Or to put it another way.... how much consideration have you given to leading by action and example and keeping the words to yourself?
There are those who will never believe as you do, and trying to "save" them will only make them angry and defiant.
There are those who prefer to remain in the middle, but to pull them one way or another will only make them lean the other way.
There are those who might believe as you do... but want to do it on their own terms.... and if you dictate those terms then they will reject it all.
Every person out there has a contrary streak... a need to defy the terms of others and stand above it. If you give them nothing to oppose though... they will not oppose it, and might even accept it.
_.-~{ Not of course that I should be advising people on how to do what I'd rather they didn't do at all.... but doing something well is always better than doing it poorly... no matter what it is. }~-._
2007-09-21 05:09:06 · 13 answers · asked by Lucid Interrogator 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Fireball :~ I'm here looking for worthy opposition. I'm not finding any. If that means I have to train christians to be better christians (as ironic as that sounds).... then sobeit.
Some would question who I am to think I could do such a thing. Well I answer you this: I think from a great many angles. I see the subjectivity in all things, and I can tree them together. Because I accept no truth, neither do I finalise my judgement and lose the will to see the options before me.
I just want a fair fight... so to speak.
2007-09-21 05:23:40 · update #1
jesussaves :~ Then you are a fool. You think to change humans by the ways of the bible rather than the ways of humanity? You might as well try to carve a statue from stone with a toothbrush!
2007-09-21 05:28:13 · update #2
No they won't, because the abrahamic "god" isn't a remotely natural thing for even humans to just tend toward. More than likely they'd naturally veer away from it if they have any semblence of reason.
2007-09-23 08:41:38 · answer #1 · answered by Dire Badger 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I am a Theist but not a Christian and I can tell you never in my life have I tried to convert someone or have them change their religious practices.
Sure I have had debates, but I feel just like you do that if you really want someone to emulate what you do then you should do it by practicing instead of preaching.
I realize people have different, and often contradictory beliefs, and there is nothing wrong with that, if that was not the case life would be kind of boring wouldn't it?
2007-09-21 17:08:52 · answer #2 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some may come to Christ by our actions, but some need to be introduced by words. We are called to be like Peter in the storm- to leave the boat and do something against our normal instincts. Or to be like the disciples, get in the boat, cross the sea, and witness to people who are shunned by the world. Or to be like Paul, walking, talking, and showing what it means to be a Christian.
Christ told His disciples to go out into the world and spread the Word to all peoples. This can be done by showing others or by telling others about how and why they came to believe. We know we could offend some people, that means that they may not be ready.
2007-09-21 12:46:55 · answer #3 · answered by Mark S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dealing with this situation is the same as dealing with a rebellious teenager. Of course the more you push, the more the unbeleiver will resist. However, nobody will come to God on their own unless they are aware of him. This requires a personal visit from the Man himself or somebody passing the word on. Also, believers and unbelievers alike can lose their way without a little encouragement now and again.
My strategy is to gently remind unbelievers that they might find some relief from opening up to God when they are having a hard time. I don't try to get them to come to church with me or read anything. I just put the idea out, and I hope they will get curious.
2007-09-21 12:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Christians are commanded by Christ to, "Go ye unto all the world and spread the Good News."
Nowhere does He say to make a nuisance of yourselves. In fact, He is quite emphatic to the disciples that if, after giving their message, the people don't want to hear any more, then they (the disciples) are to leave immediately and head for the preaching equivalent of greener pastures. In other words, if you can't move them, walk away and let God take over.
Pity that more Fundies don't remember this part of their literal and inerrant Scriptures.
2007-09-21 12:18:15 · answer #5 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As I'm not a theist, I will not comment on that. What I will say though is that an atheist who disbelieves in god for the right reasons wouldn't want or need to turn to god or religion with or without interference from theists.
2007-09-21 12:18:09 · answer #6 · answered by T Delfino 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. I believe Christians should live their faith rather than pushing it down other people's throats. Most people today know what Christianity is about, so we don't need to talk as much as we need to live the message and then leave it to people to decide for themselves. Faith is very personal, and you have the right to decide for yourself without anybody else interfering.
2007-09-22 05:00:06 · answer #7 · answered by Amelie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's the only way they ever would...
You shouldn't lead a horse to water if he's not thirsty...
And if he finds the water on his own...
You shouldn't push him in...
(or you'll get kicked in the you know what, but...)
2007-09-21 12:15:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
No Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2007-09-21 12:17:42 · answer #9 · answered by jesussaves 7 · 0⤊ 6⤋
I really don't care. We all have our own porpuse in life. If Joe Shmoe's soul is hungry, he will search for ways to feed it.
2007-09-21 12:15:33 · answer #10 · answered by Y!A P0int5 Wh0r3 5 · 0⤊ 8⤋