Do Christians 'mix' with secular sinners with the motive to convert? Are they your friends, or you conquests?

Question

And are THEY allowed to tell YOU about their good news or is your type of friendship a one way street where you need to convert that person to think as you do?

And why is this? Is this your mission in life or what? At least atheists would be honest in their friendship with YOU....We don't have an ulterior motive for wanting to know you.

Answer 1

Well, first of all not all atheists are honest about their ulterior motives, and many of them do try to convert Christians to their belief style.

My mission in life is not to convert people, because I can't change your mind, your ideals, or your heart attitude. I believe there are only two "people" who can change a person, the person who does the changing and God. My mission in life is to live out what I believe so that is my witness to you or any other non-christian believer. I don't always do a great job, but I try, and anyone who is my friend knows I am a Christian, I don't hide it.

I don't approach the subject with people at work unless they ask me first, because I know it can be a touchy subject for some, but its not something I try to hide, I can be seen praying over my lunch or reading my Bible on break times.

All I ask is that you don't generalize and put all atheists in a category, that none of them try to convert Christians and tell them they are foolish and stupid and some give what they consider "credible arguments" I know there are Christians who do the same thing, both parties are guilty, at least let us be honest about that.

Answer 2

There are times when Christians will purposely set out to make friends with nonbelievers in the hopes of their being "saved", to use Christianese for you. But I have never known of any Christian, personally, who has ever been so shallow as to have that be the only thing driving the relationship. Nor do I know of any who have ever rejected the friendships that have been created if the friend is unresponsive. As a Christian, I do not get those I've heard of who spend all their time going around condemning and bashing the unbelievers.

At the same time, you should hardly be shocked if Christians, believing sincerely that your eternal life is at stake, are going to try to convince you of your danger. Here's something you rarely hear from the nonchristian community, but consider this: If Christians did not witness--that is, witness with at least some sense of urgency--doesn't that make them the most heartless people imaginable, presuming they truly believe that they're right? Sometime, thank a witnesser for caring, because most surely don't take the abuse they occasionally get from the likes of some of you because they enjoy it.

Answer 3

I don't have no ulterior motive for wanting to know them, because that would require wanting to know them, and I don't.

I have, however, always found it interesting how much greater the probability of a Christian choosing atheism is than that of an atheist choosing Christianity. If they think they're going to "convert" atheists, they could be in for a real eye-opening experience.

Answer 4

I'm sure some have relationships that don't have an agenda. The ones that aren't "right with God" so to speak are the ones trying to spread the word. They know they're not doing right so they're trying to earn brownie points. Not all, just some.

And yeah, I've known some atheists who do belittle other's beliefs. Again, some, not all. I've encounted good on both sides. I judge the content of character, not the relgious beliefs they may or may not hold. That's just me though.

Answer 5

You can't convert whom does not want to be converted either way.It truly does not work. I believe in a higher power whether that is God or whatever so be it. Others believe in only God, so be it. It should be each persons choice. We all have to live with the choices we make Christian or not.

Unfortunately, I know what you mean. I have had and do have many that try it all the time.

Answer 6

not always. sometimes, Christians do try and convert their friends, but the main reason for friendship isn't to convert them usually. Cuz honestly, most Christians realize atheists don't want to be told about Christ.

and if you'r e really a friend, you'll atleast listen to what they have to say and not excuse it as religious nonsense. it's the human thing to do.

Answer 7

You seem angry. Go to the bathroom and take a rage dump.


Now that you feel better, yes, when I'm with my friends (and I mean friends) who do not share my beleifs I talk to them about religion IF it comes up.

Sure, they can share their beleifs with me, no one ever died from listening and I don't have such a hectic life that letting someone share their opinion with me is too much to ask.

No it's not my mission in life. It's not a pastime of mine or a hobby or even a "calling". But if I beleive I can add somthing to a conversation about religion, I'll say it. If somebody doesn't like that about me, then how did we become friends?

Answer 8

Why have you asked the same question three different ways in the last 20 minutes? Have you not gotten an answer yet?

I love my atheist friends because of who they are as people. I am not targeting them for conversion. I know of no Christians who view people this way.

Answer 9

Because we love you we want to show you the joy of what we believe. Of course we are interested in your good news. We don't think we are better than you and we really appreciate your friendship.

Answer 10

I mix well with others, as long as they aren't the fundies!
No motives, only seeking and celebrating our similarities.
In the real world, I think most of us (educated types) know that our differences are what make us interesting!
Pantheist/ X-christian.
Blessed Be...the tolerant and accepting! ; )