Why some people are so eager to turn others to their own religion?

Question

They spend a lot of energy and effort to show others the Right path. What is(are) their motivation(s)?

Answer 1

Because they think they get a profit from their god , or they don't have anything else to be occupied.

Answer 2

Here are some possible motivators:

1) People are kind and want to make a difference in others' lives. Usually believers feel that their belief system provides for a happier current life and a way for their being/soul/whatever to continue to exist after death, even in a blissfull place. So, "converting" someone means they are spreading happiness, which is something kind people like to do.

2) More people believing in what you believe in is the best validation. Imagine some poor soul who is the last believer in a "dead" religion. Most would consider them looney. I think: the more people believe, the less looney it is/it feels to the believers.

3) Peer pressure. This is sort of a secondary motivation, but it's still quite strong in some religions... Mormons, for example, are expected to go on mission (men only maybe?).

4) People like to argue, and like to feel "right".

5) People in a couple camps might be more encouraged to try to convert: 1) "real" believers, who wish to differentiate themselves from standard church goers, and 2) people who are really a little insecure on the inside, and have a need to justify their believes to themselves as well.

that's all I can think of.

Answer 3

You're looking at it the wrong way. These things are not done for the benefit of the believers, but of the belief.

Belief systems persist because they have mechanisms for gaining new converts, for retaining current adherents, and for making sure that those adherents reproduce the belief system (usually through the family). Different religions have different ways of doing this, and each religion has a number of methods, but missions, conversions, admonitions to "go ye therefore and teach all nations", rewards for gaining converts, rewards for having large families, support for those families, sanctions against leaving the flock or allowing your children to leave the flock, bragging about eternal rewards and being the only true path...they're all devices that the religious belief systems use to perpetuate themselves. They don't exist for the good of the believer, but rather of the belief.

It's just evolution in action.

Answer 4

Good question.

I think there are various reasons, and not everyone does it for the same reason.

The main reason though is probably a genuine concern with the salvation of fellow humans. The person who is trying to convert others genuinely believes that his or her religion is the only valid way to God. And all others will suffer unspeakable torment. So it is out of love and concern for fellow humans that one would try to convert others. Just think about it. If you truly thought that the whole world was going to go to hell if they didn't believe in Theory A, wouldn't you do everything in your power to get your family and friends, and even strangers, to believe in Theory A?

This is the main reason I think people do it, and it is the one I always keep in mind when trying to be tolerant towards people who proselytize. I just keep in mind that their intentions are pure, even though I believe they are wrong!

A less pure motive may be that the person is insecure in their faith. They may feel unable to prove their own beliefs to themselves. But if they see other people coming into their faith, then that is, in some sense, "proof." It is comforting to them to see others believing, because that boosts their confidence that maybe their beliefs are right.

Another possible reason that SOME people might do it is out of a feeling of superiority. Perhaps the person thinks that their religion is so perfect, and others are rotten to the core. They don't understand other religions, and have no tolerance of others. So they constantly brag about the superiority of their own religion, because it makes them feel superior, since they, in their own estimation, have the truth.

Since we can't know the particular reasons that any given person may be trying to convert us, I think it is best to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they are just genuinely concerned for our well-being, and they just don't know any better than to believe that theirs is the only way.

Answer 5

Not everyone does. Judaism does not actively seek converts because we believe you don't have to be a Jew to get to Paradise when you die.

I think those that do seek converts do it for the power of having large numbers. Some good souls actually do it because they think they have the truth and others need to hear it. Others do it because they are hard headed and stupid. Islam believes that if you are not a Muslim you will not really get to Heaven but it also does not actively seek converts as much as Chrstianity.

Answer 6

It's a similiar inclination to having something extraordinary or valuable and telling others about it. As when you FIND a really great car repair shop...a good dentist.....a beautiful vacation spot.... a fine tasting wine....etc.

Luke 12:34
34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(from New International Version)

Answer 7

most people claim divine motivations while doing it, clearly stating it is their gods wish to spread the word, and to save others from the false path (to them).

others do it to tear down those who are overstepping their boundrys. ie Athiests converting Christians because of so many Christians trying to convert them.

Answer 8

I suppose it is because they feel that they have found something worthwhile and want you to share the same experience. Of course there are others who believe that soul winning gets them to heaven.

Answer 9

Well some are afraid that after death they would be punished by God. They are just silly coz God being perfect he wouldn't punish people as he is not ignorant like we human beings.
These people are rilly annoying and I want them out of my way.

Answer 10

some people think they are saving others form some supernatural like hell for example, but they misunderstood that each religion has it own meaning of answering and saving a believer.

Answer 11

It's a joy and a command.

It is a joy to dhare with other what Jesus has done in my heart. He has forgiven me for my sins. He has come here to live with me forver and someday take me to where He is. Jesus has been true to His Word and He has never failed me.

The Lord also gave this command to his followers.... Matthew 28.20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(NIV)

I want to share the joy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ because people need to hear it and want to share it. Simply because..........

Hope that helps

Jesus Loves You