Why do Christians think that it is their business to "convert" anyone to THEIR way of thinking?

Question

Ok, I'm getting more opinions than actual answers and some harping. I think, perhaps, I need to clarify here. The vast majority of christians that I have encountered have been incredibly snotty, condecending, and bullish when it came down to their religion. I think it's nice that they love their religion, and I know what it's like to want to share knowledge... however... these people that I have encoutered, dont' want me to share with them.
By the way, I used the word "convert" because THEY use the word, hence the quotation marks.

Answer 1

A common misconception is that Jehovah's Witnesses go from door-to-door because they feel it is their duty to get a householder to "convert". In fact, Jehovah's Witnesses would go from door-to-door even if there were no hope that anyone would change their religion, or even if no one would listen to them!

That is because Jesus Christ specifically assigned the house-to-house ministry to the Christian congregation, with no regard for specific results.

(Luke 10:1,2) After these things the Lord designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos in advance of him into every city and place to which he himself was going to come. 2 Then he began to say to them: “The harvest, indeed, is great, but the workers are few. Therefore beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.

Jehovah's Witnesses are trained to direct attention to the bible, and move on when their message is unwanted. Since each congregation in the United States tries to call at every home in its territory at least twice each year, there is strong motivation for them to move on where little interest is shown. Also, the Scriptures help the Witnesses to expect little interest from most:

(2 Timothy 4:3-5) For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching ...and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories. You, though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/

Answer 2

I don't try to 'convert' anyone... but I do try to share what I believe to be a way out of a really bad situation with others so that they can get out, too. Think of it like this. If you and a few others knew the formulas to a test that everyone in the world was going to have to take soon, and the grade you got determined whether you lived or died, wouldn't you want to share with everyone you knew those formulas so that they wouldn't take the test and fail? Even if they didn't want to hear your answers because they thought the test wasn't that important, you'd likely keep trying to let them know that the test was real, and here were the formulas to be able to pass, wouldn't you? THAT'S why we come to your door, or pass you in the grocery line and hand you magazines. We want you to pass, too! :) That's all. God asked me to love you enough to try, and so I do.

Answer 3

Did you ever see a really good movie and you couldn't wait to tell friends/family about it? Or, eat a meal that was sooooo good that you couldn't wait to tell people about the restaurant where you ate it? Did you ever find out insanely good news and couldn't wait to share it with the people you love? Did you ever fall in love and couldn't wait to tell the people who you share your life? Well, it's like that when you experience a relationship with God thru Jesus Christ. It's life changing, liberating, and eternally lasting. Some people get so caught up in the experience that they don't know the simple act of just loving people would teach "non-Christians" more about Jesus than all their preaching. It's a shame that people have ever taken the good news of relationship with God and used it to beat people over the head with or cause them to feel shame. Don't get me wrong, I DO believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, The Truth, and The Light. I DO believe that no man enters the kingdom except thru relationship with Him. If someone comes to me for advice, they already know that I am a Christian and that my relationship with God will come into any adivce I might give. Some people take the Scripture "Go into all the Earth and preach the Gospel" as a literal command. Plain and simple, the Bible says "They will know we are Christians by our LOVE". The Bible also says, "LOVE one another as I have loved you".

My relationship with God has changed my life FOREVER. His love has healed a heart that I never thought could be healed. He overlooked my faults and took me just as I was. He continues to love, heal, and forgive me as I walk out this relationship with Him. I make mistakes often. I don't pretend to be perfect. God FORBID I ever judge someone or tell them they're going to hell if they don't believe in Jesus. When you encounter a love this incredible, you are motivated to share it. You want others to know the joy that you've found. Unfortunately, there's some Christians whose methodology doesn't make any "non-Christian" feel all warm and fuzzy about this God we serve. I'm sorry you've experienced anything but authentic love from a Christian. If no one else tells you today, God loves you. No strings attached! He's real. His love is real. I pray you have opportunity to experience in sometime in the near future.

Answer 4

For the same reason SOME (a word you left out) atheist spend so much time trying to "enlighten" us that they have "proof" there is no God. They cannot accept the fact that others think differently than they do.

I am a Christian who lets my life be my living witness. I leave the converting to God. You will never hear me trying to change your mind or condemn you to hell. However, if you ask a question about my God, I will answer the question to the best of my ability.

Answer 5

I think your should have put some Christains or Christains that I have met. Not all Christains are like that trying to convert. Some like me don't really care what u choose to be and will expect u for u are. So don't just asume that a FEW will make it ALL.
As for why the some do it b/c they want to save your soul I guess. Or they are really deep into the religion.

Answer 6

You shouldn't be so negative, it's up to you to believe, nobody can force you. Christians understand that God loves us so much that he gave us Jesus. If you chose not to accept this then you are missing out, not those who believe. And I, as a believer, only wish to share with you the reality of Gods love through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's not converting it's sharing, it's your choice.

Answer 7

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:


Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Any Questions?

Answer 8

Because that is what the bible says to do. Now how hot do you think it will be in that lake of fire if you don't convert. I'm just telling you what the bible says. Most christians will have to die before they will enter the kingdom of heaven, if you think that these times will go on as they are. You are sadly mistaken.

Answer 9

It is a Christian's holy mandate to bring the gospel to the world.We are to be the salt of the earth.We cannot "convert" anyone.It is up to that person listening to decide whether to repent or not.Witnesses can't save people.That part is between themselves and Jesus.

Answer 10

If you were on a sinking ship would you help the stewards warn people of the impending doom?
That is why people who believe in the Bible try and warn People of the em pending destruction of the end times we are all living in.