to convert atheism? As Christians, should we be accepting of all kinds (regardless of faith), or be narrowed-minded into believing everyone needs to take our word?
Live and let live. Accept others as they are while offering knowledge of faith.
I'm interested in honest, thoughtful answers, I am not trying to be combative. I want people to think about what Christianity really means, and what accepting others really means.
2007-09-08 07:09:56 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"goodwill" : I think you stepped on some "toes" with this question. I agree completely with you on this one. Firstly; Christians are not to convert others - that's a devine "calling" - an election by God, the Father, through the workings of the Holy Spirit (see: John, chapter 6, verse 44) . Therefore, we can conclude rightfully, that "bearing witness" is not attempting to convert non-believers. I learned a lot of what I know by God (Holy Spirit), teaching me. And surely, I am not going to convert anyone if it takes God to teach people what he or she is to learn about Christianity.
You have a spiritual maturity about you which is to be admired ! As a Christian, I think anyone is being very foolish to take things at "face value" all on "because somebody said so" ! Jesus never preached away at people (other than His disciples - His apprentices). The Bible was always directly dealing with those God is working with in life - not the "unconverted" (unless God was drawing him or her to Him for a relationship). All in all, it shows a real shallow and lack of faith on the part of believers when he or she has to attempt to perform God's job for Him - God is very capable of converting even, the most resistant non-believer - should He choose ! After all, did he not create the entire universe, those of "little faith" ? !!!
2007-09-08 07:32:31 · answer #1 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is commissioned to "spread" the Gospel of Christ. It's our job. It is always up to the individual to accept it or reject it. I just for the life of me cannot understand why an atheist would even be here in the R&S section of yahoo answers in the first place. Let alone the amount of time that some of them are on here and then to complain about being preached to.If you genuinely do not want to be preached to, you wouldn't be here. I get some questions answered here, I answer some questions here, and I tell the atheists that the only reason they come here is because they like to p1ss and moan or they would find something else to do with their time. God bless!!
2007-09-08 23:41:41 · answer #2 · answered by BERT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I will never be silent about my faith. If someone asks my opinion, I will naturally base that upon the word of God which I base my whole life upon. I am here for several reasons, 1) It is entertainment for me. 2) I enjoy seeing what some people think about religion and I do have some questions I ask because I want to know people's honest opinions about things. 3) I enjoy discussing religion in a manner that reduces as much of the nonsense as possible. This is regulated fairly well, so I enjoy this. 4) I believe that there ARE some people actually looking for answers. I want to be able to answer them in a truthful, respectful manner.
As far as your note at the bottom -- Christianity is about a relationship with Christ. It is about being the body of Christ upon earth. Christ is God in the flesh. He left earth and gave us this magnificent job of doing his work on earth while he is sitting in heaven. It is about loving people because God IS love. If someone does not believe in God, I may not be able to prove to them that God is in my heart, but I can prove to them that love is in my heart and I can be there in any way that I can for them. Accepting someone means that we take them as they are right then -- we do not say that in order to be a friend, you have to wear certain clothes, speak a certain way, or be ac certain religion. Accepting someone is stating that someone's faith, opinion, or belief is as valid as mine and they have the right to believe it as they wish. However, it is NOT being silent about my own opinions or stating that someone is right. Validity doesn't mean correct. Acceptance doesn't mean condoning.
2007-09-08 14:20:48 · answer #3 · answered by One Odd Duck 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay let's look at what happened in Russia. If you try to take religion away. Burn the books ban them from the library. Kill off the religious. Have disco parties in the churches. What happens? Religion springs up all over again. I don't think that answered your question but i liked the part about having disco...
2007-09-08 15:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by Perry's Corner 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am both a sailor (in a previous life) and now a soldier, when my country goes to war, I go and I fight the war...
islam, jew, atheist, agnotistic, cult or something that claims to be christain but is not, I go to confess the truth but the hearer is responsible for thier own actions, I need only speak the truth.
My Jesus says go and witness to all, because he is not willing that any should perish.
I will not force Jesus at gun point, at torture until confession or anything else, on another person.
When I ask a question it is to I hope, get someone to open their eyes to the question of who is Jesus, and why should I put faith in him? Is he worthy of faith. Is he worthy of anything.
i have always been war like, Christ challenges me to be God like, and that is the hardest think I face everyday.
Jesus loves all men, Allah want non muslims dead. Who is the real God?
who made man in his image
who died to make all men brothers and saved
2007-09-08 14:37:56 · answer #5 · answered by magnetic_azimuth 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The technical answer to the above question depends on the person 'answering' that specific question.
The challenge to 'us people' (atheists and Christian) is are 'we' willing to upgrade from man's level of understanding (opinion; usually self)to Christ level (fact; the 2 or more witnesses Christians Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor. 13:1) principle. I presently understand the Muslims have the principle also.
2007-09-08 14:30:04 · answer #6 · answered by jefferyspringer57@sbcglobal.net 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am just here to answer honest questions with honest answers. I don't want to convert anyone. I am just fine with the religion they have. After all they are doing just fine with it and they are (or I would like to think they are) good upstanding people.
I don't like the way people are trying to convert people either. It is pointless to try to convert someone who doesn't want to be converted. Why try and convert air into a rock or fire into water. It doesn't make any sense.
2007-09-08 14:16:51 · answer #7 · answered by RedBirdofChaos 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is no ones job to convert anyone. You can't even if you try. It may stick for a minute, long enough to get them to sign a membership card in the whore church, but that's only good enough to deceive them into thinking they're all right. Maybe they may even muster enough emotion to walk an aisle to an alter call, which is the biggest joke this side of the Rockies. Billy Graham and his false gospel propagated that one best.
All I can do is witness to the truth, God does the converting, or not. None of my business who will actually be given ears to hear it. All of my business to point to Him who is capable of turning a stony heart to flesh.
2007-09-08 14:22:39 · answer #8 · answered by my_my_now 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I do not force my belief onto any one. If God wants me to tell someone about him, He will send them to me with a question, and in turn answer it the best way that I am capable of. With his help of course! That is how I believe. I will not try to convert anybody that is unwilling. My Father in heaven knows who needs to be converted not I.
It is not for me to condemn someone of the way that they believe, nor do I expect the condemnation of others. The only one that I expect to condemn me, is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior which has sent the Holy Ghost to keep us in line.
I accept all people for what they are and what they believe as individuals. Not people as a whole. I am not racist nor am I against any religion. I am only against those who are against me.
I pray that my Father in heaven will only send to me the ones that will accept Him as their savior.
2007-09-08 18:54:32 · answer #9 · answered by SLoWpoke 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are called to be a people set apart from worldly things. Non-believers must be convicted by the Holy Spirit as needing God before they will be open to conversion. Our job is to produce the "fruit of the spirit", and to evangelize when appropriate. Be open to the soft/still voice that will guide you, and stay close to your lord - know His word.
2007-09-08 14:18:24 · answer #10 · answered by White Tornado 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋