Why do Christians, and to a lesser extent Muslims, feel such a strong need to convert the rest of us?

Question

I understand that these are religious commandments, but sometimes it seems an almost manic need for validation - I'm sure that's not the case across the board, but I've been cornered by more than a few "believers" with this really scary gleam in their eye, only you can't run, 'cause they really do corner you.

Contrast this to the other religions out there. None of my experience with Wicca and the other Neo-Pagan religions, Buddhism, Hinduism or any of the native religions in South Africa (where I'm from) do this. In fact, if you want to find out from a source other than the "new age" section in the bookshop, you have to go looking for somebody to tell you, and even then they make you work for it.

So what's the difference? Why do the "older" religions seem to be more pluralistic and open to different paths, while the young religions seem to act like the Borg sometimes?

I realise that there are some modern sects of Hinduism and other religions that are also taking to the missionary thing, but it seems more a reaction to the efforts of Christianity and Islam than intrinsic to their religions. Just what I've observed, anyway.

jesussaves: Yeah, but if I when I start teeling people how great The Fountain was and they get that glazed look in their eyes, I realise it's maybe not their cup of tea and we talk about Die Hard 4.0 instead. I don't try to MAKE them like it, because I realise different things work for different people.

Sincere-Advisor: I lived as a carer to a disabled Muslim man for four months. Islam is every bit as expansionist as Christianity.

Answer 1

The older religions are about enlightenment and self-mastery.

They stress that need to seek out your spiritual path and that takes effort on your part. Only when you are ready, your "Master" or "spirit guide" etc. will come to you.

The newer Abrahamic religions of Islam and Christianity are structured around "numbers" and conquest. Religion was actually part of their culture of conquest.

Their focus is on EN MASSE SUBMISSION not personal journey making to find your path. Individualism is highly discouraged. You must surrender to the Diety and hence forth become part of a NEW society with strict rules and obligations.

Islam and Christianity are based on absolutism and conquest in the sense that they see the "world" as evil and only them as "saved" and fighting against everything else until their Diety comes and gives them victory over everything and everyone.

The pagan and older eastern religions do not see the world that way.

Answer 2

Well, as far as it being a commandment, it's not one of the Big Ten. I agree that it is almost a need to validate or compensate for something. Kind of like the folks that drive those really big trucks - the ones that you have to use a ladder to get into. We always joke that they are compensating for something (grin!).

While I have no problem with people believing as they want, I do have an issue with the lobbyist's that use monetary influence to make changes in our laws. I truly see a Nazi like state with the Christian Right on the throne. Kind of like the Crusades - convert or die (oops, I meant convert AND die! oops, sorry!) (Monty Python type comment for those not in the know - bad joke!)

Our forefathers were NOT all Chrisitians. Some were Pagan and that's why there is a Separation of Church and State in our country.

I think that the older religions don't feel a need for aggressive behaviour. Live and Let Live, Harm none. The fear of being called non-Christian is usually enough to keep people in line, as the ability to really mess up a person's life if they are non-Christian is a very real threat to many. Very sad, in our "Free" country we are not all free.

Answer 3

There are several reasons for this I believe. having grown up in a church, and having been in and out of different churches all of my life, I will make some observations:

1a) Recent converts are often very excited about having discovered something that is new to them, and they sometimes don't understand why other people aren't just as excited. This doesn't just happen with religion. Take anyone who has discovered a new hobby that they are passionate about.

1b) Many of the other religions that you have mentioned have no concept of sin, eternal Hell, or the wrath of an offended god. I will touch on how that affects different personality types below.

2) Some people are just naturally pushy. You can find control freaks in any religion, and even among people of no religion. It is a psychologically recognized personality type.

3) Speaking of personality types, some people are neurotic and nervous. These people stay awake at night and obsess over the fact that some people out there somewhere just might be doing something horrible to ruin either their own lives, or to ruin the world. When these people become religious, they usually become obsessed either with saving individual people from Hell, or saving the nation from the corrupting influences of sin. They are literally scared of something that they cannot put words to (Remember Mr. Fawell saying that 9/11 was caused by gays and liberals committing sin? I think that he really believed that).

4) Most of the religions that you mentioned, as you have already noted, have commandments that state that you have a duty to spread the word -- the teachings of your religion -- to other people so that they are at least informed and can make an informed decision. Some religious leaders put more emphasis on these commands than others, and this influences the members of that particular congregation.

5) Some sects believe that you have to do good works either to earn your way into Heaven, or else to confirm that you are among the chosen few. Converting people is often seen as the ultimate good work.

6) I've also noticed that people who feel like that they have to make up for some other sin (like drinking) will become more zealous in following the other commands.

7) Some people like to talk down to other people, and they aren't really trying to convert you, they are simply asserting their own moral superiority.

8) Speaking of personality types again, I noticed in law school that some people are naturally argumentative. They just have to win every argument, and prove that they are smarter than you. To be honest, I have met more atheists like this than I have met religious people like this, but people like this can be of any, all, or no religion.

Answer 4

If you had fabulous news that was going to save your life and could save the lives of evryone around you wouldn't you want to spread it? If a religion doesn't create enough passion in you what's the point? I would like to say that I am a devoted Christian. However, most of my friends, in fact all but one, are not religious at all. It is so hard to know that there is this news that I have and they won't believe it. Also, I strongly believe that if telling othe people about our religion wasn't so important God would take us up to heaven as soon as we got baptised, but then where would that leave everyone else?

Answer 5

People with a "scary gleam in their eye" and who make you feel cornered are driven by something other than Christianity. "Normal" Christians will not corner you, but will gently give you information if you ask for it... or maybe tell you what Jesus means to their life. You will not be pushed. You will be able to learn much from the life of a true Christian, by the way he/she lives her life and deals with day-to-day issues. I'm sorry that some people are hurting Christianity with their behavior. I hope it does not stop you from exploring further into the Bible (God's Word).

Answer 6

Can't speak for Muslims. but as a Christian the desire to share the Gospel comes from personal experience with the joy that comes from the love of God. Once you feel the Spirit in your life and know how much God loves you, once you see the difference between how you were in your sinful state and how much you grow through the repentence process, you have a love for others because you see them as God sees them. You want them to experience the same joy and love that you have. The thought of them remaining in darkness is just too horrifying.

Answer 7

The sheer insecurity that goes along with being a follower of such a contradictory set of teachings necessitates the members get positive reinforcement to help them maintain their faith.

Honestly, if the Christians didn't do their recruiting thing (I wonder if they get a toaster when they sign up a new recruit?) I doubt anyone would just wander in and say, "Wow. This looks cool. Can I join?"

By the way, Buddhists do recruit, sort of - it's called shakabuku - but they are not a religion, they are a practice. There are Christians that are also Buddhists. The favorite mix is the Jew who is also Buddhist, and fondly referred to as a Jew-Boo.

Answer 8

I know that there are some religions that say if you save one soul you will get a ticket to heaven or some other great reward. And maybe its because they really truly full heartedly believe what they believe to be true and want to spread the word to bring other people into "the light"

Answer 9

It is apparent from the president that those in power are not up holding the 10 commandments.

It is the actions that speak louder than words.

The Christians and Muslim have voted for and are backing this new Hitler. They are looking the other way as he kills, tortures, falsely imprisons, takes away are freedom of speech and privacy and movement.

I denounce all the so called religious because they are allowing this to happen they are not imprisoning this evil leader. Historically they are evil and using Gods name to perpetrate the evil. They are as bad as the religions crusaders and those that burned witches in bygone years. I denounce the devil and all his works. I denounce all people being accomplice to this man.

Answer 10

It is my personal belief to try to convert, but if a perso is unwilling, leave them be. You can never force someone to believe in Jesus and I don't think Jesus wants to be forced on others.

WWJDTU: I have NO problem accecpting that some people are better off without any religion. I personally am not, but I know many who are. A lot of this is due to inadquate teaching of the religion and force of belief on someone. If one is eased into a religion, without pressure and that person gives a chance to the religion, they would be much more accecpting than having bitter feelings towards that particular religion.