To win someone over?
Lets PRETEND for a minute I despise Atheists and Homosexuals, becuase I think they are full of sin. By telling them they are evil, bound for Hell, but God loves em, am I going to win them over?
OR, is it better to say, Well, I may not agree......and then continue to know them, and love them anyway, and let God deal with the rest?
How often does rudness, and condemnation actually win someone over, when it comes to religion?
(I said PRTEND because I do not feel that way, check my previous Q&A)
2006-12-21 07:59:29 · 15 answers · asked by sweetie_baby 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No, I prefer to lead by example. But, I do tell of the Good News, as Jesus said I should. A Blessed Christmas to you.
2006-12-21 08:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't work. I'm sure the Christians (and any other Religious person who deals with individuals in this way) would not want an Atheist, Homosexual, Pagan or any other "Non" treating them that way.
Condemnation, the whole "God loves you so much he died for you and if you don't believe that then you're going to hell", usually works the opposite way. Too many use these images which are contradictory to their first statements about God being love. No one wants to be part of something that is that contradictory and hypocritical.
2006-12-21 16:08:25 · answer #2 · answered by Kithy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you are right. Further I think that this practice hinders our common goal as Christians to come to know God and shows a lack of Faith in God's ability to change people in His time as He sees fit. What I mean is God says all our hearts are naturally evil and I am quite sure while you are busy taking inventory of your neighbors personality flaws you are far too busy to deal with your own flaws that God says we all have. How can one be God Centered and more worried about comparing their lives to other peoples and coming up superior to other people when in fact we should examine our lives and compare them to the Lord's when He was here and then we will come up short every time. It is like some Christians forget we are on a journey and have not arrived yet. Anyway until people realize the love and sacrifice of God then they are unwilling to look at them selves and compare themselves to God and more importantly they are not able to change unless they ask the Lord to remove their personality flaws.
2006-12-21 16:12:55 · answer #3 · answered by bess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think going with the "OR" statement works better. They know where you stand...and without judging or condemning them, allowing God to do the rest, I think we will reach many more souls for Christ.
The Great Commission (Matt. 28) does not tell us to brow beat, condemn or kill anyone for not believing. We are to spread the Good News about Jesus and baptize (those that want it) in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We are to show God's light through us...He as set us apart. When others see we are set apart, they will want what we have...Jesus Christ. (That's not arrogance, it's confidence though Jesus.)
2006-12-21 16:08:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't figure out why you got a thumb's down for this, so I've given you a thumb's up to offset it. As a Wiccan who has been brow beaten more than once, I can tell you unequivocally that it does not work, and I have much more respect for those who hold their beliefs and let me hold mine, because I would never try to convince a Christian that they should reject Jesus and start worshipping the Lord and Lady.
Blessed Yule!
)O(
2006-12-21 16:09:40 · answer #5 · answered by thelittlemerriemaid 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you depise someone, you have a real serious spiritual problem. Do not equate man's ways with God's ways.
I have 2 homosexual friends. They love me, i love them. One I am not able to talk with because she specifically asked me not to talk to her about it. So i don't. we enjoy a friendship in spite of our differences. However, I still pray for her.
Like all things, we are to have relationships, and have the right heart. God says, it does not matter how muchmoney you give, or how many times you go to church, or how pious you look to others, I will judge your actions with your heart motive. That is what God will judge EVERY man and woman, by their heart motives.
2006-12-21 16:05:22 · answer #6 · answered by mariedockins 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Excellent point. Who would be more likely to change your life?
1) A guy screaming at you through a bull horn.
2) Your friend down the street who actually cares about you.
Sometimes arguing is not the best argument.
2006-12-21 16:06:22 · answer #7 · answered by nosrettaptnilc 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It kind of goes hand in hand with Christmas shopping. Which is an oxymoron. They are buying top dollar gifts to celebrate a poor child. They spread there love for one another by torturing the cashier, when they think that the slip cover they picked up in the toy aisle should be $5.00 just like the shelf label said.
2006-12-21 16:04:05 · answer #8 · answered by tyingtobenice 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Brow Beating is not the way to go
It is a choice thing
People have to decide what they want to believe or not believe
2006-12-21 16:03:12 · answer #9 · answered by snuggels102 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I can assure you someone who walks the walk rather than just talking the talk gets more respect and more take notice .
Be ye beleiving....and do likewise.
2006-12-21 16:19:15 · answer #10 · answered by SunValleyLife 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋