I have seen many posts on here from Christians lamenting over the fact that someone dear to them doesn't believe. They speak of constantly praying over the matter and talking, talking, talking to the person so they might not burn in hell. My question is what if your non-believing friends/family members pursued you in the same way to get you to believe their way? Are not their feelings just as strong as yours are? In their minds don't they have just as much conviction for their beliefs that you do for yours? I think more people should put themselves in that position before they embark on conversion quests. What say you?
2007-10-26 06:56:50 · 10 answers · asked by Elphaba 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
rkirby13 - EVERYONE believes that their belief is the truth! Name a spiritual/religious denomination that doesn't claim to the the truth. That is no arguement at all.
2007-10-26 07:07:02 · update #1
I notice people getting hung up on the word "truth". You believe that Christianity is the truth because the bible says it is. Don't you think people of other beliefs have doctrine that says theirs is truth? I am asking you to put yourself in someone else's shoes and maybe you would understand why some get upset if you don't stop trying to get them to believe as you do. This is more of an empathy exercise, some of you are failing!
2007-10-26 07:20:17 · update #2
Thanks Cool Dad! You get it!
2007-10-26 07:21:31 · update #3
I think it's very important to see things from other's views - one of my reasons for getting on Answers every now and then!! But I disagree that we should pray and talk, talk, talk so they don't burn in hell. I think we should spend our time teaching people who WANT to learn. I think we waste alot of our time with people who don't care. I do believe we should pray and discuss when possible (meaning there is an open door) and I would hope the person I'm talking to would do the same to me about their beliefs (a great dialog about faith is better than no dialog!). But even Jesus told his disciples to leave and shake the dust off their feet if the people didn't listen. So I do the same today! I can't make somebody believe- no matter how much I talk) - they will do it f they desire... Be blessed!
2007-10-26 07:17:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cool Dad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are saying that we shouldn't pray or that we shouldn't talk? For talking, I agree that wisdom needs to be used. My 'tack' is that I will be open about what has happened in MY life, and that does include miracles, healings, etc. I will not hide that stuff. And I won't stop myself from talking like I would talk to a believer --- if a scripture comes to mind or whatnot, I will say it. There's no reason to hide and pretend to be someone I'm not. Part of being a Christian is being transparent, and I try very hard to talk with non-Christians the same way I talk with Christians. That way, I feel that my life truly is my witness. If they have further questions, great. If they never want to talk about it, fine. I won't push the issue unless I feel strongly led by the Holy Spirit to do so (and that has only happened once).
As far as praying, here's the thing. It all hinges on whether or not Christianity is the TRUTH. If it is not the truth, doesn't matter, you're not praying to the right god anyway, if there is a god in the first place.
If it is the truth, what better could you do for a person than to pray that they would be led into that which would set them free? It doesn't matter if 99% of the world has beliefs "just as strong as mine" that ocean water is good for you to drink. It's still a lie and it will still kill you. Who cares if their beliefs are strong, if it is A LIE and will KILL THEM? The important thing is that you believe the TRUTH, not that you believe SOMETHING strongly, you know? So by pleading with the almighty God to lead them into 'His marvelous light' how am I harming the person in any way if Christ is Truth? I don't know what I could do that would be *better* for the person!
2007-10-26 07:11:34 · answer #2 · answered by KL 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all I say, Ohio State better bet Penn State
Second, I say Big Ten Network is a bad idea. BTN, you still owe me my missed games. I want them back.
Ok, as for your question. I can see were you are coming from. However, you would have to write a law and then proclaim it and have authority over Jesus, to get people to practice your way.
2007-10-26 07:05:54 · answer #3 · answered by Yahoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith comes by hearing - what if no one talked to the hard-hearted?
There is only one truth, and for what we have been given we need to give it to others - in reasonable and loving ways.
2007-10-26 07:03:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hmmm...my dad spent the first 25 years of my life telling me there was no God so I will take the next 25 years of his trying to convince him there IS and that He doesnt want my dad to go to hell.
Sounds fair to me.
2007-10-26 07:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're right if someone really doesn't want to hear about Jesus or be prayed for we should move on to someone who is interested. God bless you.
2007-10-26 07:06:01 · answer #6 · answered by sisterzeal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the sad thing is that if the Christians are right they get to stare down on me for eternity and say i told you so, if I'm right i get nothing except dead
2007-10-26 07:06:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. I will say it once and not pressure. Pressure pushed me away. God is the one who draws people to him.
2007-10-26 07:05:43 · answer #8 · answered by christian_me 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I say you be 100% correct.
2007-10-26 07:00:46 · answer #9 · answered by moddy almondy 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
while you are making comparison tell me what other believe can lead me to salvation ?
the answer is "Nothing" or "No one" but Christ alone.
2007-10-26 07:08:09 · answer #10 · answered by Tx Guy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋