Convert them to what you think is right? An atheist who doesn't attack anyone's faith, for example - should Christians (or other religious people) try to convert them?
AND A religious person of any faith, who does not attack atheists -should they be
Why, why not?
I know many people DO try to push beliefs on others. But this question is regarding people who don't.
2007-10-23 18:49:00 · 23 answers · asked by Moonlit Hemlock 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Adara: You think all NonChristians are immoral?
2007-10-23 19:05:03 · update #1
I was never the type to convert anybody. I just try to live my life right and when people ask why, I just tell them. I don't tell them to convert or not because conversion has always been a personal decision. I'm not the kinda guy who tells people how to live their life all the time.
When people try to convert me or 'break me free' from my 'delusion' I tell them I have my personal reasons for saying no and they need to respect that.
The problem comes when they don't, and that's when they're asking for a fight.
2007-10-23 18:56:37 · answer #1 · answered by Otaku in Need 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
According to the Christian Bible, Christians are called upon to "witness". So yes, they have an "excuse" to try and convert people. Now, not all Christians go out of their way to do this. I personally am more the silent type. I believe what I believe and that is that. If people want to ask questions, I will answer them. But I do not try to force anything on anyone, because I think that does little to draw people to God. If anything, it pushes them away. Plus, I respect other people's religions, as long as they are being respectful to me.
I have no idea why atheists try to push off atheism though. Logically, what's their rationale?
I can't speak for Wiccans, Buddhists, etc.
2007-10-23 19:00:15 · answer #2 · answered by reginachick22 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
each person's spiritual journey should be a personal experience between them and God. they should always be openminded and willing to learn and expirence new thoughts and ideas. No person should have the right or ability to push their ideals onto another person.
Do not confuse spirituality and religon. there are major differences. Spirtiuality is your relationship with your God. Religon is man made and is a series of rituals done repeatedly usually in groups.
Religon being man made is inherently flawwed as human egos and the political struggles associated with mass congergations leads to corruption from abuse of power.
as for people pushing off their beliefs Christians pretty much have that market cornered. when was the last time you saw wiccans or pagans handing out pamplets in front of the local baptist church on sunday morning???
most of those earth based religons i have expienced have allowed people to follow their own path and come to the religous gathering when the person has decided on their own they are ready. it is more of a persoanl journey to me.
personally i am a Deist, (like most of the american forefathers) belive in God as the creator. that there is a rational scientific explanation for the acts of nature and not the 'miracles' of the stories in the religons of the world. I do not condem any one with Christian beliefs you are entitled to it. i just have issues when people try to use their beliefs as a basis for public law
2007-10-23 19:01:05 · answer #3 · answered by froggy_logic 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, I don't think I should just walk up to someone and start battering them with my views...but if someone asks me a question that has something to do with my views, I'll answer it honestly. If they ask me why I believe what I do, I'll tell them. If they want me to explain something, I'm happy to do so.
I don't set out to "convert" people, but I'm also not scared to be honest about what I think. My beliefs are an integral part of who I am, and I'm not going to tiptoe around them for fear of being politically incorrect, you know? IMO, honesty and pushing are two different things.
As a Christian, I believe that everyone is free to believe what they choose...God gave us each free will. If you choose not to believe what I do, that's your choice. But will I hesitate to say what I think on the chance that you won't agree with me? Nope :-)
JMHO :-)
2007-10-23 19:03:57 · answer #4 · answered by hsmomlovinit 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In defense of the crazy Christians and Muslims and whatever, they are only proselytizing because it's what their freaky, fright-filled holy book tells them to do. They think they're pleasing their god.
Personally, I think they can *try* and convert me all they want. I'm open-minded; I'm a fan of logic and reason and critical thinking; right now I'm agnostic but if a better idea comes along (hard to imagine that happening), I'll be all ears.
What they canNOT do is try to force their beliefs and morals on everyone by trying to get the government to enact laws based on their silly holy books. Gay marriage ban, etc. Despite their rantings to the contrary, this country was founded with the idea of religious freedom and tolerance.
2007-10-23 19:01:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
that's much like Buddhists some of which are atheistic.
Myself I speak my veiw sometimes but don't push it as I see the merits of comforting teachings that carry morality as well '
however still make a point of respect towards atheists as some need .I wouldn't tell my children to cross the street with out looking for their faith in a god.
peace
2007-10-23 18:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd hope to be given the opportunity to share my beliefs with them. I'd try my best to not expect them to change, but I'd hope that they'd give what I said a thought before tossing it out the window. I can't convert anyone, conversion isn't a dunking or a sprinkling or anything else. Conversion happens in the heart. I'd hope that they'd allow me to tell them about my religion, and if they didn't believe, I'd be a bit disappointed and then hope that one day they come to accept the truth of the good news and be converted.
2007-10-23 18:56:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't believe in trying to convert anyone and if no one attacks my belief, I certainly will not attack them or what they believe in and same should apply to the non Christians, I think they go out of their way to cause friction with Christians and constantly demand that we prove this or that, who do they think they are? nobody has to prove anything to them.
2007-10-23 19:13:00 · answer #8 · answered by onyx1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe in trying to convert anyone. Not even those loud pushy ones (I just leave them alone and let them rant). Religion/spirituality is personal. Why should I stick my nose in someone else's business?
2007-10-23 20:10:42 · answer #9 · answered by Little Girl Blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only opinion i can give on religion and spirituality is what has worked for me...
It is not my purpose nor my job to be judgemental, or to try and convert anyone to any thing....other then seeking out and respecting whatever path that they choose to take...
I myself love to learn about all beliefs ans spiritual views....that does not mean any are more or less valid then mine, but i do like to look for the similarities in all...
can we all not just live and let live?
2007-10-23 18:58:53 · answer #10 · answered by trinity 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋