Why do Christian fundamentalists want to convert people?

Question

Why can't they just practise their own religion without trying to force everyone else to follow it in public places and institutions?
Is it because all religions are a form of social control?

No. I mean everyone should be able to practise their own faith and not be forced to swear on the bible when giving evidence (instead, give an oath or affirmation) and not have to mention God in your pledge of allegiance. What if you don't believe in God? Don't you guys have minority rights in the USA?

If you want to be a Christian, be a Christian - just don't assume your beliefs are universal.

I'm not try to persuade to my pov - I'm trying to encourage co-existence. I'm also trying to understand why so many Americans get angry because others do not share their faith.

No one is touching your civil rights Ms Pro-God. Aren't6 Wiccans entitled to not be subjected to your religion. And how do you know your religion is the right one - the gospel of truth?

Answer 1

They seem to feel it's their duty to "save" us all. I think that they think that we as a group will be judged in the end and if we are all not on the same page we ruin it for everyone. I think that is also very convenient for church leaders who need to keep the faithful in the pews and donating. It is also a sort of social control. Your children might rebel against you, but if laws are passed that demand your moral code be carried out, then the kids can't get into too much trouble, can they?

I can tell you too that if the world does not adhere to their moral code and beliefs, their children may not just follow along with what they say - which is why so many fundamentalists are home schooling these days. I have a younger sister who is fundamentalist and she was upset that her daughter's school didn't support her when the question of "what happened to the dinosaurs" came up with her kids. She wants her children to be taught that Noah didn't have room on the Ark for them and was annoyed that her child laughed at her and said "they went extinct". That was a show stopper at a recent family party... man alive!

Peace!

Answer 2

I dont believe the whole "social control" argument...

It depends on the terms you are using..."fundamentalists" means extremists... and all extremists of any sort are dangerous to their own cause.

Evangelists...this is probably a more appropriate term. Evangelism is the practice of sharing your faith and bringing someone around to belief. The evangelical movement can be found in every aspect of Christianity...but is probably seen more in fundamental than in mainstream Christianity. AND when most people think of the word, they automatically think of Tele-evangelists or TV preachers...who for the most part are not to be trusted;-)

The long and short of it, although is that all Christians are commanded by Jesus in the Bible to spread the Gospel, or "Good News" to everyone. So it is natural and inherent in every Christian to want to tell others of the great joy and meaning they have in life because of their faith. But where Christians get a bad rap is in the fact that although it is inherent to want to share your faith, it is not inherent HOW to do it well. And alot of ways we humans bumble through sharing faith is done poorly. And when it is done poorly it translates poorly and causes people to Not want to have anything to do with it.

AND SO we Christians end up offending those who aren't just by the very nature of not being able to articulate the sharing of faith in a good way...and questions like yours get asked.

Hope in this, not all Christians are "after" you or trying to "force" you into accepting something you dont want to accept...they just want you to know why it works for them, and if after that you feel like trying that faith thing...to support and encourage you in it. We are ALL on a journey together.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

No one is trying to force people to practice Christianity,in public places or any other areas.
But as for the conversion bit:
Imagine that most people in the world had a horrible,deadly cancer.You believe that you have the cure,and so you want to offer it to others.
That's the reasoning behind evangelism-if you believe you have the cure,it would be cruel of you to withold it from people.

Answer 4

I think you're right...the need for control (which is selfishness, the root cause of all problems on Earth)...the same reason many members of Islam and Jehovah Witnesses, and certain other religions need to convert people to their way of thinking.

I feel bad for them. Imagine having to live every day of your life thinking the god of Leviticus is waiting to pounce on you when you make a mistake.

Answer 5

While I agree with you that a lot of organized religions tend to be a form of social control, a lot of people interpret things said in the Bible to mean that they are supposed to go forth and spread the gospel, as it were. It annoys me, but they also genuinely believe that they're supposed to do that, so I try not to let it get to me too badly. . .unless they start hurling insults. Then it's on, baby!;)

Answer 6

You really mean why do atheists, agnostics, Wiccans, Sodomites, and every person who exhalts themselves against the spirit of Christ want to eradicate the free speech civil liberties of Christians to spread the gospel of truth to people? You mean why do the above people want to destroy our Christian heritage and put us in jail and fine us for saying they are living in sin, doomed for judgment and hell for breaking God's moral laws, but there is a cure for sin called the blood of Jesus Christ. We are convinced of sin, tearfully repentant, and completely happy to be saved from the wrath to come. Why not share it? It's the good news. It is not "forcing" to share it. You prefer anarchy? Our civil system is based upon God's moral laws. Your problem is with God because you refuse to acknowledge Him as if ignoring His existence and persecuting His people will silence your conscience concerning your sins.
Read William J. Murray's testimony as to how "wonderful" a life without God is. {http://www.missionresources.com/atheist.html}Recall the bitter end of the woman who did damage to this country by taking prayer out of our schools. William wants to reverse that. Why not ask him why? Why do godless people want to convert our children to secular humanists? Why do they want to dismantle our heritage which made us a great nation by being a good nation. Sin is a reproach to any people but righteousness exalteth a nation.

Answer 7

Because Jesus said to spread the "gospel".

Fundies think gospel means "good news", like just winning a lottery ticket.

Actually, in the original Bible text "Gospel" meant "Good Message"

The message was to forgive others, and sit back and watch the Holy spirit witness that it is right to do it, and that you will go to Heaven if you do it.

But Fundies think to spread the Gospel means to spread their church doctrines and their interpretation what Jesus meant by saying "believe".

Answer 8

Christians want to convert people because we don't want them to suffer for all eternity in Hell. It's an act of charity.

Answer 9

This one's been asked a million times before. Yawn.

Answer 10

NOT trying to FORCE anyone to do anything.

We are told by THE GOD/JESUS to Proselytize!