does it show insecurity in your faith when you have to try to convert everyone?

Question

what i mean by this is: pagans don't try to convert anyone. we know that if people see our way as the right way for them, they'll find us. we know that our beliefs will thrive whether we push it on people or not.

christians seem to be insecure about their religion's place in the world because they feel the need to dominate it (the world), wiping out every other religion in it's path (history proves this) in what seems like an effort to prove to themselves that they are right.

agree or disagree?

Answer 1

Disagree... to some extent.

First of all, a lot of pagans DO try to convert people. Especially athiests. You see them on here all the time trying to tell us all what to believe. I can't count how many times I've had athiests try to convince me that they are right and I am wrong. Of course, they don't all do that, and I even count some atheists as close friends.

Second of all, you are really throwing around a lot of stereotypes here. Most Christians don't try to convert anyone at all. I, for one, am happy to express my views if someone asks, but I never push them on anyone. The ones that do are a noisy group, but statistically they are in the minority. Think of this: 70% of the country considers itself to be Christian. Do you really think that 210 million Americans are actively trying to convert you?

Third of all, history only really shows that people in power will do anything to try to increase that power. History also shows that ALL people in power do this. Attempting to dominate the world is hardly a Christian-specific characteristic. Look at the spread of Islam. Look at Nazi Fascism. Look at the Roman Empire. Look at the Mongols. Even most religious wars had power and greed behind them. Religion gets used as the excuse, but it has very rarely been the cause of warfare. Anyone who really believes that war and attempts to dominate others will disappear with Christianity does NOT know their history at all, nor do they have any clear understanding of human nature.

That said, I did say I only disagree to some extent. I don't want to ignore that there ARE some Christians that fall right under your discription. In your defence, no doubt a lot of Christians act like this. You may well be right about their motivation, as well. Perhaps it IS insecurity!

That said, consider this: some Christians believe that if you don't believe what they do that you will suffer eternally. All Christians don't believe this, but many of the overt-conversion Christians do. Considering that they really believe this, it seems it would be evil of them to NOT try to convert people. Many Christians like this legitimately believe they are doing you a favor. If you believed you could save someone's life, wouldn't you try? Not saying they are right, but it probably isn't worth holding a grudge against them. Two wrongs don't make a right.

It's a good question, though. Fair enough. Have a good one!

Answer 2

All religions do this- stop picking on Christians. To be honest, i've never had a Christian come up to me and try converting me. I don't look any different from an Atheist, do i? I am a Christian but i still look like a normal human, so where are the people asking if I am Christian? Atheists also try converting everyone. So do Muslims and Jews. It's the way of religion and non-religion. Be happy we don't spread Christianity by the sword.

Answer 3

Interesting take.

Perhaps it is not the we are insecure in our faith but not afraid to share our faith. No fear of what others may think.

I don't know about the "wiping out other religions" drama, perhaps you are referring to some war where some believed they were fighting for Christianity. But that is not what we do, with a few over-zealous exceptions.

The pagans I have known through the years didn't try to convert me (although at the time I was an atheist) but they also didn't seem to understand or have pride in their faith.

Answer 4

History does show that there were wars in the Bible because of our God and the crusades were religiously motivated, however things have changed since then and it is a little far fetched to accuse christians of trying to wipe out every religion. Our faith is the very reason we reach out to the world because Jesus told us to go and spread the good news. It has nothing to do with proving ourselves right because God is there whether someone agrees or not. It depends on your definition of pushing beliefs on someone. Yes, we do reach out and teach our beliefs but that is far from pushing. If you have been around christians that were pushing their beliefs and forcing people to become christians, then they were wrong and shouldn't have done that. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to be around christians who represent the faith showing love for everyone.

Answer 5

I actually totally agree. I am an atheist and while I am firm in my beliefs i still long for the community validation and support. I am constantly trying to convince theists that they are wrong partly because deep down (i am talking real deep) NOBODY KNOWS. I don't believe in god but that doesn't mean that i couldn't be wrong. People go to church for the sense of community and support. All i want is the same thing, after all i am only human. I do however not blindly shout my beliefs to cover my own self conciousness and doubt. I am constantly reading religious texts, commentaries, articles and exposes. I search hard to find answers (answers that so far as i can tell arent out there but i will keep looking none the less.) Everybody pushes there religion on people to feel validated. As i said. I am only human

Answer 6

I think you are making a sweeping generalization. I am a Christian, and I do not try to dominate anyone, I do not try to convert anyone, and I especially do not make blanket statements about people in other religions or those who have other beliefs, as you are doing here.

Every Christian on the planet had NOT tried to wipe out other religions. Every Christian has NOT tried to dominate the world.

I feel about Christianity the way you feel about pagans.
I am not insecure in my faith, nor do I try to push it on anyone.

Answer 7

You know so little about Christianity and it shows. I find that people who are insufferably ignorant often try to B.S. their way through to some sort of logic. Kind of like what you are doing now.

Christians aren't insecure in their faith. They are directly told in the Bible...Mark 16:15...to share what they know. Just because they have an answer to all your rebuttles doesn't show insecurity, but rather that they have asked the SAME questions, and were given answers. Just because you run out of questions and are made to look like a horse's behind, doesn't mean Christian's are mean and dominating: it simply means it's true.

Answer 8

i am not sure......

when you say christians..... well that is alot of people. and I don't think all of them are insecure in their faith. I think that they some of them are just trying to share the joy that they have found.

now others, may be going overboard. and some think that it is their way or no way....

there are several different reasons why people try to convert other people.

it is one of those gray areas....

personally, i don't try to convery anyone. if someone asks me a question, i will answer it. and i will tell people that I will pray for them. But I think that the most important thing we can do as christians is not to preach with words but with our actions. if we show our love rather than preach it, then wouldn't things be so much better???

ok, sorry for the long answer, guess I was on a rant.

Answer 9

I don't think it shows insecurity in your faith. I think it shows true belief in your faith. That's what Christians are called to do (although perhaps not in the way many Christians try to go about it). A true Christian is all about love, and the reason they try to save others is to share the gift of God's Mercy, Love, and Salvation. (Salvation being everlasting life...to be saved from death). If a Christian is simply arguing to prove themselves "Right"....that's more political or social motivation...not true Christian motivation. I think you can tell the difference in someones motivation by their approach. Christians are to show Humility not Haughtiness.

Answer 10

Categorically disagree.

Christians evangalize because we believe that's what Jesus told us to do. He wants everyone to be part of his flock. So it's our job to help bring them in. Of course each person must decide for themselves, but it is good to go out and spread the good news.

In today's world leaving that sort of thing to chance is not a good strategy. The world today is filled with evil obstacles that hide and confuse the truth. Just look at all the misconceptions you see about Christianity in this forum. And it makes sense that Jesus would want us to partake in His mission.

I personally don't believe this, but some Christians think you must be Christian to be saved....so that would be the motivation for them.