Why is it *your* way?

Question

I mean, if it's a question of faith, and faith = belief, then why can't you leave it alone? Why do you care if someone believes something different? One way or another, we'll each find out the answer when we die - either we die and there's nothing, so who cares?, or one of the religions was right and whoever believed gets eternal life while the rest of us go to hell (is that how it works? I'm not sure.) I mean, really, why go to the trouble to try and force other people to believe the same thing as you? What does that do for you? Not much, from my perspective.

raven_futrell: you only BELIEVE that it is God's way. There is no proof. You have faith, but faith is belief, not FACT. Other religions believe they are right, that their God's way is right. You should really try reading the question before you answer it.

Answer 1

If you're directing this question at the proselytizing majority, they rattle on that they have been commanded by God to share his glory and spare the 4 billion of us unclean heathens from spending eternity in the fiery pits of hell, i.e. they're doing us a favor by trying to convert us.

If your question was directed at non-believers, I completely agree with your assessment but only if bible worshipers didn't feel the need to make legislation and blur separation of church and state, and try to infringe upon my rights not to believe in the make-believe.

"No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God."
- Bush Snr - Former U.S. President George H. W. Bush - 1987

Answer 2

I am a Christian, and have faith and belief, but you are totally right. No one can make another have faith and belief except God. But as a Christian, I am to tell the good news. I don't expect you to believe it, if you're not ready. But Christians do love to tell the good news, and I wouldn't call that force. I'm really sorry that you think it's force. By the word's you've typed, I can see a lot of anger in them, but it isn't from any force from Christians. Maybe the forces of God are stronger, than you want them to be, and you seem to be fighting them with the strength of anger.

Answer 3

Most Christians aren't out knocking on doors...at least, not in the United States. We're pretty sure that everyone that lives here has had the opportunity to hear the gospel. There is very little point in telling the same story to someone who has already made it clear that he doesn't want to hear it.
~~NOTE: Mind you, I said "most" Christians. We are very much aware that there are some fringe lunatic groups who do go door knocking. If any of them should annoy you, or anyone you know...and this includes anyone that might read this answer...please feel free to be as rude and condescending as you like. You have this Christian's permission. As far as I can tell, these folks do more harm than good to the cause we are fighting for.
However, some of us do like to make ourselves available for those who have heard it and who have questions about it. Believe it or not, there are people who would really like to know more about Christianity. It is hard for them, especially the way people today tend to react to the very term "Christian".
Sure, there are Christians (or at least folks who claim to be Christians) who have made even the name a thing of scorn with their outrageous behavior, and that is a shame, because, truly, Jesus has alot to offer anyone who takes the time to get to know Him (which is a very different thing from getting to know His followers).
You're right, as far as you've gone. There is absolutely no point at all in trying to force other people to believe the same way that I do. As a matter of fact, it is quite impossible to force anyone to believe anything.
However, there is everything to be gained by bringing a new soul into the Kingdom of God. What's in it for me? Well, I get the pleasure of having a new brother or sister, and that is always a good thing. But there is so much more. I get the sheer joy of knowing that that one soul will have everlasting life!
I guess I sort of take after my Dad, that way. I am not willing that anyone should perish....

Answer 4

If someone really believes, (or needs to pretend to believe), that those who do do not believe what they do, are condemned to eternal damnation then they may also consider it their duty to try and convert everyone to their own belief system and save their "eternal souls". In fact if you are happy to let people have their own beliefs with no interest in converting them to yours then your own belief is kind of shaky isn't it? Fortunately true believers seem to be rare and for most people religion is a source of structure and social support in their life and they are not unduly inconvenienced by living a normal life unaffected by most of the basic tenets of their religions. After all most people would be severely inconvenienced if they had to follow the ten commandments but they seem to find some solace in attending church once in a while.

Answer 5

I don't have a "way" I just hate being preached to and given the look like "God loves me more than he loves you"

I point out hypocrites like crooked preachers like You see all the time, and Cults that try to legitimize themselves, but people see what they want to see.

I care about people, but I know I can't save anybody from STUPIDITY.

After over half a century I have discovered people are mainly motivated by Lust Greed and Jealousy. Everybody but a few are after the almighty buck, and meaness and spitefulness seems to be the most fun game for most people. That and Church.

Its a shame. Things were a lot better in the 60's.

Answer 6

Forcing is obviously not the right way to share you beliefs about something. But for some people, like me, I feel that my religion has given me so much happiness that I want to share it with other people. Everybody does this. If you find a good restaurant, you tell people about it. If you find a good doctor, same thing. So I share my beliefs with others (I'm a Mormon by the way).

Answer 7

Right on.
Is it possible that those with particular beliefs, perhaps need to learn to be more tactful?
I know in the past I have displayed both types of character-tactful, and dogmatic.
You know what? Being dogmatic is not the way to communicate.
I think that everyone here deserves to be respected no matter what their beliefs. I am confident in what I believe, yet, have found there is no point in being dogmatic. There are just too many dogmatic people in the world. I have come to the conclusion, that to truly communicate effectively, one has to learn empathy and compassion. And also have respect for each person's right to have their opinion.
I can thank all of you for helping me to learn this.

THANKS!

Also, because I think the whole thumbs up/down thing just irritates others, I will now only give thumbs up in my vote to say that everyone's opinion has value.
Also, I am now giving a star to every question that is asked, I mean, heck you through 5 points out there, and exposed yourself to the wolves (sort-of), my hat is off to all of you who have stayed here to participate, no matter what you believe.

Answer 8

I answered a similar question the other day, and think I explained it in a reasonably understandable way, so I have cut and pasted below. Here it is...

You have to understand....people who have strong faith do not think that their beliefs are just an "opinion".....they believe them to be the truth. So if a fundamentalist Christian, for example, tries to convert you, think of it this way.... If you and another person were in a burning building, and that person was absolutely sure that they knew where the only exit was located and that you did not, would you criticize them for "not respecting your opinion and just letting you be" if they tried with all their might to show you where that exit was so that you could save yourself?

To be honest, as a Christian who does NOT evangelize, I often feel a bit guilty that I don't try harder to introduce people to Christ. It's like I'm keeping a very important and wonderful secret all to myself instead of sharing it.

Answer 9

Amen! I have a strong faith and I'm not afraid to talk about it if the subject comes up or the time is right. But I hate when people try and force it down your throat. Some people need to realize they do not have the gift of evangelism and should focus their attention elsewhere. In my opinion, no one ever started going to church or exploring their faith because someone harassed them until they did. It has just the opposite effect.

Answer 10

There are only a couple of religions that insist everyone believe as they do. Christianity is the main culprit in the USA.

Most religions, like my own, do not proselytize. We know that you cannot force people to believe. And that even if you could, you shouldn't.