Violence, or the threat of future violence (Hell) has been used by many religions as a tool for gaining new adherents. Has it been their most successful tool?
2007-03-08 05:27:54 · 17 answers · asked by Samurai Jack 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That works - along with the "big payoff" offset. However, the Ottoman empire once used a much more subtle approach. In some of the areas they conquered they didn't out-and-out prohibit the local non-Islamic religions (e.g., Christianity.) Instead they instituted a tiered tax system - wherein Muslims were exempt from certain taxes, or paid a lower rate. And lo and behold, a miracle occurred! Almost overnight, the Quran became very popular. (By the way, that's how come you have many Muslim communities in some of the Balkan countries even though they are of Slavic stock - not Middle-Eastern.)
2007-03-08 05:44:59 · answer #1 · answered by JAT 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, like revenge, the best way is living well.
It's a successful tool if you want to be able to look at your books and see that each person swore allegiance to your god. It is not successful if your goal was to really bring the light of god to a new group of people.
Peace!
2007-03-08 08:59:07 · answer #2 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience, MOST churches DO use intimidation as a tool. I STRONGLY disagree with this. It should be LOVE and UNDERSTANDING and MERCY. I read it somewhere that Jesus will show mercy to those who have shown mercy. People should not be scared out of their mind to get them to believe in Jesus. However, I should say that I am very scared of eternal damnation. I do my best , not to be one of those.
BUT, I would never intimidate anyone. They can follow the same path that I took which was a lot of studying and a lot of prayer and a HUGE amount of faith on the things that I don't understand from the bible.
2007-03-08 05:37:42 · answer #3 · answered by Wayne 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
>Do theists think of fictional conversations are a effectual conversion gadget? of course. i think of it particularly is because of the fact they're used to getting converts from the 'fence-sitters', with the purpose to talk, the persons who do no longer totally comprehend the two area and are in simple terms waiting for a controversy to win them over. additionally because of the fact they're used to dealing in emotion and anecdote somewhat than purpose info and statistics. >atheists have those memories ever had a profound influence on you? Nope, in certainty i hit upon them somewhat stupid.
2016-11-23 15:29:59 · answer #4 · answered by walpole 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not about most successful, but it is probably the most effective, especially if you count intimidation using "threat of hell".
2007-03-08 05:36:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has probley been one of the best tools for "religion" but not for a personal relationship with Jesus. Christians are suppost to have the ministry of reconciling the world to God by telling them of his love, demonstrated by Jesus dying to pay for our sins. Escaping hell is a definate benefit would`nt you agree?
2007-03-08 05:41:00 · answer #6 · answered by moma 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would seem so, it is used by those that actively seek converts and doesn't exist in a lot of the ones that don't. I'm not assuming causality but the evidence would suggest a link.
2007-03-08 05:35:42 · answer #7 · answered by Huggles-the-wise 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a true relationship ( what true Christianity is) is never based on intimidation. it is based on the intimate relationship between the person and their creator.
Just as we have relationship with our parents, we have relationship with God. If we spoil the relationship with our parents with our rejection of them, then we will likely be rejected by them.
The word fear when used in the Bible, as in we should "fear" God does not have the same meaning as we use it. This word "fear" means respect. We are to "Respect" God
it is just simple relationship - thats all.
2007-03-08 05:36:26 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. Linder 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe that the best tool for recognizing that Jesus is our savior is love. He accepts us just as we are. We, as Christians are told to go and preach the Gospel.
I have found that when one learns about Jesus' sacrificial love for them, that He didn't come to condemn them, even though they haven't changed anything about themselves. It is then, that they want to know more about a relationship with Him.
2007-03-08 05:37:15 · answer #9 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO! War and slaughter have definately been successful tools in the conversion process.
2007-03-08 05:37:24 · answer #10 · answered by Virgo 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋