If you found out that someone you know followed a different religion than you...?

Question

...would you try to convert them to your religion? And if they didn't want to convert to your religion, for how long would you continue to push the issue?

Answer 1

We are all equal in the eyes of God. Its not a good idea to try to convert each other. I suggest we respect each other's faith.
Cheers

Answer 2

Why would I push the issue at all? I really honestly don't care if other people believe as I do. Most of the folk I know don't follow the same faith as I do anyways.

Now if said person, all the time was trying to get me to convert to their religion and wouldn't drop it. I would either cut off the conversation and/or friendship or give them a taste of their own meds.

Answer 3

You know I used to be Pentecostal. I believed everyone that did not get baptized in jesus name was going to hell. After a lot of study in the bible I have decided that most of the new testament has been altered by king james and the old testament eludes to the fact that there are other gods and possibly goddesses. So your God didn't free me or my ancestors back 7 generations from the Egyptians so I don't see any reason to show allegiance to him, but many of my friends do pray to the god of the bible (I really think there was more then one in the old testament, how many names did he have/ never changing god)
Anyway, I don't think any one religion holds all the answers and none of them are 100% correct, including myself. So why would you push a imperfect religion on someone, when it is probably a mixture of yours and theirs beliefs that are closer to the truth. Instead of setting a time limit on your friendship, try asking them what the differences in your beliefs are and why theirs makes more sense. Then go research the answers for yourself. You will either strengthen your own belief or discover a new path that you wish to take. Either way both you and your friend stand a good chance of growing spiritually from the experience. Which hopefully will make you want to debate more points and grow more. Good friends are ones who complement each other not ones who are identical to each other.
Searching Dragon

Answer 4

I am a firm believer of islam and one of my best friends is a hardcore christian. Also, i have friends who are jewish. I would educate them about Islam and i would provide them with books and then i would let them take the course they want since if i care about my friends i would try to show them what i believe is the righteous path but i would not push it more than that. I will never let religion ruin our friendship though because that is in the end a personal choice and religion should not be forced or pushed on anyone. I respect you for being a good friend and cairng enough about your friends to put yourself in such an awkward position.

Answer 5

Dude, I live in Malaysia. There are tons of religions here.

I would talk about my beliefs if the opportunity rose up and voice out my opinions, and because I believe it's the right thing, I would offer them a chance (hopefully from actions and deeds rather than lip service) to see things from my point of view.

However, I also know that everyone's entitled to their opinion and that I can't convert anybody. They have to choose the path themselves or God has to reach them Himself. Ain't my job.

So would I try to convert? No, I'd just live out loud. How long would THAT continue? For as long as I'm able.
What my friends or acquaintances do is up to them.

Answer 6

Actually, I work for people with a different religion. We have talked about religion in general terms and know the reasons we each believe as we do. I believe my behavior speaks much more about my God than trying to "convert" them constantly.

Answer 7

I also believe in freedom. I believe very strongly in people choosing their own religion, so unless, someone pursued the topic with me themselves, after I told them I'm a Unitarian, that'd be the end of the discussion.

Fwiw, the only religions that I am aware of that have tenets requiring its followers to convert new followers is Christianity.

Answer 8

That depends on several factors. What is the conviction of your beliefs? What is the value of your friendship? What is the degree of difference between your conviction and theirs? What are the consequences of not converting the person? What are the consequences of successfully converting the person? Remember: be careful of what you wish for...you just may get your wish.

I will tell you...if your belief is that strong that you MUST convert the person you will either be successful in the conversion OR you will drive them away from you forever.

Answer 9

I'm atheist, so no.

I have a stepmother and roommate who are Catholic, and that's fine, though I disagree with all religion.

But I have a problem with my mother, who is an Evangelical and very intolerant. She made us watch videos about hell, to warn those of us who disagree with her view of god. I have a big problem with that kind of bigotry, brain washing, and implied violence.

Between friends, we keep our personal views private. I like people more than I enjoy debating politics or religion, though I get my fix on Yahoo! answers. I'm also quiet with family members, if I don't think they could handle my atheism without resorting to violence.

Answer 10

If you practice anything more than sharing you are judging and judging will not get you to father, If all of us who professed to love god would in fact practice love searching inward not judging, imagine what it would be like. If we all realized that we are all here to make a choice, back to father/love or be a little god/dominion. pushing the issue is dominion/judging. If the person has good qualities and you want to share with them, realize that their belief system is just as valid to them as yours is to you.
Live and let live