that Christ holds us responsible especially as Chrisitans for the people that we cause to turn away from him. I try to follow the Apostle Paul's example, he witnessed, he lived his beliefs, and he was firm, but kind when he did take it on himself to reprimand. He spoke to people in general about his love and concern for them, when he repimanded a group of people it was usually a group that had been saved and had turned away from or were continuing to practice things that they knew were not Christian acts.
Christians are humans, we are not perfect, we never will be, but tolerant and kind to others yes, we should practice those qualitys.

Answer 5

Hello!! :o) 'Sdc_99' is absolutely right. I appreciate what you're saying - and of course - as a Christian myself - I'd love for everyone I care about to 'come to Christ' and be 'saved'. But that's not going to happen if their 'example OF Christ' is some guy with a handful of rocks. It should also be noted that the Bible itself warns us against justifying a 'wrong' because WE are convinced something 'right' will come of it. There is no greater 'witness' than a man or woman who actually follows Christ. Craig!! :o)

Answer 6

It is our responsibility, but conversion can't be forced. Everyone was given the ability to choose, and that's a God-given right that we would be wrong to try to take away. The only real way to convert people is through love, patience, virtue, kindness, and setting a good example. That doesn't mean we should look away from bad behavior, but we should love and try to understand the people around us.

Answer 7

You're making a valid point. Our society has turned "intolerant" into a negative term. We are instructed in the Bible to love everyone. How can we love people, and allow them to burn in hell without at least trying. We should never be tolerant of sin.

Answer 8

In one way yu are right but in another I feel that shoving it down the throats of others is wrong. As the body of Chrsit we are supposed to try and lead people to Him, but it is not something that can be forced.God gave us all a free will and a right to choose for ourselves. If we can talk to people and live the life that we talk about then our xample will be far bewter testimonial of Christ then any pushing. We have to share the Joy and good news of Christ to get others to listen and then we have the chance of getting them to turn to Christ for their slvation. All we can do is be the best example possible and pray diligently. It is good to know that you are concerned , pray alot.

Answer 9

That is why they say it starts from the family if your family don't see any good in you and you are out there teaching what does that tell the world. Of course you sow a seed to anyone including anybody but doesn't mean you have to hang them if they don't want to accept what you already accept. Peace and take it easy!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

You do not know God. Your question contradicts everything Christian. God chooses whom he shall call, not us. Hell is only the grave. Time and time again Jesus said that those that believe on Him shall he raise on the last day. It is corrupt churches that teach you go to heaven or hell instantly upon death. The Bible does not teach these things. You need to quit worrying about others and seek God out for yourself, maybe He will find you.

PS: It is not our responsibility to convert people. God saves whom He chooses, nothing we can do will save someone. Our duty is to bring glory to Him through our lives.