christians, atheists, agnostics, jews, homosexuals, everybody!!!!?

Question

I've seen a lot of Christians on this site complain about being harassed by different people including atheists, agnostics, people w/ other religious beliefs, and homosexuals. My question is why do Christians not see their attempts at conversion as a form of harassment? Quoting scripture, telling me you want to 'save' others, and saying your doing God's will is simply not good enough. I want a real answer here and not some cliche response. "Spreading the Word of Christ" to people who do not want to hear it IS HARASSMENT the same way atheists going to your church on Sunday and trying to convert you would be harassment. Those who desire your help will seek it and until that day leave others alone.
I ask again why do Christians not see conversion attempts as harassment?

-Impossible princess
My statements are not judgmental ones they are nothing more than pure observation. I would never claim that certain groups of people all think alike. I clearly stated that many Christians are guilty of this, not all.

- Rebecca 44
If you try to show someone your ‘love’ w/o his or her consent it is bullying. I have Christian friends who I talk to about religion. We respect each other’s beliefs and are able to keep these relationships because of this. Talk but don’t try to convert.

-jesusfreak
What do you think harassment is? We are not forcing you to be a Christian; we are just trying to make you accept God as your Savior. Are you serious? That is the definition of force.

hanknowaff
I didn’t ask for your life jacket. I can swim very well, thank you. Besides, if your aim were anything like your thought process you’d probably throw it in the wrong direction anyway. And by the way the answer to your question is yes. It is harassment.

-ana f
First of all I am not an atheist and it’s very funny you would make that assumption. Secondly, I too live in the U.S. and have free will. But, then again so does everyone on the planet. It’s true that many can’t practice their beliefs but that is completely irrelevant. Thirdly, I am a history major so please do not try that tactic with me. No one told you to believe anything different than what you do. I never once said you shouldn’t be allowed to profess your faith. PROFESS, PROFESS, PROFESS!!!!! That is not the issue. The oppression others receive from religious persons is the debate. If you’re gonna play, bring all of your cards to the table. LET OTHERS BELIEVE WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND DON’T TRY TO TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM. MAN TAKE PITY ON YOUR LIFE.

Answer 1

I've been asking myself the same question for years.

I think it all has to do with self assurance and insecurities.

I sense that a lot of Christians and Catholics don't have a real understanding of their religion. Some, if not majority, of them are brought up christian/catholic and do not fully understand why they believe in. When a question about their religion is raised, they probably feel threatened by it and react in such way. It could also be that some atheists and agnostics attack their ideas, which makes them feel threatened when questioned.

I guess it all goes back to the theory that all humans, no matter how sociable they are, live in a bubble of their own and do not see outside their circle and refuses to step out. You've got Christians refusing to listen or help Atheists and alike, and you've got Atheists and alike refusing to listen to a preacher.

There's no one way about it. We're all hopeless and weak. We all refuse to accept the truth by exploring further, rather than hold on to a concept that makes us feel better. If only we can break away from this mind set, maybe, perhaps, we'll find the truth.

Answer 2

I honestly do not see it as harassment unless they were asked to not talk about their beliefs and then still do. This goes for everybody, not just Christians. I believe a lot of people feel very strongly about their beliefs and want others to share the same beliefs. Freedom of speech allows us to do so. Also, if you start reading something you feel is harassment, you have the choice of NOT reading any more of it. So, as long as you continue to read something you KNOW you don't want to hear any more about, you are really harassing yourself. Those people on this site who are 'spreading the Word' did not force anything on you. They expressed their opinions in a public place. You are the one taking it personally.

Answer 3

It's not harrassment to ask you if you are interested in learning.

It is harrassment to keep bothering you after you've stated clearly that you're not interested or to insult your beliefs for being different.

I know there are some Christian religions that have very pushy missionaries that try to force their way into your home even after you say No Thank You.

My church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has a strong policy against that. If an LDS missionary or member ever harrasses you, simply call the local ward building and speak to the local bishop. They should talk to the person responsible to try and make sure it doesn't happen again. (Though you must keep in mind that while the church as an organization is against harrassing people of different beliefs, not all members follow the rules).

Answer 4

Not all Christians are that way. You're being judgemental in your statements as well. Don't add to the intolerance & stereotyping. I'm sure some of their hearts are in the right place but some are so blinded by their own faith, they fail to see that them "spreading the word" is actually pushing some people further away. It's ego mainly. If you want to split hairs, they're just as guilty as the ones they deem heathens. A real Christian would share their ideas and beliefs but lay off once someone tells them to. Everyone has to find their own path. It's no one's mission to get someone to see the light. We all have free will for a reason. A real Christian isn't judgemental either. We all judge, that's human nature but, to condemn someone that doesn't think like you wasn't Jesus' message at all. Some don't know what they're preaching, they're just doing it to feel more secure in their shaky faith.

Like I said, not ALL Christians are like this. Some are quite logicial and understanding. The same can be said for any group of people really.

Answer 5

yeah all christians? are you sure about that? are you sure we're the only ones saying we're being harrassed? Not all the Christians in the world are on this site so you shouldn't judge. Besides, have you seen me throwing the book at someone unless asked for?:) Don't put all the blame on us because everyone is responsible for the war chain going on here. If one group stopped then the rest would follow. I'd like to take the first step to this. You shouldn't be preaching to us about things you may not understand because that causes more misunderstanding. I know you're upset coz some Christians may come off as, well, forceful, but know there are many who aren't like that. Christians, play nice guys! Everyone too so we can discuss religion in the way it's supposed to be discussed!^^ God Bless!

Answer 6

I've wondered about that myself. It bugs the Hell (oops) out of me. I was baptized a catholic and educated by Catholic nuns and we were always taught how wonderful it was that the early disciples of Christ went out to convert the gentiles and pagans because Christ gave them the order to do so before he supposedly ascended into heaven. I think that's why the Christian here do what they do. I can understand where they are coming from. As for myself, I'm more of a live and let live person and tend to accept people where they are coming from. Oh yes, I married an atheist and we have never had any problem adjusting to each other's points of view. Excellent question, by the way.

Answer 7

Atheists and Christians both have the right to speak their minds whether or not the other wants to hear it. Freedom of speech is not harassment. Harassment only comes when the person not wanting to hear it is denied the right to go their way, close their ears, or otherwise decide for themselves.

We live in a society with other people who are different from us. We don't have the right not to be dissagreed with. We don't even have the right not to be offended. That's just life. And it goes for both sides- I say this as a Christian to my own as well as to others.

Answer 8

I wouldn't consider an atheist trying to get me to not believe in God harrassment until I tell that person that I am not interested in what they have to say. If they keep on trying then it is harrassment. This is why I only ask a person who does not believe in the word of God one time if they want to go to church with me. Once the person says no, I never bother them again unless they start questioning my faith, which they usually do. Then I'll answer their questions.

Answer 9

I hope Christians and other religions recruit by example. WHen you se the Jim Bakers . Jimmy Swaggart and preachers telling yiu to send them money or God will take them away it is hard to not think they are up to no good. I was raised going to Christian church services perhaps 6 times a week. I taught religious knowledge in high school. Now I only go to church to attend weddings. I think most religion is a sham used by those in power to control those who are vulnerable because they cannot think for themselves and therefore succumb easily to the nation that they must have faith in something totally irrational in order to be saved in the next life, if it exists.
A pastor in California recently sold his parish's church , which he had no title to, and pocketed the money buying himseldf a $100K BMW. How Christian is that?

Answer 10

I'm a Christan and I try to help out the best way I can but If like you said are some of us who try to spread the word and the ppl don't want to hear it then that is Harassment. Sorry but it is.Their doing the exact same thing as others are doing to them. Its true, Funny but true.