Why do people feel the need to shove their religions down other people's throats?

Question

I hope no one takes this the wrong way, I don't want to offend anyone, but I've never had anyone try to convert me until I came to this country (USA) and ALL of them were Christians. Why can't they accept that other people have their own beliefs instead of trying to "save" everyone? To me, it is an insult and it is disrespectful to undermine what I believe and not to allow me to make my own choices. This is just how I was raised.

Actually, I do not start the conversation. It goes from "Where are you from?" to "Oh.... So what religion are you?"

Black Parade Bille:
No I am not Muslim. My beliefs are mixed. I am from Transylvania, so naturally I am misunderstood quite often in my traditions, religion, customs, and history.

WDJD:
You and other people like you are exactly why I posted this question. Just because I do not share your beliefs does not make me a bad person, and furthermore, what you believe does not apply to me as I do not believe it. You are very disrespectful. Understand that with that attitude you are not going to make many people happy. You claim to accept everyone, but you shun those who do not believe as you do. Who is the sinner now?

Mmm... I apologize for that last outburst. What he said made me very angry, but my response was out of line and certainly not helping my cause.

Answer 1

Because most of the Christians in North America are absolutely convinced that everyone else should be Christian to and will do anything to have it happen.

Believe me, I know how you feel. I think it's extremely rude.

Answer 2

I'm Christian and I haven't stuffed anything down your throat, you have the right to believe what ever you want, being a Christian you are suppose to live a life that makes someone wonder how they to can be saved not here take this bible read it now convert or go to hell. It is to my understanding that Jesus will give all one last chance to chose when he comes. So God Bless you and sorry you had that experience with Christians.... But your question sound no different if you were asking why do all black or white men lie because you experienced lies from a handful of them all people are not the same and all Christians are not the same. I have yet to meet someone perfect in their walk.....No matter what their religion.

Answer 3

They deny it and in fact they claim they are persecuted because the courts have struck down their attempts to get the Bible in the schools and Christianity in the government. Some have even called for amending the constitution to outlaw all religions but theirs (Focus on the Family, for example, wants an amendment outlawing Wicca). I don't object to the useage of God in such things as "In God we trust" because "God" can be taken in many ways (though I can see atheist objecting to it) and I think of lot of this stuff has gotten carried away; but they must learn that not everyone agrees with them and they need to respect other beliefs. They cannot prove their religion is true, as much as they may try.

I hear the arguement, "you don't have to listen"; then why are these same groups calling for censorship (a recent Madonna video, for example)- nobody is forcing you to watch it. Just walk away.

Answer 4

Weird place to live, huh?

No worries. I'm atheist. I won't convert you.

It might be *where* in the USA you live. Rural areas and southern areas tend to be a little more "Accept Jesus Or Die". The left coast, the east coast and more urban areas are a little more live-and-let-live.

Good luck!

p.s. - They want to know if you're muslim I bet. Well, try to make a joke of it. Rather than answer them, say "People told me everyone in america would begin conversations by talking about religion, but I didn't believe them!" Then just let it drop. See if that works!

Answer 5

I agree. Religious people should just mind their own business and not try to "save" others who have no intention of being saved. In the state where I live almost 80% of the population is of a certain religion and they are constantly trying to recruit new members.It is indeed disrespectful to take the position that their beliefs are better than anyone else's.

Answer 6

I agree, what gives them the right to say their way is the only way? It's pointless to harass people by insulting their beliefs. Religion confuses me so much that I just read my bible and do what I can comprehend of it. Overly Religious people scare me. That's why I don't hardly go to church, because they do more insulting than they do uplifting. It is disrespectful to tell people that their religion is wrong and they need to believe in yours only. It's ridiculous. You can share your beliefs with others, but don't force them onto others. They wan't believe 100% unless they choose to do so by their own choice.

Answer 7

It should not be that way, the way of shoving it down ones throat. If you're ready, you're ready, but if not, then not. It should be that simple, but many cross the line and I think they should focus on themselves and do a little inner self-cleaning. The disciples never forced their beliefs on anybody, in fact you read that they left towns where they were not well received. This should be a lesson for all mankind. It is OK to shine the light, but don't point it in someones eyes. It is God who is in charge.

Answer 8

First define "shoving" . You have the right to not listen, and walk away. Some are too aggressive, and offend people. But understand this; we have a commission, by Jesus Himself, to spread the "good news" of Christ and His sacrifice to everyone we meet. If people's own beliefs lead them to miss an eternity with someone who loves them so much, it is out of love that we preach the Gospel.

Answer 9

Dear Daciana, IM a Christian living here in the U.S A. I would like to explain my stance and hopefuly help you understand why there is such an obligaiton for us christians to share our faith. While it is true there are many different religions there is a reason that chrisitanity stands out above all other religions. Many people ask me the same question as you and they ask me why when all of these other religions claim to be true, do I insist that Chrisitanty is the only true religion, How can I know that my religion is truer than any other? The truth is no religion is "truer" than another. "religion" is mans futil effort to try to find peace with God, The chrisitan doesn't strive to have peace with his creator. It was given to him in the person of the savior. The uniqness of Jesus Christ is His statement "the Son oif Man has power on earth to forgive sins." No religion of mna can do that. Christianity is not a manmade "religion", but a personal relationship with the one true God. You may say, "well what about those people who follow manmade religion but are truly sincere and feel that there religion is right?". the truth is that our feelings are irrelevant to truth, If Im on a Flight to Iraq, but I genueinly feel and sicerly belive Im on a plane to hawaiii, my feelings about whether im going in the right direction have nothing to do with that fact. yes other people following man made religions may be sincere, but we often forget that we can be sincerely wrong. This is why Chrisitans must share their faith, we have the truth, the relationship with the one true God through Jeus christ, and the cure to death and everlasting torment in hell. If I weere a Doctor and I hade the cure to the worlds most terrible disease and I simply sat back and never told anyone, I would be a murderer, and the same goes for a Chrisitan, he/she has the cure to the greates enemy, death, and to simply sit back complacent and never warn anyone about the cure unitl they die is cruelty. I would like to ask you a few questions.

Have you ever lied (even once--fibs, white lies, etc.)? Ever stolen (anything--the value is irrelevant)? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? If you have said "Yes" to these three questions, by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart; and The Bible say's "he who hates his brother is a murderer." Have you ever hated somenone? based upon the fact that the bible says everything you have done is seen by God, Nothing you’ve ever done is hid from His holy eyes. Will you be innocent or guilty on the Day of Judgment? Listen to your conscience. You know that you will be guilty. You know its wrong to lie and steal and murder and use Gods name in vain ect, our conscience tells each and every one of us that these things are wrong, thats because Gods Law is written on the heart of every man, and when you stand beofre God you wil be withut excuse and end up in hell. That’s not God’s will. He provided a way for you and I to be forgiven.
He sent His Son to take our punishment: "God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He was bruised for our iniquities. Jesus then rose from the dead and defeated death.
Your own so-called “goodness” can’t get you into heaven any more than mine could. Jesus is the only way to Heaven. He is the "Door," the only "mediator." There is salvation in no other name, and the BIble gives a Challenge to any skeptic. the Bible says if you will repent (turn from sin) and place your faith and trust in jesus like you would trust a parachute, God wil forgive you and grant you the gift of everlasting life. Not only that, but the Bible promises that God will reveal himself to you, this dosent mean that you will se heavenly visions, rather it means that God wil give you a new heart with new desires and he wil change you from the inside.Most importantly you will know that you have eternal life and everlasting forgiveness. Either this is true or its not, I would simply ask that you give serious thought to what ive said, because I care deeply for you and I want you to be able to know you have found everlasting life.
God Bless
WDJD

Answer 10

I think you are being judgemental, just because they like to talk about god does not mean they are shoving it down your throat, they may just like to talk about god because it is something that interest them! If you don't like it just tell that person insted of jumping down their throats!!!!!!