Missionaries go into foreign lands and offer such things as medical supplies in exchange for conversion to their religion. While I support their charitable actions, aren't they just bribing people into a religion?
2006-12-05 02:58:54 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. Its still a person's choice. Its not like they are gonna tear down the buildings because they decided they didn't like the religion.
2006-12-05 03:02:31 · answer #1 · answered by ♫O Praise Him♫ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You people are such hypocrites. On the one hand you condemn Christians for all of the ills that have been done by men since the time of Christ and then, on the other hand, you condemn us for doing charitable acts and helping the poor and infirmed.
You are such a piece of work.
On another note, what good things have you been doing for people that you don't know? Taken food or clothing to the poor? Helped shelter or take care of the homeless? Helped anyone that was less fortunate than you? Have you done anything to help anyone else when you have nothing to gain from your sacrifice?
Hmm... I guess Jesus was right. You will know who a person is by what he does, not what he says. But you just keep pointing your fingers. That will accomplish a lot.
2006-12-05 11:05:37 · answer #2 · answered by Bud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you believe that missionary work is actually bribing, then the real question should be...do you think bribing is wrong, and if you do, then there is your answer. Don't forget, everything is based on perception. I perceive missionaries as people who try to spread the word of their God, and while doing so they do give charities. But I don't see it as a bribe. I just see at as a service. And if someone who does not believe what they are saying says so, they are not going to be denied heath care or food because of their opinion.
2006-12-05 11:05:03 · answer #3 · answered by Jashuuuua 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If missionaries are willing to give of their time and resources to go help people in need...should we really be in the business of questioning their motives?
Speaking from personal experience, missionaries who go to foreign lands really do give up quite a bit in order to do what they think is right and to bring good things into the lives of others, both in terms of service, supplies, and a message.
Religion is all about giving service to others. If that's "bribing", then I'm all for it. Give me a life of serving others and receiving service from them in return. It's a lot better than the alternative.
2006-12-05 11:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by Open Heart Searchery 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were to bribe you to do something, you would have to do it to get the bribe. Christian missionaries do not require conversion for suppies, they offer Christ as a gift along with meeting material needs. He's sort of the icing on the cake, or bonus material.
2006-12-05 11:04:03 · answer #5 · answered by ruby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the mission of the missionary. If it is a Christian missionary, they are bringing the Good News that reconciles mankind to God to a people or someone that hasn't heard the Gospel of Christ.
Jesus commanded us to go forth and preach the good news to all creation.
The gift of eternal life was already given to us, around 2000 years ago. Preaching the good news is letting others know what is already given to them if they believe in Jesus Christ.
There are people who are doing missions to help others victimized by nature or brutality, and they are going there to help those people physically, and to also tell them about Christ gift of Salvation available for them.
2006-12-05 13:19:08 · answer #6 · answered by t a m i l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all religions follow your initial premise. I cannot speak for other religions but as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I can speak as an authority on THAT faith and its goals and intentions. Our church offers medical supplies, clothing, food, water, diapers, etc. in time of emergency anywhere in the world without ANY obligation on the part of the receiver to join our faith. When hurricane Katrina devestated New Orleans the LDS church was first on the scene with necessary supplies and never even told the victims who was offering them their supplies. When floods, fires, famine, heat, cold, or anything strikes on the earth, our church simplyh follows the counsel of Him who we worship, "feed my sheep." Where do all of these supplies come from? From money donated by members of the church from around the world through the tithing of faithful members. So it is not 100% accurate to claim that ALL churches expect conversion from those who receive their goods and services.
2006-12-05 11:10:57 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Curious 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wrong! Most medical missionaries offer their services regardless of conversion. But they will tell you about God while they help you. No conversion necessary though.
2006-12-05 11:02:46 · answer #8 · answered by icthyus05 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, they care for the needs of the needy. Then, they tell them the good news of the gospel. Whether or not the Gospel is accepted is up to those receiving the care. They are not forced to and many don't. Too bad, God loves them and they refuse to accept it, just like so many who come to this page. Merry Christmas.
2006-12-05 11:01:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use to refer to them as rice christians, they gave them rice and things when they converted so giving people stuff to join your religion is wrong because to join a religion to serve God has to be a heart felt thing you do. Jesus fed the crowds because they had been there days with out eating he felt sorry for them.
But when they came just to get fed he didn't do it.
2006-12-05 11:02:58 · answer #10 · answered by Ruth 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋