People of religion, i ask you this?

Question

Why do some (i repeat, SOME) religious people insist that they are trying to save the non believers soul?

Why do you care? If it was me, i would be like, you dont want to believe, then fine... more space for me in heaven then.

Wouldn't that be better?

I believe in God too, but you're not gonna convince anyone by insisting that your religion is the only way towards salvation. That just annoys people.

Why do most people assume im talking about Christians? If i was, i would have stated it in the question.

Answer 1

Hmmmm...am I too late to answer this question now. It seem I am the last one.

I think I would agree with you on this.

Answer 2

I see what you mean. Religious people (mostly Christians) can be a bit in your face as if you're decision has a huge impact on their very being.

I'm training to be a vicar though so I guess I can only really talk for my own faith. You're right in saying that there are a lot of Christians who do this... any church, paticularly evangelical churches (like mine) will have a fair proportion of people whose very lives seem to depend on this... This is changing though.

A lot of the new generation of evangelicals are comming to believe in the "Missio Dei" - The idea that we don't have to change the world. It's God who impacts people. Most people would say that they have had some experience of "God" or something supernatural at some point in their lives, many people pray at some point even if they're not sure what or who they're praying to. The concept of the Missio Dei would say that this is God himself working... outside the efforts of the church.

We're tired of defining the church and faith on the basis of boundries, expecting God to only work through the Church. The issue for a christian has to be "how close is the activity to what Jesus is doing?" Anyone with a pair of eyes can see God is working through many organisations and individuals who are doing good around the world and in our backyards... sometimes they're closer to Jesus than the church is.

I would love for the people I care about to encounter the God who has transformed my life but I know that it's primarily between God and them. Sometimes I might be able to be a small use to them in their journey towards Jesus or be able to join with them in doing what Jesus is doing in the world...
but because it's God's responsibility and I already have everything I could ever want or need through my own relationship with God their reaction doesn't make or break me.

I don't know if you know the story of Mary and Matha in the gospels? The basic jist is that Jesus rebukes Martha for being so busy doing things for him that she doesn't get to enjoy just being with him as Mary does. The church is discovering this again.

Hope this isn't too abstract.

Answer 3

Yes, I'm a Christian, so in that respect I qualify to answer your question. Please, just think about it, if you know someone has placed a bomb under a house and that all the people in that house will die when it explodes, wouldn't you run into that house warning them, and pleading with them to immediately get out of that house? That's how Christians look upon this world. They even believe that you may have much more than just escaping from that one time inevitable explosion, they think they have an eternal life of happiness to offer you. That actually is the message of the Bible. From that perspective you should understand why Christians try to save you. And if you don't believe in what they are saying you should be mature enogh to just ignore them. You certainly have the right to do that. Honestly, if you are troubled about Christians trying to save your life, could it be because you have a fear that they may be right? Why not study the Bible a little closer yourself?

Answer 4

Hi Nanook,

I can only speak for myself.

Even though I will never know you personally, I care about you.

Lets just say, we know each other. You have a need, be it a friend, food, etc. or someone to to take your side and see that you are treated fair.

I would do all that was humanly possible to help you.

We are all a child of God, so that makes us brothers/sisters.

When I say my prayers, I always ask for my family and ALL the families of the world to be blessed.

There is room for both you and me in Heaven.

I hope that I will be consided good enough to go to Heaven and I hope to see you there.

Thanks for the question.

Answer 5

Nanook: As a Christian myself, I do not attempt to "save" anyone - that is God's job. There is no one, who demonstrates a lack of faith more than those, who go about trying to convert others (do God's job for Him)! When one grasps the significance of conversion, you realize that God calls the shots - not people. For reference; see: Book of John, 6th chapter, verse 44 - for a real eye-opener. Christianity is a "calling" into a relationship with God, the Father through Jesus Christ - not a contest to see how many people one can convert or "save". Interesting observation !

Answer 6

Christians have a duty to preach the good news. The love we have for God and Christ compels us to do this. {Matthew 24:14; 28:19,20; 1 John 5:3} That doesn't mean that everyone will listen and respond favorably. If they choose to listen, that's great. If they don't, that's their choice. All I do is deliver the good news, you don't have to take it (but it would be really nice if you did! ☺).

{ ☺ ☺ BTW: This is officially the 500th question that I've answered on this website. Congrats for earning the 500th answer! ☺ ☺ }

Answer 7

Is there something wrong with caring about others?
(You did not specify someone pushing religion on another, you asked why Christians want to save the non believer;s soul) I add this for those who will say "there's nothing wrong with caring as long as it's not forced on me"

Would you ask someone who saves a child from drowning why they care?

Answer 8

First because God tells me to, because he loves you to whether you like it or not.
Second because what if the man who told me of Gods saving grace had the same attitude you do? I'd have the same hopeless life you do.
God has a place in Heaven for all of us, even you. It's up to you to choose to accept it.
There is an endless amount of room for us.

Answer 9

I, like you, don't get it. Although the Bible says that you can only get to heaven through your belief in Jesus and God, it also says that not everyone will get into heaven - no matter how much they believe. Why would you risk your place in heaven on some Atheist who doesn't want your help in the first place.

Answer 10

Some people are over zealous, Jesus asked us to teach all nations, He didn't say you had to save anyone. The idea is to get the word out there but faith cannot be forced. If you don't have it .. well then you dont' have it. But at least you were informed.

Answer 11

We are only following the commandemtns of God to preach the words of God in the bible and to let them know about the existence of God, but still they refused and even go to the extent of uttering and writting bad matters about God. So be it. Theirs is theirs and ours is ours.
jtm