What makes people offended whenever I try to tell them about what I believe?

Question

I try to tell other people about what I believe occasionally and sometimes they get offended. Why? If I really believe that those who don't believe Jesus died for their sins go to Hell, shouldn't it be considered as an attempt to save them. Shouldn't it be condsidered an act of love? If someone says they dissagree, I leave it at that and tell them if they have any questions to ask. Why get offensive? I don't get offended when others try to persuade me to be Mormon or Athiest.

Answer 1

Some people have dealt with really, really pushy Christians who harp on it.

Others find Christianity in itself offensive.

I honestly just think people like to get worked up over anything they can.

Answer 2

Well, most people who have considered a question and made a decision take it as an assault on their exposure to ideas and competence to just launch into the idea as if they had never been exposed to it or considered it for themselves.
So if you are so filled with light and happiness that people come up and ask how they can be like you, then it is a perfect opening to explain what you believe and why.
There are offensive acts of love, condescending ones, disrespectful ones, so look at the specific situations and try to see how or why the other person may have felt a lack of respect or consideration. For that matter, if I don't know you, the very statement that you love me could offend me, depending on how you express it.

If they have disagreed and you have left it at that, the only rational reason a person would continue to be offensive is if they have gotten the signal from you that you understand why they were offended and agree not to do it again.

You cannot have the same expectations of others as you have of yourself, and if you do, you're setting yourself up for a whole bunch of trouble throoughout the rest of your life.

Biggest Brightest Blessings!!!

Answer 3

There are certain beliefs that are cornerstones of the UU church and are indisputable, even if some people don't want to agree. While we are not literal, we have certain beliefs:

1. A denial of the Holy Trinity. We are strictly monotheistic. Our interpretation of the Bible disputes this finding of the Catholic Church. It is heretical to accept the Holy Trinity, period.

2. A commitment to obtaining religious freedom for all.

3. The absence of a literal belief in hell. Hell is a state of mind and is not literally present on Earth, but we can lead ourselves down to a state of Hell through temptation, ignorance and free will.

4. Original sin and predestination are accepted in Calvinist doctrine but are not required to be a Unitarian.

5. Jesus was a prophet not the Son of God and is not divine.

6. Evolution and creationism exist side by side. One is scientific, the other is philosophical and spiritual.

7. The importance of the journey of the Three Wise Men and its biblical and mystical implications.

There are other beliefs. I am only offering them for educational purposes. We are not allowed to proselytize or be missionaries, but you can convert of your own will with the help of a UU member freely.

Answer 4

You're a patient person. That is a rare trait, unfortunately.

In life, the people who are least firm in their beliefs are the most offended when you question theirs. People who get mad about this stuff are probably not strong in their own beliefs, and are still working stuff out.

Saving people is a tricky business, I guess, since too much force can be disconcerting, and too little gets nothing done.

Being a buddhist, I am not as worried about telling people or being told. However, I see your worry about people being offended.

Honestly, as long as your heart is in the right place, if they are getting mad at you despite that, they are just scared that they are wrong in their own hearts. And, of course, they will never admit that to you either.

Answer 5

Because the religions have turned God into a competitive business. And people know that all the religions are always looking to convert people of other religions to theirs. Some terrorists are saying, "Convert or die". In today's times religion has become a very touchy subject. If you're not offended fine, but don't assume that everyone else thinks the same way that you do.

Answer 6

You should be offended if someone tries to persuade you. There is a difference between having a discussion about religion and telling someone they are wrong and trying to convince them to switch. Personally, if we were having a conversation, and the discussion of religion came up, and you told me what you believed, I would in no way be offended. That is what you believe. But if my beliefs were different than your own, and you tried to persuade me to change, the conversation would be over. One of my beliefs is religious tolerance.

Answer 7

There could be hundreds of reasons why they get offended, it could be because they are under conviction of the holy spirit & this is the way they act, or they could be proud & arrogant, it culd be because they are emotional people, they could be angry, they might even follow "political correctness" ways of thinking. I see these sort of respones all the time when im out on the streets evangalising !!! I remember that before i got saved i use to argue with the preacher !

Answer 8

You are absolutely wrong and rude to boot.

If people want what you are selling, then they will walk through the doors of your church and ask to buy some.

You should leave people alone about their personal beliefs. Imagine, it's a bit insulting to suggest that everything they believe in is wrong and "you" have the right answer.

Takes quite an out of control ego to do that. Tremendously disrespectful also.

You need a serious reality check. And etiquette lessons to boot!

Answer 9

By chance is there anyway, it sounds to them as if you yourself are condeming them to Hell, or maybe they're offended just for the reason that you have a belief that differs from there own. I, personally do not see a problem with what you say- even though I somewhat agree.

Answer 10

Heres the real question why do people act like you have no right to be offended if they question your faith. It all has to do with the fear of being called a racist. If your a Christian and talk about it openly most people freak out and act like you are trying to convert them or something.

Answer 11

My belief is your religion should be private, and kept to yourself. It's like a lift in your shoe; it makes you walk a little taller and puts a spring in your step. Good for you. But I don't want to have to see your lifts. Public display of religiosity (affectation of faith) is unseemly and rude. Attempting to "save" other people is also intrusive. Your best bet is to keep quiet and enjoy whatever gifts you feel your faith is giving you. The rest of us just might not be interested.