Proselytizing and Evangelizing?

Question

The number one compliant of Atheists against Christians is that they shove their beliefs in their face. However, Christianity is a religion that requires its followers to evangelize. So there is going to be an effort on Christians' part to enter into dialogue with those of other religions. I understand that Chrisitians will try to convert me as a part of living in a pluralistic society. However, I have had experiences that are real turn offs.
I think if would be good for Christians to hear from those outside of their religion how you feel when others share their faith with you. Is it ever ok? How do you expect those sharing their faith to treat you? What is not ok? What would make you consider their faith, and what would turn you off.
Christians, how would you like to be treated when others share their faith with you? What’s ok, and what’s not. What would make you consider their faith, and what would turn you off?
Please note your religion in your answer.

This question applies more to the real world than Y/A.

Answer 1

i am a follower of Jesus Christ
i try to gently proclaim the gospel
if people reject the message, i move on

Answer 2

I am a Christian and that is a great question. I have non-christian friends offer me books on atheism and other religions. And I will research them. I don't condemn them for shoving their faith down my throat. I do have to say the favor isn't usually returned. So the most effective witness I have is the way I live. If I can't live out my faith and show people that Jesus Christ has changed my life then I should SHUT UP!!!

Answer 3

I welcome discussion from any faith. What some don't even consider (or don't want to remember) is that most of the world who follow a faith,ie. Islam, Judaism and Christianity, share the same God. There are differences in prophets, laws and history (since history in the most part is purely subjective).

Yes, the Bible tells us to go out and evangelize:
Mar 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

But, Christians, Muslims, Jews, or whoever is trying to spread the word of the Lord within their doctrine have to understand that only someone whose heart and head is open to the message will fully understand the message and take it in. There is only so many times that one can hit their head up against a wall. People who want to listen will listen. If you don't want to listen, we pray that someday your heart will open to the Lord.

As for listening to others share their faith, I have before. Not everyone, and not every Christian are hate spewing mongers as I have seen some on Y/A. Most Christians are everyday people. We conduct our lives like everyone else in this country. We pay taxes, we own homes, we vote, we grocery shop, we have children (that don't listen even!), etc. We are capable of civility. I am sorry that you have had some bad experiences. Some Christians are just so happy that they have found the Lord and have accepted that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior that they want everyone to join with them in the happiness and peace. Saying that, they also, as would anyone who attacks what they believe to their core, get upset when someone attacks them.

My hope is that someday, your heart will be open to see the love and forgiveness of the Lord and understand that Jesus Christ is the way to your salvation in the after-life.

God Bless.

Answer 4

I'm a Christian, and I hate the connotations of that word.

I think we apparently don't remember the part of the Bible where we're told to speak the truth in love, in such a way that no man has anything bad to say about us.

And that certainly is not the case. People hate us! And what worse: They have a right! We're terrible jerks. Most of us want to tell everyone about Jesus because of a superiority complex. On the other hand, there are a few that genuinely want you to know about the change and peace and love in our lives.

And that's where we've really messed up. If we, as born-againers, have such a change, peace, and love in our lives, people will know it. People will ask about it. And THAT'S an appropriate time to share.

When asked or invited.

Answer 5

I am a Wiccan and very firm in my faith. We do not share our beliefs with others unless asked to do so, as we believe that people who wish to come to this path will do so in their own time.

Not all Wiccans are as firm as I am, though; there are some out there who may be open to hearing from Christians. If Christians are interested in proselytizing to such people, here is an excellent article that will help them understand how to do so.

Answer 6

I am a Christian. And, as you say, in the real world I try to share the good news of Jesus Christ by example. I love people and I try to show the positive side of life by laughing at myself, being honest and open about the sins I've committed, and helping others see that they are valuable individuals to me and to God. I attempt to let others know that I don't consider myself to be better or worse than anyone on earth, that the playing field is level. So, I try not to judge others. And when I face hardships in my life, as we all do, I try to share how Jesus Christ has helped me through all of my troubles. I tell them that He can and will do the same for them. I let people know that I have sinned and mistreated others so much in my life that I could never make up for it with my own actions or willpower. Then I share with them the grace that God has bestowed upon me through the sacrifice of His Son for my sins, and the sins of the entire world.

If someone who has not met Jesus Christ tries to share their faith or lack thereof with me, I listen. Then I ask if they would allow me to share my faith with them. If they say," No", I don't argue with them. But, I do pray for them. As far as considering another faith goes, I simply can't do that. I have met Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him. To move away from that truth would be as impossible as saying that I never met my biological father or never knew or loved him.

What's a turn off? When someone makes a personally derogatory remark against Jesus Christ, it's a turn off. I wouldn't say to a Muslim that Mohammad never existed or that he was an idiot. Nor would I say that a Muslim was a bad person simply because they are Muslim. Likewise, when someone says bad things about Jesus Christ, or me (for being a Christian) it hurts.

There is nothing wrong, in my opinion, with discussing faith. But when it turns into a personal attack, then it's time to stop.

Peace.

Answer 7

Well the first thing you can do is change your avatar name if you truly want to be taken seriously here.
I don't "shove" anything in anyone's face, but I do discuss religion and my faith. If people don't like it, they can ask me to stop (which I do) or move on. You can't ask people not to talk about God in the R&S category, it's what we are here for.
I've had many people share their faith with me. I sit down with them, listen, ask questions, and then share my faith with them. I think it's great.

Answer 8

I don't mind people discussing their faith with me, TO A POINT. And there are certain places and times when it's not appropriate. (At work, etc.) If I say I don't wish to discuss it any further, then I expect you to stop preaching to me. It is a HUGE turn-off for me if someone gets critical of others who do not share their beliefs. I will automatically shut the "preacher" down and defend the one they're criticizing.

Answer 9

O...k...

I'm a Christian but when someone of another religion wants to tell me what they believe, I just let them tell talk. I listen intently to see if they have a good point or not. If they are just telling me what they believe, I do not interrupt them. If they want to debate, then I will. If they say they will pray for me to their God that I disbelieve, I'll just thank them and show respect to their devotions. If they are not seeking a debate, I will not try to disrupt them at all.

Answer 10

Honestly, I expect, receive, and return exactly what I know is here. The problem is that people come on a public R&S forum and then shout they don't want religion pushed down their throat. That is crazy. Anyone on a forum like this should at least be smart enough to know and accept the fact that you get what's coming. Don't like it, leave the forum, period!

Answer 11

I like hearing about other religions, but I agree, pounding it down my throat is NOT an effective method of teaching me your religion. I want to be respected so I treat others with respect. I have had the Mormons come to my door countless times, I always speak with them, one day I watched 2 thirty minute videos they asked me to watch. I always speak with the Jehovah Witness's when they come to my door. I have one simple request when they come, equal time. If I listen to them for 30 minutes, I expect equal time to share my thoughts with them. The Mormons ALWAYS say yes and only on one occasion did one of them get mean with me. They are nice to me, and I am nice to them

I am a Christian, Born again and yes, I do share my faith in many ways. I have designed and published web sites. I have handed out printed material. I have been involved in a TV ministry and have been and continue to be big on giving out tracts. But I go about it respectfully. I truly do love these people who have yet to be introduced to Jesus Christ. I want to see them in Heavnen some day. I have had many get angry with me for sharing my faith, not because of me but because they reject Christ. With Christianity they either love you or hate you for telling them about Jesus Christ. I want them to love me but I accept the fact that there will be rejection and people will be critical of me for sharing my faith. Its a small price to pay for obeying my God and offering freedom from the power of sin, death in hell.