Why do people try and convert you?

Question

I am a Catholic and have been for 53 years and will be untill the day I die.

So why do you try and tell people to leave their faith when they are happy with their lives?

I received a e mail telling me to stop being a Catholic

A Dane's Sweetheart I was asking you to believe in the same thing, that is not what I was saying

Sorry I meant not believe in

Sexy how wrong you are I am very happy with my life because I have the love of Jesus with me

Answer 1

One catholic to another. This forum can be depressing. I can't believe someone sent you a e-mail about this. I've been catholic for 30 years.I have question the religion and God at times. But there is always times when we need God.And I feel our religion is good. So to have someone try to convert me, it hurts. The saddest thing I had happen was a JW came to my door, and after talking to him for a few minutes, he was catholic. The sad part is Catholics don't go pushing religion on others but JW do.Atheist do it because of the logic thing they got going for them, but Christan's to try to convert Christan's.

Answer 2

There are some (actually a lot) of people out there who believe they are doing you a favor by trying to convert you to their religion because they believe that you will not go to heaven unless you share their belief. Historically, Catholics were at the forefront of this thinking - hence their drive to convert all the 'pagans' they met during the age of exploration and colonialism (think South America during the Spanish conquest). Most modern religions are more respectful of other religions today but there are fanatics and fundamentalists of Christianity, Islam, etc who still believe this and therefore think they are doing their God's work.

Answer 3

I was a Catholic for a few decades - even taught RCIA, CCD and Sunday School. (I left Christianity as a whole for very specific reasons - Catholicism had nothing to do with it. I still have a soft spot for the Church and Catholics in general).

When I was a Catholic I was constantly harrassed by other Christians who thought I wasn't a true follower of Jesus. They honestly thought that they were helping me - trying to show how Satanic the Church really was and 'helping' me find God.

I think a lot of it comes from complete ignorance of the Catholic faith. These people are taught by their pastors remember. So be patient. A lot of times their pastors and churches fill there heads full of all sorts of nonsense. Instead of actually learning what Catholics really believe. Then these people teach others what their pastors taught them.

It's a vicious cycle really that can only be broken by educating one's self.

I have a friend - a Protestant - who was taught all sorts of nonsense by her pastor about Catholics. It wasn't until a close friend of her's decided to convert to Catholicism that she learned what Catholics are really about. And that only happened because she tried to convince this women how wrong Catholics are! Instead, the woman she was grilling gave consistent, level headed, and patient answers and taught my friend about Catholicism.

I think we can learn a lesson from her. Be patient. Always teach. Answer all questions - even from those who are merely looking for flaws. And always treat them with respect, no matter how nasty they may become towards Catholics.

Answer 4

In my opinion, no one has a right to try to change anyone. I do not believe in the Catholic faith, but I would never attempt to tell you you're wrong and try to change your belief, for several reason. First and foremost, how do I know if what I believe is right and what you believe is wrong? No one knows what God really wants. All we can do is hope that how we believe and what we do is pleasing to God (or whatever you call your supreme being). I think you believe in the religion (belief) that is most beneficial for this stage of your development.

Answer 5

I am a Catholic. I think if a person is a sincere believer in their faith, they want to share it.
However, actively trying to convert people defeats the cause. People find it offensive.
I try to be prepared to answer questions about my faith and clear up misconceptions people have.
Getting into arguments doesn't help your cause and if someone does win it is because they are usually more glib and has better recall of facts backing their side and still the loser isn't impressed.

Answer 6

Wow. That e-mail was totally uncalled for. There are just some people who won't take no for an answer. I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. I would never tell anyone to leave their faith if they are happy with their lives and not looking to convert.

Answer 7

People try to convert you when they think you are on the wrong path. You are on the right one,even though I am not Catholic I am a Christian and so are you. Don't worry about what other people think.Sometimes people are just unhappy and want to bring others down to their level.

Answer 8

As long as your Born again that is having asked and placed Jesus in your heart as lord and savior than you are fine. People may be bothered by the fact that your pray to marry or ask a priest to forgive your sins all of which are contradictory to the word of God. But if you know you are saved by the grace of God though Jesus Christ and not by works, the church, Mary, saints, angels, etc then you are just fine.

Answer 9

I had this "friend" who tried to make me become christian or catholic i don't even know. Every day she told me i was living in sin and i was going straight to hell. Personally i didn't get in her face because I believe in coexisting, but lets just say people you try to convert others have self esteem issues so when they get you to convert (which they will never do) they can stay they "saved you" and feel better about themselves.

Answer 10

Some people think their faith/religion is better and they are just trying to "save you" in their opinion. Some are not that positive. Don't be angry with them, just keep doing what you do. Praise God and Jesus and when these folks come to convert you....turn it around and try to convert them!