Is it their self-doubt dressed up in the activities & rituals of evangelizing and getting others to convert to their beliefs?
This is a Q in both the philosophy & the psychology of religion.
2007-09-09 06:59:58 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Someone said defensively: "Usually it's the atheists trying to convince ME that god DOESN'T exist." It is not an A to my Q as asked, but it does point to the flip side of my Q. It is a Q in in its own right and should be asked separately by the person who asked it.
2007-09-09 07:25:24 · update #1
Why are so many Answerers misusing the forum to hurl criticisms that have nothing to do with the topic of the Q? It is really sick.
2007-09-09 08:31:15 · update #2
see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelism
2007-09-16 10:05:38 · update #3
Evangelical is a term that actually means someone that believes there must be a conversion experience to come to Christianity. It isn't something you are born into. It's not a family trait that you simply become when you are in a particular blood line. However, the definition has expanded to mean those that also feel the need to convert everyone around them. This is really more of a fundamentalist point of view. For those people, it is the crux of their very faith to convert the masses and spread the gospel to everyone. Some churches focus more on evangelizing than others. Some churches believe it is more important to be a witness by living the gospel rather than using the words to preach the gospel.
2007-09-09 07:34:33 · answer #1 · answered by One Odd Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True Christians follow the orders of Jesus at Matt. 24:14 and 28:19-20. That is to do two things. To make disciples AND to provide a witness.
The preaching work to make disciples is obvious. People with the right heart condition want to serve the true God of the Bible the way He desires.
The second purpose less obvious. The whole point of the last 6,000 years involves everyone seeing we need God as Ruler rather than humans. A choice must be made. How can you make such a choice when one is not aware of either what choices there are or of the stakes involved? That is the point of the witness work!
Reject it or not! Hear it or not! The witness of information has been given. It is then upon your own head what happens next, not the one giving the witness.
2007-09-09 07:15:39 · answer #2 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real question in philosphy and psychology is the quest for meaning. Once you realize you are an individual (I think, therefore I am) then you must ponder your lot in life.
The Bible listes supernatural events by God over the expanse of recorded time. These supernatural events are direct revelations of an existant God. Not a god of theory. As science will inform you, you know something by experience and by the experience of others. Without this, then you will not be able to grow without reinventing the wheel. Same with God. We know about the effects of a relationship with God by our experiences, and we learn about the reality of God through the experiences of others.
If you continue in philosphy and psychology you'll learn that all people live their lives in symbols, rituals, and identifiable patterns. This is not new information. Welcome to the age of reasoning. Enjoy your journey.
2007-09-09 07:04:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we are no longer and in no way have been packed with hate and anger!! WE purely tell the reality! in assessment on your declare, it substitute into christians who began the gruesome rumors that atheists consume babies, and domestic canine, and kittens! how are you able to human beings declare to be so loving, and tolerant once you continuously bear fake witness against a team that may not bow down before you, and in no way will!! have self assurance what you will, in spite of the undeniable fact that it is not my option to fall for the comparable myths which you do!! And if this question is what you call morals and values, this international is in threat as long as human beings such as you have the final public! yet, that's changing too, further and extra every day, so are not getting too comfortable.
2016-10-10 06:26:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guess it is the same reason YOU spend so much time in a religion and spirituality section to suggest that we should not accept the existance of God.I don't need to convince you of the existance of God...YOU need to figure it out on your own. But, you also need to respect the beliefs of others.
I think you sound more like you are in self doubt.
2007-09-09 07:28:05 · answer #5 · answered by guppy137 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I definitely consider myself evangelical but can only speak for myself. First, I have absolutely no self doubt about Christ. Not one iota, inkling or question in my mind.
I share with nonbelievers for two reasons. One, I want to share with them the good news of what Christ did for them. I also want them to experience the peace I've found. I know many of you guys don't believe me, but I know 100% that I will be in the Lord's presence when I die and that's why death doesn't scare me.
Second, I really don't want to see anyone perish spiritually. I really do believe God's gives us ample opportunity to accept Him while on this earth. Once we die, it's too late and I care too much about those around me not to say anything. I never force anything. I share my beliefs and experience, but it is the Holy Spirit's job to open their hearts, not mine.
2007-09-09 07:21:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have no need to convince anyone, because everyone already knows that God exists. There is no such thing as an atheist.
2007-09-09 07:07:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All Christians believe they are to spread the word. They are trying to do what the Bible tells them to do and no one will keep them from doing the job they were given to do. Suppose If we went along with them things would change! I would bet that it would not even stop if they got us to their services.
2007-09-09 07:08:28 · answer #8 · answered by plyjanney 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The more important question is, why do people like you worry about it so much? If you don't want to hear it, don't listen.
What is really funny though is atheists claiming the higher intellect, and yet trying to prove that something isn't there, (God), who they say isn't there to begin with.
2007-09-09 07:06:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Usually it's the atheists trying to convince ME that god DOESN'T exist.
2007-09-09 07:04:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋