To all Theists?

Question

I asked a question some moments ago to all atheists and was asked to submit (pun!) this question to you who are theists,

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuMeuVOnmubLjPZm7wGuqLjd7BR.?qid=20070226094438AAyx2Qe

We as atheists have been asked my someone who is a theist, a muslim, to submit to his god.

Unfortunately, as an atheist, i don't have a book written by an illiterate peasant from 1400 years ago to reference to, and i don't bring any fire and brimestone to the table.

So I guess the question to you would be moot wouldn't it?

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How do you feel about other religious people trying to convert you, specifically, when they try to persuade you to change your belief by suggesting that if you don't change your belief that there will be a penalty to pay, a punishment of torture?

How does that make you feel? Even thou you are a theist, I imagine there must be some reaction to this attempt to convert?

Is there a reaction?

Answer 1

As a polytheist, I just ignore it. What they say doesn't bother me, because I don't believe in hell and btw, I don't have some book written by ANYONE telling me what to do either.

I just tell them, "No thanks. I have fire insurance already."

I would like to say I feel like Pangel, but because I'm a polytheist, I get negative statements from both christians and atheists regularly. My skin is too thick to be hurt by their comments.

I believe all positive paths are valid.

Answer 2

I try to convert nobody and am firm enough in my faith that I shan't be converted from it - unless concrete evidence that my faith is in error were presented.

The penalty - presumably in this context - is hell. Trying - excuse the phrase - to scare the hello out of someone is not the way to tell others of your faith.

Many theists were born into theistic families - and have not known any other way - they frequently adopt the theistic lifestyle as that is all they know. And don't understand why atheists can't see what is so plain to them.

To speak specifically of christianity, since that is where my experience is: believe it or not, it is concern that guides most christians attempts to convert atheists. Sadly, concern without relationship, evangelism without love for those you are talking to ends up making a general mess of the whole situation.

Theists who can take a step back, think then act will not try to scare the hell out of you. They will befriend, with no ulterior motive, and if you ask, they will tell you what they believe and why - and leave it to you to decide.

Many in the christian mindset forget key parts of what we call the great commission.. we tell about Jesus, then forget the followup, or we jump to the end and try to make disciples before we tell.

Answer 3

It is not 'my reaction'. But to give you an answer .......

First of all, we must take a look at this things called "Atheism", for this to be true the person MUST know everything about everything.

And since, there is no one alive who Knows Everything about everything, that means this group of people are actually Agnostics - "they 'believe' that there is no God."

So, if they 'believe' there is no God; that leaves room for doubt in THEIR opinions and assumptions.

Secondly, having just established the above. We look at what God's Word says about this subject. Regardless of what you want to believe or your opinion - God is real, all-knowing, and powerful. His Word is eternal and unchanging.

Thirdly, no matter what you do or say in an attempt to justify your own actions or opinions - those actions and opinions will not and do not change who God is or what He has promised to do for all mankind.

Fourth, anyone who actually believes that 'we are here to be born, live, die, and that is all there is to the story' - is only misguiding themself.

Fifth, It is not us (Christians) who are 'trying to persuade or suggest' anything. It is God's Holy Word which says "only those who believed will have eternal life".

Sixth, when someone attempts to define God; through use of their own ideas or opinions. This is called Idolatry, it is one of the Ten Commandments, breaking this law means you will be punished - - - "I" do not say this, it is God's Word.

Seventh, just like the USA has laws, rules, and regulations which govern all the citizens of this country. So does the Kingdom of God. What makes you think, that He is unable to govern His Own Kingdom and establish His Laws and Disciplinary actions that WILL take place upon the souls all violators? Citizens of His Kingdom will be all people who follow believe in Him, His Son, and His Word (The Bible).

Anyone who is grounded in the truth, will not be moved. I don't want to convert you, I do not have that power. Only the Holy Spirit has that power!

Answer 4

You assume that all christians care if you do! I will not group people together (christians, muslims etc) and make broad statements, because we are still all individuals with different ideas, opinions and attitudes. Therefore, I will answer this for myself, with a christian faith. I feel EVERYONE is entitled to their own faith, religion, opinions etc. For you to ask ANY question is your right as well as mine and is quite alright. If someone wants to convert me to their beliefs, that's ok even if they state consequences if I don't. IF they are doing it with honest concern for me, it's even better. I don't even have to listen or read everything and neither do you, so WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?? I'm anchored securely in my Faith and will refuse their conversion attempts, so it doesn't bother me like it seems to bother you. You may want to ask yourself why others bother you so much or is it feelings of insecurity in your own faith that stirs you to anger? Just say no, if you do not want to change. Simple, try it!! I and many christians with a sincere heart on this web am ONLY trying to witness to you the love we have with Christ living in us. It's hard to stay quiet with a wonderful gift we've received (salvation) and want to share it with you! Your choice. Take care.

Answer 5

As a person who has been subject to a number of conversion attempts in the past, I feel OK about it. These folks are sincere; they think conversion would help me. I have nothing to complain about.

Is it a problem for you? I certainly hope not. I am not a converter myself; it is not one of my skills. Hopefully you can find it in your heart to appreciate the selflessness and courage that it takes to approach a stranger or even an acquaintance on that kind of topic. These folks really care. They may be really wrong but their hearts are in the right place.

Answer 6

Well I was a christian and now an atheist, but it the past months or so I've been keen on learnin more about Islam without the help of anyone tryin to convert me. I think what's drawn me to it is the fact every1 brags about it, like no other religion and its had the reverse effect on me.. so to me it's fascinating and I'm def goin to learn more bout it and who know's where I might go from there

Answer 7

I'm a Christian, and it sometimes makes me angry when another religion, say Muslim, Jewish, or even Cathiliocs or Mormons, try to win me into their religion. (I believe in God, but not in religion, so to speak). When they approach me with a do or die attitude, or a your wrong Im right demeanor, I can become irritated, and short with them.

As a Christian, my beliefs are right, but only to ME, and I cant expect anyone to accept them just because I do, so my converting an atheist is like a Muslim converting me, in both instances it isnt going to happen.....BUT I appreciate someone with a NICE attitude trying!

Answer 8

of course there is
sometimes i am quite hurt that someone thinks what i believe is less valid than what they believe
that is why i try to understand the atheist
we cant change what feels right to us
and if people think we can , then they underestimate and undervalue our own logic and thinking
its like saying ... you dont know anything
or you are silly