Is evangelism akin to prostitution if?

Question

you believe evangelizing will bring you a reward when you die and enter heaven?

Answer 1

We frequently use the term "prostituted" to describe something that has been tainted or is misused. Evangelism is certainly (at times) misused and people sometimes have the wrong motivation for performing that activity.

Your question has merit in both logic and semantics, so don't let them intimidate you that you're not asking this right.

And yes, some are prostituting themselves if they are evangelical for the reward.

Answer 2

Interesting discussion when looking at all the answers. My question in response to your question is whether evangelism is only the kind you see on TV with pastors crying about how much they have sinned and their wives putting on so much makeup that the OPEC countries see dollar signs every time they see her put on more eyeliner, or is there another kind of evangelism that focuses less on the personality of the minister and more on God? The word itself... evangelize comes from two greek words... "eu" (pronounced ev), which means good, and "aggelizo" (pronounced "angelizo"), which means proclaiming (of a message... notice the word "angel" in the middle of it).

If by evangelism you mean the kind where TV pastors are lining their pockets promising prosperity for those who give money to their ministry, then you are not far off since one is paying for a thrill which makes one feel good until one realizes that one has paid for something which should be given as a gift... grace or assurance of salvation.

However, I do think there exists another kind of evangelization, which focuses on God. I'll just sight for example the way Mother Teresa went about helping the poor, meeting their needs and witnessing to their dignity. Her chief aim was not making converts, even though many, after witnessing her example became Christians (not that it was necessary for her help). She always said to the muslims, be good muslims, and to the hindus, be good hindus, and yet she firmly believed in Christ.

Answer 3

When done properly prostitution is a much more noble profession than evangelism. It is a medical fact that good sex supports physical and emotional health.

Evangelists, on the other hand, are emotional vampires who use deception and fear to manipulate and control those too weak to defend themselves.

Answer 4

I guess it would be if that's the reason you did it.

However I'm not sure what's given you the idea that you get a reward in heaven for having more "converts" - sounds a pretty sick religion to me.

I'm a trainee pastor and as far as I can see it's God who is helping people to know him showing people how valuable they are to him and how he wants to have relationship with them that will meet their spiritual thirst - we just get to join in.

Answer 5

No, because it is not the selfish reward that a prostitute seeks.
The goal of the evangelizer is to seek the advantage of the other person.

Answer 6

No. Evangelism and proselytizing are akin to rape.

They attack people who want nothing to do with it, forcing themselves onto innocent victims in the hope of impregnating the victim with edevical - oops, evangelical - christ-stain poppycock.


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Answer 7

I see your point. Ultimately promises of rewards debase the value I can assign to faith.
Religion doesn't escape Freud's pleasure principle. People follow because they get gratification for it. It all points out to religion being a human construct not a divine one.

Answer 8

If you are expecting a reward then you are selling your beliefs, and if that's the case then the answer is yes

Answer 9

DEFINITIONS:

pros·ti·tu·tion /ˌprɒstɪˈtuʃən,-ˈtyu Pronunciation [pros-ti-too-shuhn, -tyoo-] –noun

1. the act or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse for money.
2. base or unworthy use, as of talent or ability.

e·van·ge·lism /ɪˈvændʒəˌlɪzəm/ Pronunciation [i-van-juh-liz-uhm] –noun

1. the preaching or promulgation of the gospel; the work of an evangelist.
2. evangelicalism.
3. missionary zeal, purpose, or activity.

Explain how you managed to leap the bounds of logic to compare evangelism with prostitution, since they are diametrically opposed concepts.

Answer 10

NOWAY!
it is merly obeying Jesus orders in which he tells us

Matthew 28: 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19. 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,
20. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."