What do you get from trying to convert people?

Question

People of all beliefs, Muslims, atheists, Christians, pagans, Taoists, agnostics, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews,
Why do you try to convert people? What do you get from it?

That's the real question, and some description: Big groups of belief are clashing with each other and, even through that, the groups are trying to convert each other. Why do you try to convert people? Do you think your religion makes people happier or that believing in so-and-so will help you win the lotto? Please enlighten me. I don't understand why you want to convert someone to your beliefs who you just had a near-deadly argument with over beliefs, beliefs meaning that they can't be proven.

And the small "disclaimer." For future reference, I understand not all people do it, etcetera etcetera. Aimed at people who do.

Okay, in all seriousness, I added in every belief I could think of to try and get a well-rounded response instead of just naming off those I see most often: Atheists, Muslims, and Christians. I didn't like the idea of just shooting down those three (although I'm doing it now) but I guess I should've done it to get more serious answers...

Answer 1

Its simple, If you are a christian and believe in God and the bible, then you try to live your life that way and do as the bible tells you to do....such as attempting to convert people as you call it by sharing the word, it is part of the belief system and I'm sure Muslims and some others are the same

Answer 2

As strong as disagreements may be I still believe that those who do not agree with my beliefs were created in God's image as deserving of respect for that very reason alone. Winning a lottery is of no eternal signifigance so I do not wish to convert people for any hopeful financial advantage. But it takes no great stretch of the imagination to realize that if the choices we make in life have consequences then choices about eternal matters can also have eternal consequences. I would also suggest that expressing an opinion should not always be considered trying to convert people. If that is the case then the same criteria should apply to anyone who is expressing any opinion.

Answer 3

I hate it when people try to convert others. I know the intentions are well-meant, but I can't help but be angry every time someone insists that they are right and I am wrong, and so are the millions of other people in the world.

I have never tried to convince anyone to be an atheist. If they are happy believing in what they believe, then I won't interfere. In fact, I wouldn't say a word against it--but if they start pressuring me about my beliefs, I will fight back.

Answer 4

In the New Testament Matt. 28: 19-20 Christ tells his disciples to be missionaries for the church:

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I can't speak for those who aren't sincere or who just want to win converts, but I can promise there are those who's lives have been changed because of their faith, who have a real knowledge of their Savior, and because it is the nature of that kind of gift, they desire that others might experience the same kind of peace.

But then there are those who's motives are less pure. Ministers who's salary depends on Sunday attendence, people who are trying to "earn points with God" in interest of their own salvation, and even some who's religion just teaches them to hate everyone who isn't them. This is where the "near-deadly arguments" you're talking about take place. I think, as perhaps you do, that they're missing the point. There is no love in that. Christ also taught in the New Testament that "contention is not of me", so it definitely shouldn't be in us when we speak of Him.

In May I will be leaving on a 2 year mission for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Whatever you beleive, I hope the fact that 60,000 19-21 year olds accross the world choose to dedicate every day for two years to missionary work, paying for it themselves, is enlightening as to our motivation.

Feel free to contact me at [e-mail] if you have any questions

Answer 5

Hello, im sorry to say but jewish are no looking forward to convert other people, if someone wants he can, but none of us is trying to force them to be jewish o get burn on hell.

First of all, because we know that every single person has a reason to exist, and as a human body needs liver, mouth, ears, etc, the world has christins, muslims, jews, etc.

So, the problem begans when the liver, example, doesnt want to help the body, and it becomes cancer, the same, if every person no mater his religion will looking forward to help the world instead of trying to persuade others the world will be perfect instead of sick.

Answer 6

It is better to obey God rather than man, so we're going to have to continue to preach the Gospel. You might be interested to know though that the day will come, if those who continually reject Him continue to do so, that He will remove your opportunity to hear the good news, and you'll no longer hear it. From where you stand right now, you may be thinking that THAT is good news. But trust me, the day the Lord stops knocking on the door of your heart is a sad day. One that I don't wish upon anyone, but the Lord says that day will come, that He will not strive with man forever. I hope you'll open the door the next time He knocks, as the next time could be the last time. Only God knows for sure when the last knock on the door of your heart will be.

Answer 7

Only the weakest in faith can be a "convert." Once shown, the weakness of faith does not disappear on conversion. This only feeds the ego of the one who believes they have done the converting.

On the other hand, there are those who come and say, "I have studied and have faith that this is the religion in which I wish to find my path." This is not a convert. This is a free soul seeking others of the faith chosen.

Answer 8

As a Pagan, I don't try to convert. I'll help someone wishing to learn, and I'll point others in the right direction. Still, people need to follow their own path, and getting them to convert means little to me.

Christians have a God-given admonition to spread the gospel, and for them, it is a great charge. Obviously, when commanded to do so, that is a tall order, and following it is paramount.

Answer 9

Agnostics, Buddhists, Taoists, Jews, and Atheists don't go around trying to convert people to their way of thinking.

Answer 10

Hindu's and Buddhists don't do this. Ours is the path of individual enlightenment...knowledge cannot be forced. It must be seeked out. Because Hindus and Buddhists are not an institution, but a way of life.