Atheist: In your opinion, do Christians truly believe they are acting out of your best interest when they?

Question

seek to share the gospel of Jesus Christ to you?

I ask this question so any christians can read the responses and learn something new about atheist maybe

Answer 1

Many of them yes. I've met many that truly just wanted to tell me about the thing that has made them so very happy. I've also met many who feel they're doing me a great favor by attempting to "lift my lost soul out of the grave I've dug for it". I'm sure it's genuine concern.

That doesn't make their belief any more valid. Conviction is not an indicator of legitimacy.

Answer 2

Ok- I'm not an Atheist but atheist attend my church in the youth group. We have successfully allowed them to conquer over the devil and be on the 'winning' side. And at the begining we asked them what their issues were with Christians and most said that Christians talk the talk but don't walk the walk. You see, most that identify themselves as Christians really don't live to be "Christ Like". Now, even though we don't live like we should, it should be "How dare you tell me how to live my life!?!" right? Well, actually, even though we don't always live the way we should we strive hard to do so. And, as Christians we have been taught to live a better life, helps others live a better life(with Christ) and try and be a Godly example. Now, I agree that some Christians say that the only way to heaven is to be a Christian- you can chose any religion you want....as long as you believe in a God (and advocate it- or tell people about your religion in a non-threatening way to them that makes them want to say forget God.) Some are telling you about Jesus Christ out of your best interest but some aren't and you have to decide for yourself. If you need help- go to a local church or somewhere to learn about a God.

Answer 3

Everyone possesses the ability to act in an altruistic way.
Often, in sharing points of view, people believe they are being selfless and helpful by "enlightening" others with their understanding without realizing that the world is the way it is because people are individuals.
In their hearts they believe what they are doing is in the interest of the greater good.
What we have to accept is that, though we may not agree, what they believe is true for them and not so for us...it's not about right or wrong ... it's just a different belief.

Answer 4

People act out of all kinds of motivations, and some Christians might pray for you or witness to you because they want to "look good" to God or something, or just because they like to lecture other people. Nobody's perfect.

But I tend to assume that people are acting basically in good faith (so to speak), so even though I am an atheist, I am not offended when Christians or other religious people try to convert me, or tell me they are praying for me, or whatever. Mostly they are doing their best to help me or to carry out what they believe is their purpose in life.

It can still be annoying, of course.

Answer 5

I think it's just a show for this 'god' of theirs, it's not genuine, even if they deny it, subconciously, everything they do is about achieving salvation, all good deeds are not done out of sincerety, but out of the selfish want to achieve salvation and go to heaven

Not all christians are like that, the ones who aren't don't impose their beliefs on you, or threaten you with hell, there are people in the world who believe in god but ACTUALLY understand how to be genuine and good people and aren't as religious as others, IRONIC, no?

I'm an agnostic and it really gets me angry when Christians tell me they'll pray for me or something because it sounds like they're condescedning but don't I have the right to disbelieve just as much as they have the right to believe? how is a belief in god more justifiable than a disbelief? They actually make you look like a bad person for doubting god's existence, even if you happen to be more moral and open-minded than them

so yeah, i don't think it's out of my best interest but it's out of their best interest

Answer 6

They are only doing it because they have been told that is what god wants of them. If that wasn't so the bible wouldn't have to tell them to spread the word. They would do it because they cared about others. But seeing as religion was created to control people, spread the word had to be put in there, because it is a sure way to fill the coffers of the church!

Answer 7

Some do, but I think for many it's a way of feeling both superior and righteous at the same time. For some it's out of feelings of insecurity of their own beliefs. It takes their mind off their own fears by trying to persuade others to their own views. This is common to many belief systems, not just religious.

Answer 8

Sure, but it always seems to me like listening to a three year old who has just discovered Santa Claus. At some point you just want to tell them you have heard it all before and are not convinced.

Answer 9

sure. in their self deception they can pretend to themselves that they care about the soul of the nonbeliever while gratifying their spiritual egos and receiving kudos from their deity. it's a win win thing for them. if they manage to convert someone they can yell "praise the lord" while secretly crediting themselves and if their message is rejected they can say "well, I tried. their damned soul is not on my conscience". added bonus is if they receive a hostile reaction from their proselytizing they can say "well, Jesus said we would be persecuted as he was".

Answer 10

well i'm agnostic and i do believe that a majority of them do it out of concern for me and others but i also believe that it's done out of fear as well but hey i say to each his or her own but what i don't like is how persistent they are it feels as if they are trying to jam their beliefs down my throat and i don't like that it feels kind of intimidating