Do you really believe that it is your duty to 'save' everyone else?

Question

Personally I don't appreciate someone trying to shove their beliefs down my throat...ahem, those who go door-to-door or even stop you in the street.
It would seem that half the time these people are hypocrites.

Um Judy? Why wouldn't I come to this site? You're not making sense on that one.

I'm not just talking about christianity, I'm talking about all religions.
When every religion believes that they are the only 'right' one don't you think it would be confusing to anyone who might be seeking spirituality?

Answer 1

Here's an idea for you. Whenever a person like that approaches you, have some fun with them. Engage them in a serious discussion about how easy it is to lie in books and that most of the books in the bible were stories passed down for hundreds if not thousands of years before being written down. Mention some of the scriptures that were left out of the bible and assert that the early Catholic church was an extremely corrupt organization that picked and choosed which scriptures they wanted, and they only wanted the ones that fit in with their specific beliefs. That's why the bible only has 4 gospels when many many more than that were written.

It is loads of fun to watch these people squirm when their beliefs are challenged, and they realize that they really don't know why they believe it. One time I managed to really shake the convictions of a lady going door to door, she completely stopped talking and had a odd look on her face for the rest of the time her friend tried to convince me that every word in the bible is true because it's the bible and god wouldn't let lies get printed in the bible. If that's the only argument you have for me then you are in for a rough time.

The key to the whole thing is to be as nice as possible. Smile, be friendly, and don't accuse them of anything. Just speak intelligently about christian history and you'll be surprised how upset they can get at you.

For the record: I believe in the concept of a creator (god if you will) but I also believe that no earthly religion has gotten it completely right.

Answer 2

No. Jesus does the saving - we just do the telling. Sharing the Gospel is our job. Having said that - it can be, and often is, done subtly by living each day as Christ would have lived so others can see Christ in our lives. I try to do that - as in trying to answer this question thoughtfully and trying to see the point of view that "shoving beliefs down your throat" is not going to be successful - Jesus didn't do that. Jesus' followers came to him willingly and even eagerly - just by hearing what He did, and knowing what He could do for them.

Some believers are just more adamant in their desire to share God's word with you - and some, like every genre of human beings, are so consumed that they don't see they are driving people away instead of drawing them near.

Let me apologize to you for the times you have been offended - I hope you will come to realize that many (if not most) Christians really to try to follow Christ's example without the judgmental quality that is so objectionable.

Thanks for asking and God bless.

Answer 3

Don't be so thin-skinned. Appreciate the fact that people are trying top help you in their own way. If you don't want their help, just say "thanks, but no thanks" and move on. People "shove stuff down your throat" all the time, whether its in TV commercials, or the Avon Lady ringing your doorbell, or whatever. Why should it get your fur so ruffled when people from a church do it? Do you get mad at McDonalds trying to shove Big Macs down your throat? At least the Christians are trying to help you - McDonalds just wants to make you fat and make a buck

Answer 4

i dont think it is my 'duty', i believe its my purpose. i believe that there is a God who made us and loves us, and apart from him is death. im sorry that you feel most christians are hypocritical, but its true-we sin. its what makes us humans. but just because we sin doesnt make us any less of a christian, or what we are trying to say any less real. and we're not trying to 'shove down your throat'. God created everyone with a choice, and we're just trying to show you the truth. i could tell you about christ, and im not perfect, but that doesnt mean that when you die, and stand before God, and tell him that you didn't believe because a 'sinner' told you you won't be punished. not trying to sound like a 'fire and brimstone' but thats just the whole of it.

Answer 5

I can only speak for Christianity. It is not our duty to save anyone. We don't even have the power to save ourselves. Jesus is the one who does the saving.

It is however our job to witness to others and to magnify the name of God for He said that if He be lifted up that He would draw all men to Him.

I don't think that they are hypocrites, they feel they are doing the Lord's work.

Answer 6

I think some "religions" are that way.
But the Lord tells us to be a witness for him, that is to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks, about the hope that is in us.

Some people might be hypocrites..but God is not.

Answer 7

I don't know what type of experiences you've had - sounds like they were unpleasant! But, just like everything else, when you are excited about something...you want to share it with others!
The Bible also "commissions" us to go and spread the Good News!! : )

Answer 8

It is my duty to my children, to try and show religious people how harmful their faith has been throughout history and in the present.

I want my kids and Grandkids to live in a better world than I do, and in order to help make that happen, I have a moral obligation to save Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews etc.. from beliefs that cause them to harm one another, that teares families apart and that causes them to demean others in the name of Love.

Once you realize that life is finite and we only have a short time to live it, it becomes extremely important to help others, not hurt them.

So yes it is my duty to mankind.

Answer 9

To save someone is a dream you can keep but never can take action as you are not christ. When you feel you can save someone your psychollogyly you are stronger or hight than someone. Then you are pride and prejustice.

Answer 10

You would only have to save someone who you have personally perceived as lost. The savers do not realize it is them who are judging the others as lost. Judge Not, I say!