Please, please , please do not be offended or upset, I am NOT trying to offend anyone, but I have noticed that a lot of non-Christians get upset when Christians witness about their faith. I can understand this perfectly when this is not done in a respectful and loving manner and is very forceful, but some people are able to express their beliefs to another person in a way that should not be offensive at all. Which one is better to you, us Christians trying to convince you that Jesus is the way so that you can go to heaven, or would you prefer it if we said nothing at all. If we believe that only those who know Christ got to heaven and then say nothing to anyone else about it, doesn't that imply that we don't care if you go to hell or not? Wouldn't that be cold and uncompassionate?
2007-01-08 08:29:40 · 25 answers · asked by Lady of the Garden 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
well, here's the thing.. in your bible, Jesus said to go forth into all nations and preach the good news.. how many people have you met in your lifetime that haven't heard of the message, especially in Western society?
The problem isn't just that we've heard it before, it's that we've made our choice, and when we say, "sorry, not interested" or "been there, done that and I don't believe" christians will do one of two things (generally speaking): 1. They'll continue to badger us with twisted, chopped-up scriptures that make no sense or 2. They'll insult us with things like "that's okay, hell is big enough for you too" etc...
If there actually was compassion in the witnessing, we might be more inclined to be nicer, but especially on Y/A we find that christians don't honestly care about souls.. they care about beating up those that don't believe. That's NOT in the bible anywhere.
2007-01-08 08:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Most non-Christians are aware that Christians believe non-Christians are going to hell and the only way to be saved is to convert. Part of the reason of offense is that we're tired of hearing about, and we just don't agree.
Fear is a very poor reason to believe anything. Only a coward would convert for this reason, and it's insulting to imply that people might be cowards. I think that a witnessing session would go over much better if you talked about the positive aspects of your beliefs, the happy uplifting parts that have nothing to do with a hell. Or how you came to believe, and why you believe the way you do. Those discussions are much more interesting and less offensive. Then it might be an actual conversation as opposed to a preaching session.
2007-01-08 08:38:18 · answer #2 · answered by KC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you will probably get a pile of varying reactions to this one.
It doesn't bother me that any given individual believes in something that gets him or her through their day. As long as that person is decent to their fellow human beings...and doesn't ring my doorbell at 6:30 in the morning with religious pamphlets.
I happen to believe in that great force in the universe: gravity. You don't have to...it's okay...but it helps me get me through my day. I'm not going to try to convince you that you need to believe in what I believe...but if you come seek me out....looking for information on gravity, I'll happily share what I know. Sorry if I've offended those that believe in the ether theory.
Religion is a very personal thing. Anyone trying to convince me that their religion is better for me than what I already believe is offensive because you're telling me that my beliefs are wrong. They're not right or wrong...they're simply my beliefs. I'm sure that a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Pagan, a Jehovah's witness (hey, I SAW that!), a Hindu, some other form of Christian than you are, an Atheist, a worm-foodist, an Animist, a Jew...would all have something to say about whether or not YOU are going to hell. Is everyone wrong (including you)? No, it's just some belief that gets people through their day. It helps explain things that they don't understand...It's a way of assigning reason or cause to the phenomena that we all experience. Like I said...whatever works for you is fine by me, but please don't tell me that your belief system is a better fit for me.
As George Carlin once put it: "Religion can be a lift in your shoes...just don't make me wear your shoes."
For what it's worth, I'm an Atheist, my parents are Protestants, my sister is a Buddhist, my brother is agnostic, I'm dating an ex-Mormon, I have several Jewish friends and I work with a few people of the Muslim and Islamic faith... Try convincing any of that crowd that we should believe in YOUR interpretation of faith.
You should trust me on the gravity thing though. : )
I guess to answer your question, I would prefer you say nothing at all. If I ever want to learn the perspective of someone of any one of a thousand faiths in this world, I will seek them out. If you want to know more about gravity...I'm here for you.
Thank god there is no hell...cause if there was, I'm goin' there on a greased fire-pole. : )
2007-01-08 09:02:44 · answer #3 · answered by Ron C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If christians want to have their religion, fine. Go to church.
If christians want ME to have their religion, they can take a flying leap.
The annoyance people have with those not of their own views is not that view differ, but that some arrogant peckerhead thinks he or she has the right to tell others what to think. Saying that someone has a "right to proselytize" is like saying men have a right to rape women. It's ludricrous and offensive.
One big lie that religious people try to tell is that resistance to their proselytizing is an assault upon the proselytizer. It is self-defense, not an insult or a danger. Just as I have a right to defend myself against a mugger, so I have a right to tell a theist about the holes in their religion should they try to proselytize me.
Were the religious to keep their religion to themselves, there wouldn't be a problem.
If the arguments of the religious had any merit, the arguments would stand up for themselves and attract followers. The fact that religions feel the need to harass others with their tripe demonstrates the emptiness of their arguments and beliefs.
.
2007-01-08 08:41:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the spirit of the message, if you will. I was raised Church of Christ, but in my Teens fighting broke out in the church building. I never went back to church, but began my own investigation for the truth. I have read many of the sacred texts, from many different religions. They are all love based, and all honor the past prophet. Yes, they are time lined. If the message fills me with joy, and love, I use it as my truth. I live well, have devoted my life to helping others, and feel the nearness of God. That is all anyone could hope for.
Blessings, and peace.
2007-01-08 08:45:19 · answer #5 · answered by tooterooter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worldliness, envy, and entertainment existed between particular early Christians. James calls some “adulteresses” because they were friends of the global and consequently responsible of non secular adultery. honestly, we do not favor to change into worldly in thoughts-set, speech, and moves, for that can make us God’s enemies. His be conscious shows us that “a tendency to envy” is area of the undesirable inclination, or “spirit,” in sinful people. So if we comprehend that we favor to wrestle envy, delight, or another undesirable inclination, enable us search for God’s help by holy spirit. That stress, presented by God’s undeserved kindness, is larger than “a tendency to envy.” And while Jehovah opposes the proud, he will supply us undeserved kindness if we wrestle sinful dispositions.
2016-12-02 00:31:26 · answer #6 · answered by minogue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Christians "believe" what they are told, never seeking the truth of themselves. The founder himself said "the kingdom of God is within you" so why go around telling people they need to "believe" something. " A belief" is not the truth. Christ also said "you will"KNOW" the truth and the truth will set you free". Sin is to suffer,suffering is just a case of mistaken identity. Just Know your center and you will "KNOW" God.
2007-01-08 08:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't care what you think of us. If we want Jesus, he's virtually around every street corner, in every bookstore, in schools, on the back of cars, displayed on billboards, etc. I think we've heard and seen enough, you guys telling us things... well, that's overkill. Those of us who want- take. Those who choose not to, look the other way.
SO is your (much desired) silence a bad thing? Not when you're standing in my shoes.
BTW- Good question, and I hope I was blunt AND polite enough to answer this one without shortchanging anyone of their info!
Edit- jebudas: good call! I'll remember that.
2007-01-08 08:38:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I, and all the unbelievers I've ever know, would prefer that you keep it to yourself. If I ever want to know about your religious preferences, I'll ask. When you shove that stuff in my face, you're being as obnoxious as someone asking out of the blue how long I can f*ck my wife. That and my religious preference, or lack of same, is not any of your business!
2007-01-08 08:34:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
but while i believe very differently ... and i speak to Christians about what my truth is ... i am called the anti christ ... is that fair even if i do so in a loving way ?
isnt that cold and uncompassionate
by all means share and learn from each other ... thats fine
but dont try to save people because we all have our TRUTHS
2007-01-08 08:34:35 · answer #10 · answered by Peace 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋