I am aquainted with a man who is a pastor of a Baptist church. He makes it a habit of riding around with a volunteer ambulance and fire rescue. His mission is to catch someone so gravely injured that he can convert them as they die, basically. I find this very disturbing. What do you think?
2006-12-01 07:24:28 · 36 answers · asked by a_delphic_oracle 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is sad that he believes that God is too inept to have a plan for every-ones salvation that is going to work.
I'm afraid that if someone like that came into my house as a loved one was dying I would not be able to say anything nice to them.
Seems like there should be a law against ambulance chasing.
Love and blessings Don
2006-12-01 07:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
The pastor can not convert anybody because conversion is a matter of the heart. The pastor can talk to them about God, ask them to pray a prayer, etc. but conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit.
It is often the case that dying people want a minister of some kind to be there when they die. Whether it gives them false security or whether they really want the minister's words or prayers or blessing, that is between them and God.
Certainly the pastor should not barge into a person's private space - but he certainly could ask if the person would like him to pray, etc.
I have absolutely no hesitation to say that I believe God will welcome the person into His kingdom on his death bed if the person asks for forgiveness from a sincere heart.... Death bed conversions are real and wonderful. Of course it is a shame that the person did not live for God, but God is very very merciful and loving and welcomes the repentant sinner home.
God bless!!
2006-12-01 07:41:43 · answer #2 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That would not be Kosher... however it is most likly that he is there to offer comfort, spiritualy, to the dying... Salvation is available to all even up to the last concious mortal breath... if it is sught by one who is dying it would be good that one of The Faith is There to add comfort and direction.... Salvation can not be forced upon ony one, dying or not... only those who come willingly to God in The Way He proscribes will receive His free gift of Salvation.... if there is time at the end it would be helpful to have a spiritual leader present...that is all it is likly that man is doing... it is not at all unusual for pastors to be called to accidents to aid the dying... many pastors are qualified EMTs or Paramedics as well... or are qualified to drive the ambulence freeing the EMTs for medical duties.
2006-12-01 07:32:55 · answer #3 · answered by idahomike2 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is better to convert the living so that they may have a more fulfilling lives. Yes, I personally find the blatent mission of converting people on their deathbeds disturbing, but the guy probably feels called to do it and it is a useful thing in some ways.
2006-12-01 07:35:14 · answer #4 · answered by Stacye S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ya, that's tacky, and just as bad as lawyers chasing ambulances.
This pastor obviously believes in the 'confession of faith' as the only thing necessary for salvation--never mind that faith with out works is dead. If you're a true convert, your actions will show this, not just a statement of faith. And converting at the end of your life is a cop out.
I can't believe the ambulance company lets him ride along too. That's a HUGE liability, he's opening himself up to dangerous litigation!
2006-12-01 07:30:11 · answer #5 · answered by East of Eden 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
As long as he baptizes them I don't have a problem with it. Why do you? If you don't believe in God then there is nothing hurt by it because he doesn't exist right? but, if there is a God and he is saved that is good, so again why does it bother you? The person that is dieing will feel more comfortable so I don't see the harm.
2006-12-01 07:57:54 · answer #6 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It certainly is a morbid calling. however, the premier example of
"deathbed conversion" was the thief on the cross. it happens.
the last 5 minutes of breath in this world could determine your eternal destiny.
2006-12-01 07:31:20 · answer #7 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like something of a predatory way to preach the Word; going after people when they're at their very weakest. I imagine the victims didn't exactly invite him to come preach to their deathbeds, either. I'd almost go as far to say that this should be prohibited by law.
2006-12-01 07:30:05 · answer #8 · answered by Pazu 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Hello a_delphic... :)
Ask yourself if the Pastor is wrong, then how can it hurt anyone..
But if the Pastor is correct, then he could have given unto them the greastest gift of all.. :)
In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..In Christ.. :)
2006-12-01 08:17:39 · answer #9 · answered by EyeLovesJesus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What would this say about the God that saves them?
A person spends their entire life not buying religious **** then suddenly they are dying and poof they find God? Sounds rather convient to me! Would seem that they are only accepting a religion to try and save their own butt!
Granted they are trying to save their butt from a man made delusion but a lot of idiots buy into it!
2006-12-01 07:28:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋