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Why do so many religious people always try to "save" Atheists?
Also, why do Atheists try to prove there beliefs to religious people?

I just don't get the constant bickering. I'm an Atheist, I never feel the urge to try to "convert" anyone. Why can't everyone just except the others differences? What's the point of trying to "convert" them? How will that change YOUR life any?

2006-12-05 16:54:58 · 28 answers · asked by xo0ox143 1 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

I simply ask this because on many occasions, Christians have tried converting me, but I never understood why they felt so strongly about it. I was unaware of "the Great Commission", with that in mind, I can see where they are coming from. Thanks for the answers!

2006-12-05 17:07:56 · update #1

28 answers

In Christianity, the Great Commission requires that you go out and spread the gospel to all people, because you are personally responsible for making sure that everyone knows about Jesus Christ. Along with that comes the belief that you are not doing your "job" if you allow someone to be lost forever in the fires of hell because you did not convert them.

That's a real nice burden to have on your shoulders for all of eternity, isn't it?!

Yeah, I wish people would get off their freakin' high horses and leave well enough alone! To each his own!!

2006-12-05 16:58:27 · answer #1 · answered by bashnick 6 · 0 0

I understand your question. We are Christians but my brother in law is atheist. Sure, we'd like to see him "saved", but there is a great mutual respect and love that we have for each other despite our differences. We just embrace each other for who we are and enjoy some great debates!

The answer is in the two core belief systems. Christians operate under the premise of the "Great Commission," when Jesus commanded his followers to preach the Gospel and make disciples. Because of the basic belief in this and in the belief that God wants all to be saved and none to be lost because of his love for humanity, Christians are not just concerned about the things that only affect THEM. But the atheist is usually a scientific mind and wants to prove things out scientifically. Since God can't be conclusively monitored through the scientific method, the atheist wants to look to whatever data is available (or UNavailable as the case may be) to base his lack of perceptions of God upon. They both feel passionately about their positions and often enjoy the discussions. Some people get way too personal and angry and critical, launching personal attacks needlessly. And that is the case by both Atheists AND Christians!

2006-12-06 01:02:12 · answer #2 · answered by lizardmama 6 · 0 0

I don't have a religion at all, and I have my own (scientific) beliefs about whatever. I don't try to convert people, I just give my 2 cents when people ask questions on here. I do also let people tell me aout their religious belifs objectivly and with an open mind. However, nothing anyone has told me so far seems to make any sense to me. The only part of religion I agree with are things they teach, like "be a good person" and such

2006-12-06 00:59:17 · answer #3 · answered by ur a Dee Dee Dee 5 · 0 0

Every organiztion needs to recruit more members to survive. This includes the military, businesses, sports teams, schools, and religions. Some religious groups have more noble intentions though. I see where you are coming from. I am a Christian myself, but I believe in the individuals freedom of religion, and freedom from religion. Your religious beliefs are your choice, and just because someone is an atheist, or jewish, or a muslim; that does not make them bad people. Everyone has the right to believe what they wish, and you or anyone else should not be judged by your beliefs.

2006-12-06 01:02:49 · answer #4 · answered by o 3 · 1 0

I, too, am an atheist, and I agree with you completely. I do not want to be "saved", nor do I want to change anyone else's beliefs. I think people who are insecure in their beliefs are the ones who try to convert others. They must feel that the more people who believe what they believe, the more likely that it is true.

2006-12-06 00:59:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anniesgran 4 · 0 0

It's because the Christians feel like they're pulling atheists out of a burning building. It makes perfect sense to them, even though we non-Christians feel like they're fussing over a whole lot of nothing. They feel like they're doing something rather important.

And no, I'm not defending them. I am just answering a question which, although it was probably rhetorical, came off as sounding a little annoyed. That's just going to make people go on the defensive....unless, of course, they just give some variation of the burning building example, which, of course, is just going to make them seem all that much more high-and-mighty. I'm not defending them; I'm just answering the question in the best way that I know how.

2006-12-06 01:03:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Well, you do believe that human (or so to say any living being) will die one day. So after this death, they cannot come back to tell you how the (heck) you are suppose to live yout live on earth such that you will not regret it. Well, you cannot change the way your living life is when you are already dead, i suppose.

At this point of time,I suppose you know at which point of view i am answering your questiion. So we know that we have already someone who had reign over death and is risen from death. He said to us that he has come not to condemed us, but to fulfil the prophecy. And his purpose is to save us by dying for the sins that humans have done. Sins which refers to taking yourself, your own self as God insetad of God as God, so to say that to deny that there is that particular someone that is greater that you.

You might have posed the question to ask why Christians are so determined. Well, it seems that when you believed in something, and it have proven to you that it is real. You would want other people to be convinced as well.

It is good that you have the concept of the Great Commission. It helps you to understand in what i am driving at.

An analogy: you watched a movie and you fell in love in that show, you had some thoughts about it and wanted to share with your friends because you want them to come to know of a good show. You tell your friends about it and was disappointed that they thought so otherwise and claimed that the movie is not worth watching. For at least once, you would want to tell them why they should like the movie because of the qualities you see in the show.

This is my two cents worth. Hope you will think about it?

2006-12-06 02:33:47 · answer #7 · answered by Chen 2 · 0 0

Do you hang out in Christan Chat and purposely go where Chrisitans are? I mean most atheists I meet that complain of this are seeking out chrisitans. It is an amazing enigma I have observed in my eight year tenure in Christan Chat 3 in yahoo chat. If you don't want to be converted I don't believe in cramming it down your throat but don't go trolling for it either. Politely say this is my system of beliefs. They will probably say they are praying for you. Don't take offense or you will further egg us on. Just say OK. Thanks. If an atheist came and tried to help me I would politely say thanks too. There are also alot of zealot atheists out there that are just as vehement about spreading atheism even though they try to deny it. It is quite apparent they are passionate about their beliefs.

2006-12-06 01:01:47 · answer #8 · answered by xx_muggles_xx 6 · 0 0

Because they believe that saving souls is a prerogative of their faith. They are told that just believing in something isn't enough, that they must also help others to salvation in order to go to heaven themselves. Atheists, Wiccans, Pagans, and several other belief structures don't place such emphasis on saving others to saving themselves.
Frankly, when people try to "save" me, I am grateful that they care so much about me, that they want to save my eternal spirit from pain. I say, "Thank you for your concern. I hope you recieve the grace in your life that you deserve."
As for you not trying to convert people to atheism, isn't that exactly what you do when you argue your case? Aren't you trying to show people your theories, and seek their approval? I never argue with people when I don't want to persuade them to my side... You want people to agree with you. That is a type of conversion in itself.

2006-12-06 01:04:21 · answer #9 · answered by Angela M 6 · 0 0

Same reason atheists are always in the religion section preaching and trying to save non-atheists.

2006-12-06 00:58:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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