I keep hearing this statement that the Fundamentalist Christians want to FORCE others to convert?
Would anyone who is a fundamentalist Christian care to respond?
And please, only answer if you are a fundamentalist Christian and can answer in a compassionate way. (trolls need not answer)
2007-06-02 07:06:51 · 14 answers · asked by Searcher 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No one can be forced to convert. Even if someone did "convert" because of some force, the conversion wouldn't be genuine, and therefore useless.
Only God can soften the hardened heart. All too often, people become convinced to "convert" through an easy-believism that has nothing to do with the Gospel of Christ.
A person must become convinced that they are a depraved sinner in need of a Savior. Without recognizing that, a "conversion" is meaningless. You might as well join the Rotary Club.
2007-06-02 07:12:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that I classify as a fundamentalist or not...
I don't believe anyone can force a person to convert. Some people are much more zealous and passionate about their belief in Christ.
Some people have a very defined(whether right or wrong) about how a person becomes and stays a Christian.
I know that type of person can be irritating and misunderstood. But I also know that I appreciate anyone who is passionate in something so strongly. I would rather talk to them than to a wishy washy person who doesn't have a clue why they believe or do something...
I also believe that sometimes the force that you are talking about, is when someone doesn't listen to the Lord, and plants seeds with a bulldozer, instead of a trowel on their knees...
2007-06-02 07:14:58 · answer #2 · answered by 2ndchhapteracts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian but I definitely would not consider myself a "Fundamentalist" the fact of the matter is that there are some that are so extreme that they ma choose to use force in order to make someone convert, this is the same in Islam but they go to the extreme of blowing up things....As Christians we are called to be witnesses but some have taken this totally out of context and feel the need to force their beliefs on others...I totally disagree with this...I feel that we should share our beliefs if asked and then hope that our way of living life can be a testament to what we believe that will encourage others to ask what makes us feel so well and what has filled the void in our souls? I know there are some extremists out there and unfortunatley they ruin those who are good practicing Christians...this goes the same for Islam
2007-06-02 07:13:45 · answer #3 · answered by mlp7 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No conversion can be genuine if it's forced. If you're talking about present-day fundamentalists, I think what people refer to as "force" is the rather assertive zeal some apply when inquiring whether a total stranger is "saved". It can feel rather intrusive, thus the term "forced down our throats", but there's no real coercion going on as if at sword point -- most are sincerely trying to evangelize, and only a few are over-the-top, but it's a persistent caricature that antireligionists like to use in generalizing fundamentalist Christians.
2007-06-02 08:03:59 · answer #4 · answered by Clare † 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A fundamentalist Christian is one who strongly believes in the infallible Word of God, the Holy Bible, and the fundamentals of Christian belief. And they are Born of a Virgin, Divine Creator of all, infallible Scripture, Christ's deity, substitutionary atonement for our sins, bodily resurrection, will return physically and existence of literal heaven and hell.
I can't force anyone to convert. Only Christ can change the heart.
Forced conversions come from the Crusades of an evil pope. We have not always had good popes.
Don't judge Christianity by Christians. Please judge Christianity by Christ. All Christians have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Christ didn't fall short on anything and He never will.
2007-06-02 09:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a fundamentalist is one that believes the Bible is true, I guess I am one. I dont want to FORCE anyone to convert. You cant force someone to believe. I just want people to listen with an open mind.
2007-06-02 07:12:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i'm not sure if i qualify as a fundamentalist Christian, as i've never seen any concise definition of the term-all i've seen is its usage as an all-purpose insult: however, i am a member of a southern baptist church, so i'm guessing that i qualify in most folks' eyes...no, i am not aware of ANYONE wanting to force anyone to convert...that would be impossible, as becoming a 'born-again' Christian requires the person to freely choose...i think that particular charge falls under the heading of 'myth'...
2007-06-02 07:15:32 · answer #7 · answered by spike missing debra m 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By fundamentalist I assume you mean independent fundamentalist.I myself have not heard anyone stating that they want to force people to convert.we can not make anyone do anything.All we can do is plant the seed and hope God works on them to make the next step.
2007-06-02 07:14:04 · answer #8 · answered by villi_valo05 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We never force any one to convert, you can never force anyone into the Kingdom of God. It is only by an act of the Holy Spirit that makes them want to convert to Christianity and change their own views to Jesus' views.
2007-06-02 07:11:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
the statement is false, Honey. I've shared my beliefs w/ many other people but they are not forced to do anything--they don't have to listen if they don't want to. Granted, some peolpe are bolder with their witnessing than others but no one can force anyone to convert.
2007-06-02 08:01:57 · answer #10 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋