why is it such a bad thing to not believe in god? why is it that all christians will try to 'convert you'? why is there such a stigma attatched to atheism?
2006-09-17 16:44:14 · 31 answers · asked by Cayce A 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1. If you don't believe in God, then how can it be bad? In that unbelievers mind He is not there.
2. As far as trying to convert unbelievers. Yes it can be a pain to have christians like me trying to offer salvation. But, in my situation, I am truly trying to offer what has made a big difference in my life and doing it with love. Jesus himself commanded all believers to witness to those willing to hear and leave those alone that did not wish to do so. So, when someone lets me know that they are not interested, I go my own way.
3. As far as the stigma of atheism. I think it goes both ways. Why is it that we cannot get along and respect each others beliefs. Jesus told us to love others as ourselves, He was letting us know that by treating one another with a loving and caring heart, we can are by far better witnesses than those just running their mouths.
As a christian it is my responsability to love you and all others, it does not mean that I have to like your behavour or actions. You will notice that I did not include you beliefs. Respect on the other hand is definitely a 2-way street. You can't get it if you don't give it. Anyone that has a faith different from mine is welcome in my life, that does not mean they will be allowed to show my home, family or me disrespect to me or my faith.
I will always try to be as respectful to my friends that do not practice my faith.
2006-09-17 16:58:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To someone who believes in God or a Supreme Deity, not having belief is hard to understand. Personally, my faith in a loving God has carried me through some very difficult times and I have hope for an eternal future with God who is Love.
All Christians won't try to convert others, but there are many that will. Some will urge conversion because they feel that a non-believer is missing something - then there are those who are the "holier than everyone else" and try to cram their beliefs down everyone's throat.
In my opinion there are many ways to believe and it is only humans that limit the scope of our belief. God is so much more than the image any of us have; He is limitless and timeless.
The stigma attached to atheism is multi-layered;
* first, you're not like they are ~ so you are to be feared, because not understanding someone can be very scary {prejudice is a case in point}
* second, THEY know what is right and anyone who doesn't agree should be punished for being an unbeliever ie. the Spanish Inquisition; the Crusades; present day fanatic religious groups, including Christian, Muslim, Hindu or anyone else that alone KNOWS what is right.
* third, not believing in any deity or being greater than ourselves leaves unbelievers with nothing to look forward to, no hope ~ the world we have today is by no means perfect and an eternity of this, or a life that has no meaning beyond the years you live, is a bleak and lonely place.
I don't know if any of this means anything or if it comes close to answering your questions; I hope that I've been able to help a little bit.
Take care.
2006-09-18 00:01:51 · answer #2 · answered by kalyko13 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They feel that if you are an atheist, you will burn in Hell forever, and they don't want that. Plus, they feel that if they witness to you, it gives them a better chance of getting into Heaven. Plus, a lot of them take the Bible's teachings to mean that they are required to take the Word to you, and if they don't, you're "being lost" is partially on their shoulders.
I'm a Christian, and my witnessing is done by treating others the way I would want to be treated and by letting God's love be shown in how I live and act towards other people. I don't think that getting in people's faces and telling them they'll burn forever unless they do what I say is going to do any good.
Personally, I sometimes wonder about all the "rules" for getting into Heaven. It just doesn't seem quite right that a person could be an otherwise good human being and still roast in the lake of fire just for not getting saved. But what does it matter what I think, anyway?
2006-09-17 23:48:26 · answer #3 · answered by I'm Still Here 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is your choice on wether or not you want to believe in God. Think about it.. Do you wanna go to hell? The reason that the Christians are trying to tell you about this Awesome God, is because they don't want to see you truned away at the pearly gates, and sent down to hell. Not all Christians will try to " convert " you. The ones that actually care about you, will tell you about the saving power of Jesus Christ, and how you may obtain everlasting life.. Why don't you listen to one of these " Jesus Freaks" next time.Most of the time, they know what they are talkin about, and know what it takes enjoy thier eternity... IN HEAVEN, give it a shot. Why not open your eyes, ears, and shut your mouth? It might work. Listen to what God is trying to tell you through these people. Once again, you have the free will to do whatever you please. Don't curse at Christians or God when you are burning in hell though
2006-09-17 23:50:14 · answer #4 · answered by Cyber Spacer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I would never try converting someone who didn't believe in God unless they actually wanted to be converted. It's wrong how some Christians look on different religions, actually it's pretty discusting. Every human has the right to choose what they want, Have a nice day =)
2006-09-17 23:49:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not within your self interests to reject God, similar to a fish rejecting the water, as soon as the living entity rejects God then that person places themselves in an un-natural position, similar to a fish being removed from the water and being placed on the land, to whatever degree the fish attempts to become happy, those efforts will always be unsuccessful, due to the fish being separated from its natural position of being in the water.
Similarly we are spiritual beings temporarily covered by a material body, the material body is temporary, it will become diseased, grow old and die, but the real person, the spiritual person, continues on and rather then remain in the un-natural material environment, where you can never experience real happiness, the invitation is extended to re-establish your spiritual, eternal identity and re-connect the individual self with the supreme self, then you will experience unlimited happiness, pleasure and success.
To discuss further:-Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari (sda@backtohome.com)
2006-09-18 00:06:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christan's have a concern for others "eternal soul". Also, Many of us were brought out of lives that sucked and now they have been transformed into something beautiful.
It's kind of like wanting to convince someone to try the new flavor of Ben & Jerry's because it caused you such extasy.
2006-09-17 23:50:03 · answer #7 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Christians don't "try to convert" non-Christians. We are called to present the good news that God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. It is your choice to accept or reject that message. In the delivery of the message, my job is complete.
And why is it a bad thing not to believe in God? That's like asking why is it a bad thing not to believe in air. God permits you to exist on this earth. He loves you and offers you an opportunity to spend eternity with him. That's plenty of reason for me to believe.
And to the person who said you can't test God, I actually read a verse in scripture today where he challenges us to test him. It was Malachi chapter 3, somewhere around verse 10. Check it out if you're interested.
2006-09-18 00:08:52 · answer #8 · answered by astrosfan57 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason some Christians will try to convert someone is because we're told by Jesus to share His message of forgiveness with others, thereby, inviting them into His kingdom... Becoming a Christian is a choice made by an individual upon hearing the message of forgiveness available to all in His name - Jesus Christ.
The problem with most Christians, atheists, and other non-believers is that they call Christianity a religion when, in reality, it's a RELATIONSHIP, people...!
It's not all about following a set of rules...!
It’s about joining His family…!
When we believe in Jesus and believe in our heart that He suffered, died for everyone’s sins, and rose again, we're granted the right to become children of God... So, the way I see it, we have our Father who is in heaven (I prefer to call Him "Daddy"), Jesus is our Brother - as He said that whoever does His Father's will is mother, daughter, and brother to Him, and the Holy Spirit who finishes the work to be done IN us as well as handles whatever tasks He wishes to accomplish THROUGH us...
2006-09-17 23:54:28 · answer #9 · answered by KnowhereMan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a stigma attached to atheism, it's a stigma attached to not being Christian. According to Christian dogma, Christian is The Only Right Way and anything else will get you Sent To Hell.
2006-09-17 23:46:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋