People who are closed up to Christianity-think people are crazy for talking to God, reading the Bible, etc, cannot really understand truly and deeply because they are not open to it. They aren't open to it for many reasons-they don't believe in something they can't "see," they are already a part of another faith/philosophy/way of life, etc. that isn't consistent with the Christian faith. They have already chosen another path. And you know what? That's okay...It is not our job as Christians to convert anyone or force our beliefs on them. I know we are supposed to "go into the world and preach the gospel" but there are different ways of "preaching." I think we should set the example first, not judge, and listen.
2006-09-28 08:12:45 · 21 answers · asked by thisisawasteoftime 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ah, a logical thinking Christian with respect for others' beliefs. Applause! I wish more of you would post in this manner, I know there are many of you out there!
That's all I ask when it comes to religious matters. Have some respect for those who believe differently from you and stop attempting to legislate your religion into all of our lives. And by "you" I mean the fanatics who babble on endlessly without ever taking the time to listen.
Thank you, nice post/question.
2006-09-28 08:20:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, we should set an example. However, if God is a part of my life I am allowed to talk about him. I have discovered that by just talking about God people consider this 'shoving God down their throats.' This is a part of my life, I go to church, have Christian friends, pray for people, read my Bible, and believe in God and Jesus. I talk about life from my own experiences, and these are my experiences. I want people to know about God. I understand that people may not listen, and I never preach at anyone and only state my opinions when asked seriously. The truth is that even if I never preached at someone, as long as I was living a life for God, people will still be close minded about me and my beliefs. There is no such thing as being completely open minded. Those who say they are are just fooling themselves. I will live my life as God calls me to live it. Lukewarm Christian doesn't sound that appealing. Either be all the way or don't bother.
2006-09-28 08:26:55 · answer #2 · answered by Venus M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.. and good for you! I'm afraid that the so-called "Christian bashing" that some "Christians" complain about is too often just an over reaction by some people to the very common feeling that Christians shove their beliefs down everyone's throats, or act arrogant and look down their noses at others. Why do you suppose people often have this feeling?
Christ taught humility. Besides, as my grandmother always said, "You can attract a lot more flies with sugar than with vinegar." Let your life and your actions be an attraction to others.
2006-09-28 08:22:46 · answer #3 · answered by Wei_Veach 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To Grandma Susie: In the America's, during the age of exploration (1600's) millions and millions of natives were killed in the name of God. So yeah, Christianity does have the habit of forcing religion down peoples' throats.
Personally, I'm NOT Christian, but please don't hold that against me. I think it's wrong for any religion to force their views on others. As a Muslim, I absolutely hate what's going on and I really really hate those stupid people who are declaring jihad falsely for their own sick pleasure. I hate what's become of Islam. Christianity, on the other hand, has improved its ways (somewhat). Islam needs to do something about what they're doing as well. Why can't we all live together happily? Religion isn't the only thing about a person anyways.
2006-09-28 08:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by sami 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I believe we Christians should not force our beliefs on others. This is very different tho than fulfilling the geatest commandment to go into all the world and preach the gospel. We are commanded to present the gospel to all men but no one can be forced to accept it. Very different than Islam. Those dudes see no problem holding a gun to the back of someones head and saying, "accept allah (no capital letter for a reason) or die." Now THAT'S forcing your religion on someone.
2006-09-28 08:24:47 · answer #5 · answered by yagman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wake up little girl, stop listening to the bashers. We aren't forcing anything on anyone. How many times have you seen a bunch of wild-eyed Christians holding an unbeliever over a fire? How many unbelievers have been beheaded here in the USA?
2006-09-28 08:22:04 · answer #6 · answered by Grandma Susie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wish more Christians thought like you. Preaching should be done by action not by word of mouth.
Its better that people see that your religion brings on a better life then that you have more convincing one liners.
2006-09-28 08:26:26 · answer #7 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Christians who don't are the best ones, but are the exception. Christianity, by its very nature is about pioneering and converting.
2006-09-28 08:16:54 · answer #8 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As the person having the beliefs forced on her, yes, I think you should stop. However, the Bible says that you should. And I would think that if you truly believe that I am going to hell and want to save me from such a terrible fate, that you would want to do everything in your power to help me. Doesn't that sound right?
2006-09-28 08:18:10 · answer #9 · answered by Jensenfan 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't you think that is rather hypocritical of you, to assume that non-Christians do not experience the same joyous experience that you get with Christianity, but for them from some other source? I commend you for agreeing not to oppress me, but you are stating that your way is the only "real" way, and that is entirely untrue to the majority of people.
2006-09-28 08:25:32 · answer #10 · answered by reverenceofme 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋