If someone is happy with who they are, why is there a need to try and convert them?

Question

Shouldn't people just let other people be happy?Shouldn't people be happy for people rather then try and change them to fit their beliefs?Is converting people a form of religious cleansing?Are Christians so unhappy seeing others happy not being Christians?Christianty can be malevolent.True or not true?

Answer 1

It's the herd mentality at work. People are threatened by those that are different than themselves.

Answer 2

Well, even if someone is not completely happy with who they are there should still be no need for conversion. The only time someone should convert to anything is because they felt it inside of them to do so and not because of someone arm twisting on the outside.

Any belief system taken to extremes can be malevolent. And, not all christian churches teach about a loving deity either. The church I was forced to go to as a child only focused exclusively on the old testament so I was shown a very mean, vengeful deity and was told repeatedly that any misstep would end me right up in Hell. I know it used to tick off a lot of parishioners when I used call all of that in question.

I think some, not all, christians are unhappy seeing people of other beliefs systems because one thing most highly organized religions can lead to is a type of superiority complex and anyone who isn't what they are just aren't good enough until they join their ranks.

Answer 3

All religions can be malevolent, especially in the hands of the wrong people. It is true that many missionaries were there for all the wrong reasons and that to this day there are Christians who seem to be oblivious that their behaviour is in direct conflict with the very ideals they are trying to share. However, in the history of the world, regardless of culture, nation or religion it is common for the "superior" power of a conquering/influential nation to attempt to convert the people.
Try to see some of "missionary work" as the way some of it was intended. It wasn't ALWAYS an insult or an attempt to assimilate. Sometimes it was borne as a genuine act of love. In this day and age when it is easy to look back and shake our heads at people because we are "enlightened," (and yet anyone who isn't albino is still "randomly selected" at airports), you need to remember that it was seen as a gift. Think of it like this: you see someone washing their clothes in a stream, and you have a washing machine. You see this person as your brother or sister of God. Wouldn't you want to share the wonder and ease of life that your washing machine could bring? You offer to wash their clothes in it with the best of intentions and the materials disintergrate in the machine. Now they have to make or buy new clothes, but you had only been trying to help but you've made it worse instead. No one is going to rember that you had good intentions, just that you ruined their clothes.
I know that someone is going to say that that was a horrible example and I am terribly naive but I think it is easy to point to one religion and say it is all bad and everyone who believes it and is trying to share it has only the worst intentions.

Answer 4

I feel if the person is a happy law biding, loving to others, giving a helping hand to the poor, then I would say that for sure God will smile and nod and say that is what my word is tellling you. Love thy brother, but the most meangingful to me is something like, Judge not least yee be judged. And it seems when you label yourself Christian, then you start to preach. The preacher becomes pumped full of self righteousness to the soul he/she is trying to convert. The way I look at it is the person is already getting a thumps up from God. People who claim they are Christians, usually put down other religions as if God himself came and knocked on their door and said hey hey hey you smart little man you you found the one and ONLY religion. God I am sure is saying all paths lead to me. Different books but all the same path.

Answer 5

Not true. The only reason a Christian is witnessing to someone is to try and get them to find salvation through Jesus Christ as we are called to do. No one has to convert to anything. We true born again Christians know what the Bible says and we also know that it tells alot about hell. We are only trying to show people the truth about sin and that the wages of sin are death and eternal damnation in hell. We are only trying to win souls for Jesus so that everyone can have everlasting life in Heaven. Yes, you will say that alot of people don't believe it, but it is not whether you you believe it or not, because that will not matter on judgment day. Just because someone is a non believer does not mean they wont go to hell. We born again Christians do not mean any harm, and only a saved person can understand where we are coming from.

Answer 6

First of all it would be better if a seed sprout in a place is allowed to grow in the same environment. No need to transplant it in a different place and environment. This applies to religious beliefs also. nagarajan.

Answer 7

...please, who's teaching you...? you don't need to convert to anything... you are you...stay that way... I wouldn't want you to become "something" else... Now... if it's Truth vs. speculation.... or Truth vs. "religious" gymnastics... or Truth vs. cult'ism... then you might need to know... for example.... You are walking down a wide street with a-lot of other people, everyone is happy and enjoying themselfe...good food, fun, shops, all that "good-stuff"... and at some point a steep cliff is getting closer and closer (as you walk)... but no one see's it... they are to busy having a good time...doing nice things, being sweet just life in the "bliss lane"... yet you're getting closer to the cliff... and at the cliff, without warning...millions of people ar falling off int God only knows... forever... BUT, here come's this "crazy guy"...well you think he's crazy because he trying to tell you about the Cliff... but he just can't seem to get you attention... he tray everything !!! signs, pictures, pointing... but you think he's nuts... He showing you a way to avoid the cliff... this way, this way he shouts... I know this is the right way, I've been there !!!! but nope...most everyone is just headed down that road.......... some people check out what he is saying and they see that he right and they try to... try as they will the majority end up over the cliff... but they keep trying.... wouldnt it be worth the "look" to see if He way right...? what have you lost....? and it doesn't cost a thing... just "Look".... It all in The Book...

Answer 8

I asked a similar question earlier. My responses drew me to the conclusion that most religions who try to convert think they are told to by their God or holy writings. They don't care if we are already happy with our lives. They just think we will all go to hell if we don't believe what they do. I completely share your sentiments and thought I would tell you of my findings.

Answer 9

human nature to want people around them to think the same, hold the same beliefs and values. we really are herd animals at heart. we feel uncomfortable when around people with different values and beliefs. you see this grouping everywhere in life, from school to work to state, nation, geographic area.

any religion, or view when pushed on you by over zealous believers can be malevolent.

Answer 10

I really liked this question. I don't have an answer for it but it got me thinking. I'll check back on the responses later. I stared your question.