Why Do Christians Insist on trying to "save" Atheists?!?

Question

Why Do Christians Insist on trying to "save" Atheists?
Is there a true reason other than that they want to score points with "the man upstairs" or do they just feel it's there duty to make people conform to their believes because of a lack of individuality. Can they not accept that people have their own views on religion that they deeply thought through in maturity rather than them most likely having their decision chose for them in infancy? May Iremind the Christians reading this that they are not the only religion that believes all others are lies and that the believers in them are going to Hell. So what makes yours any more correct than Islam or any other?
Both Atheist and Christians I would like to hear your opinions. Also I would like to hear how Jews and Muslims feel about Christians. After you make your comment please tell whether you are an atheist, christian, muslim etc.
Thank You and I look forward to your WELL THOUGH ANSWERS. No answers like "says so in bible" etc.

Answer 1

Well, as an atheist, I am also very interested in "saving" people. I feed those who need it, provide food and shelter for those who are without, and donate my money to worthy organizations that provide medicine and research for those suffering from AIDS and cancer.

However, at no time while trying to "save" these people do i tell them that they must follow the same path I have chosen or believe as I do.

I guess that's the difference.

Answer 2

Jews and islams seem like to a nice people to dislike christians, They'd be like:
"Those silly atheists and christians, always bickering"

but I could be wrong.

Any way the well thought out part. I believe in God and I don't force my beliefes on others, obviouly I do not speak for all christians. I believe God forgives those and lets people come to him in anyway they believe right. I think the "bringing more to the fold" idea, stems back to "the good old days" in europe, where the church weilded a lot of power and politcal influnce (how things change 'ey) where the more they had the more money they could get, the more power they could get. It is also about saving them before death, accepting God.

I guess you just have to accept, like with atheists, like with muslims, like with anything; there are people who think they are saving you, there are people who just want to help you, and there are some people like me, who just agree to disagree.

I'll say this cause I think you might find it amusing: Prehaps they are subconsiously angree they are so repressed and you are not, but you both are good people?

I read an article in New Scientist, morales evolved from religon, non religoius people can have morales, but they come from religon originally. Whether you like it or not, you owe a lot to religion.



My spell checker isn't working and I'm a poor typest, sorry.

Answer 3

It is not any Christian's responsibility to "save" anybody.
All we are supposed to do is to let folks know what we believe and why. Any "saving" is actually up to God to do.
As for me, once it has been made plain to me that a certain individual has already heard what I believe and is not interested, I see no point in pushing the matter.
If I am asked directly about my faith, I will answer to the best of my ability, as honestly as I can.

The only thing I insist on is MY right to believe as I see fit...
And that includes my freedom of speech...if I think a thing is wrong, like abortion for instance, I insist on my freedom to say so.
My freedom to practice my religion...if I feel like praying wherever I happen to be, I insist on my freedom to do so.
My freedom to vote my conscience...if I feel like voting for or against something based on my Christian principles, I insist on my right to do so.

I insist that everyone in this country, Christian or not, enjoy these same rights...but some people seem to think that, because I am a Christian, I should be "seen and not heard".

Sorry...
Not gonna happen.

EDIT:
Some of us take after our Father...we are not willing that anyone should perish.

Answer 4

ok first of all, you are being way to general. It's not that ALL CHRISTIANS try to "save" Atheists. Some people, Christian or not, may try to convert them, but thats up to their own individual beliefs and opinions. Second of all, it is an essential Christian belief that anti-semitism is wrong, so I highly doubt that most Christians believe they are above all other religions. And you are absolutely right that the Christian religion is not more correct than any other. Only arrogant and ignorant people think and say that.
I am Catholic.
By the way, all you people who are taking stabs at Christians, why don't you educate yourself first and then come back and try to answer this question.

Answer 5

I think we Atheists have to be very careful on this issue.
I my self don't care if one of my Christian (or any other religion) friends wants to try and convert me. I don't get stressed by it. I am calm, and usually point out that while i believe that the Bible (in fact most religious books) have a good message, for how one should live his or her life, i just cant get over the "not believing in God" issue. I just don't believe.
I tend to get more upset with Atheist's who try to disprove the various faiths to people. Why would you want to do that. Those endowed with faith are happy as a rule. I have do desire to show them my personal bleak view.
For any Christians out there reading this, i would say only preach to an Atheist if your faith is rock strong. Because, if one of us succeeds in making you lose your faith, you will lose a lot more than we would by turning to Christ. That is not a threat, nor is it meant in nasty manor. I had had a long conversation with a friend who subsequently lost his faith. It was strange how his confidence suffered after. I personally never want to be responsible for that ever again.

Answer 6

Is this for a poll?

That said (or asked), I believe that Christians (as well as some people from other religions, particularly religions that derive from Judaism) are determined to convert people because -it is an inherent part of the religion-. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have that tenet that believers of other religions (or even of other sects) are going to hell. Therefore, they must attempt to convert people or potentially be responsible for that person's fate.

As to the origins, this was quite possibly begun long ago as a socio-political manipulation by a ruler or rulers, though that is just speculation on my part.

Lack of individuality and hopes for heaven likely play a part n some cases, but mostly it is the former reason.

I, in case you couldn't tell, am an atheist. Well, technically I'm an agnostic, but I'm so close to atheist I might as well call myself one.

Answer 7

Q: Why Do Christians Insist on trying to "save" Atheists?
I
t's not only atheists and people do not do the "saving." Some people believe in approaching people--others (like me) try to show my faith through how I live, and I try to inspire others (doesn't always work of course, because I'm human!).

Q:: Is there a true reason other than that they want to score points with "the man upstairs" or do they just feel it's there duty to make people conform to their believes because of a lack of individuality.

I'm not sure if we "score points" but that's not why most Christians proselytize. We are genuinely hoping that *you* will come to know something that we find very wonderful. I admit that hammering on people only makes them cranky and makes them harden their heart; that's why I don't do it. I don't feel conforming at all-that's a myth perpetrated by people who don't understand what faith really is. You see it as prison, I see it as freedom to be what I wish to be.

Q: Can they not accept that people have their own views on religion that they deeply thought through in maturity rather than them most likely having their decision chose for them in infancy?

Many people at my church did not grow up in a religion. Also many of us (myself included) spent time away from my faith and returned. I would speculate that not all "non-believers" have deeply thought through their "decision," but rather are rebelling against something they perceive that is not always accurate.

May Iremind the Christians reading this that they are not the only religion that believes all others are lies and that the believers in them are going to Hell. So what makes yours any more correct than Islam or any other?

Well, I don't focus on hell and in the three years at my church, I don't believe I've ever heard the word. We focus on our individual relationship with the Lord, and let Him work in other people (not all but most feel this way). There's no answer to the second part that would make sense to you so I won't address it.

Both Atheist and Christians I would like to hear your opinions. Also I would like to hear how Jews and Muslims feel about Christians. After you make your comment please tell whether you are an atheist, christian, muslim etc.

You forgot agnostics. They comprise one group that I believe does struggle and think deeply with belief or non-belief.

Answer 8

I don't insist on redefining anything. Perhaps you're generalizing a bit there? Sorry, but just because some people define atheism differently than you do doesn't mean they're necessarily trying to insult you. Maybe they just don't get it and would benefit from an explanation of your own definition rather than a second wrong that won't make a right.

Answer 9

For one Jesus teaches us to spead the word around. So we are suppose to try to help people "see the light"

No Christian should try to make you conform simply because our way is right and there is no other. That's not a true christian.

We should realize that people have their own views and are intitled to them. As a Christian it is our job to spread knowlege and such and then let people come to Christ on there own. As a Christian you should be there to answer questions and be a guide through christianity not a Bible Thumper. God works in his own time and in his own way and Christians should remember that instead of trying to "play God" themselves.

It's Christians like the ones you have been exposed to that give us all a bad name. When it comes down to it Jesus taught "Do unto others" that's the most important thing. Also we are taught that Jesus died for our sins. So that gives us hope. No matter how bad we mess up if we are truely sorry and learn from our mistakes we can change.

Answer 10

I'm a christian, but not in the conventional bible worshipping sense. I take much of what's in the bible with a grain of salt. It's mostly parables that have to be thought through deeply. I don't believe muslims or jews are going to hell, it's just another path towards God, I believe my path is more direct though.

Anyway, people feel the need to convert because they believe that they need to bring everyone back to God. If they don't try it's like they don't care. they believe they're right and they don't want others doing something they believe is wrong and will only get them into trouble.

Answer 11

I find it a somewhat difficult concept, as well.

A few days ago, some kid sent me a message. Probably thirteen or fourteen. He said "You're an atheist aren't you," and I responded saying that, yes, I am an atheist. He attempted to convert me, but quite frankly, he wasn't very good at it.

He kept getting his facts wrong. He was stumped several times. In a few instances, he forgot the point he was trying to make.

Finally, I asked him why, and he sent me this:

"becuase jesus can save yuo, but you have to acept him or he wont save you. And your pretty, and so i dont want you to go to hell and jesus realy is good. You dont desevre to go to hell becasue you shuold go too hevan. i just want people to no jesus and god."

I think that, in their hearts, they really are trying to save us. In some cases, it may be about scoring points, or about conforming to a "duty" they've been sent to accomplish.

I know that giving you an example of what a child thought, may not be the best example. BUT, I think it shows the innocence. The motive behind it.

I can understand why they do it. And I don't get angry, usually. --Quite the contrary, in most cases, actually. I like to discuss religion, and I'm open to talking about it. As long as someone doesn't attempt to force me to believe it, or claim to believe it, it's okay.