In addition to the first question please consider this:
If other religious believers and nonbelievers of God were to tell you they have made their choice, would you "continue to warn them of the consequences of not accepting" and by not embracing Christianity as the only way to mankind's saving grace?
The reason I ask is that on a daily basis ( not just here in R&S) I see and hear Christians trying to convince those who are clearly "not interested" and tell them they will burn in Hell for all eternity if they do not turn to Christ and accept his invitation.
Btw I am a Christian.
2007-12-02 02:47:45 · 31 answers · asked by Marina 1 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you Jason. I had not meant to cause a friction by asking my 2 questions.
As far as the "hell thing" I don't support such a literal concept.
2007-12-02 03:27:52 · update #1
Obligation is also a command and a privilege to all Christians to speak of Christ, wouldn't you agree according to scripture. I don't "shove it down someone's throat" but will speak of my faith if asked. Yes, the bible or parts of are available to all and I do make it known to all I am in contact with that I am a Christian and then "leave the door open" for further discussion if asked about my beliefs.
2007-12-02 03:40:44 · update #2
Obligation? Only because I am "compelled" to do so in appreciation for the Gift of Salvation that I have been given. It is by virtue of that that I wish to share that joy with others who do not know it.
If they reject it, I would tell them that I'm truly sorry for them, and that I will pray for them. I wouldn't give them the "burn in hell" line, on the basis of the old saying, "you attract more flies with HONEY than with VINEGAR." I'd rather keep things POSITIVE than allow any negatives to creep in.
Have a blessed day.
2007-12-02 12:55:06 · answer #1 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The bible says we need to share his word , so yes it would be our obligation . Some of these people are mistaken in their approach and whether it's because they are delusional or if they don't like being turned down or made fun of , ( whatever reasons are out there . ) Then they start bringing out the fire and brimstone talk in hopes of stopping them . ( which 99 % of the time doesn't work . ) A reason they do this is that bible also says don't hide behind your words , In the spirit of full disclosure , they have to take the bad with the good . Christianity is not a Business ( although some would disagree on that . ) Most Christians are raised that way and believe they should tell all what they know . I was raised in fire and brimstone too , Thankfully I got passed it . The approach is all wrong . That hell and fury should be reserved for when they ask a question to the person who is trying to convert . They should show love , instead they show anger .
You can not continue to warn people , If they don't want to hear it , then you need to stop .Move on to the next . I'll agree there are so whacos out there who preach in Jesus' name , they give a bad name , You have to over look that . I never once though all Muzlims wanted us dead , Only Zealots like Bin Laden .
2007-12-02 03:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by Suicide642 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically yes.
Forcing them is NOT allowed. (So middle Age crusades were not Christian-like)
Doesn't really matter if the person wants to hear the truth or not they still have to hear it or God won't come.
The consequences of not accepting Christ is Second Death(1st death is what can be done by humans or nature) which is like "hell." (Hell was a very bad "God-forsaken" village back then, bad enough so that people would compare it to how it will be if you don't accept Christ.)
Christians are not responsible/obligated and allowed to say someone will burn in hell. They can say the bible says if you (example) commit fornication you will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But never can a Christian come to a conclusion "judge" a person's fate. (Example) "Your going to hell."
That's what confuses people. Judging is to come to descision about what will be done as a consequence to your actions. Christians are more like a jury deciding according to the law that what you are doing is wrong (which most times is self explanatory) it is up to God to say where your going. If a Christian says your going somewhere you are then judging that person which is a sin and you will then be judged yourself by God.
2007-12-02 03:08:00 · answer #3 · answered by **** 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saying that "some Christians" are not "transformed by contact" with Jesus involves making a judgment that you ( or I or anybody else) are not qualified to make. Mat 7:1. Jesus says very clearly not to judge the hearts of other people. The change that is there might be inner, and that inner change might manifest in ways that are too subtle for you to see, or it might manifest at times where you are not there to see. It's clear to me that you are a fundamentalist. Phrases like "conformed to the world," and "why isn't there change," imply that you don't know the difference between the power of the Holy Spirit and on your or your church's opinion on what that power should look like. I notice that many fundamentalists can't tell the difference between the two.
2016-05-27 05:55:25 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally do not. If asked I will tell you. If you make your choice it is yours and you know where to find me if you change your mind.
I have no problem with warning anyone that they are in eminent peril it is my duty as a Human being. If I saw you about to get into a car that had no brakes and warned you you would not feel the same as if I warned you that you were imperiling your immortal soul. The reason you don't is because the voice of Satan is in your ear and he assures you that YOUR intelligence is greater than the word of God.
You can claim to be anything you want but whether you are a Christian or not only Christ will say when you stand before him.
I myself am a sinner and a failure in emulating Christ, all I can do is plead mercy.
2007-12-02 02:59:33 · answer #5 · answered by Locutus1of1 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In reality, as a Christian, I feel no obligation to spread the word of God.
I do feel obligated though to be humble, kind, friendly and to Live the word of God... which to me, means accepting and loving people for who they are...
I do not agree with an attitude of moral superiority which I witnessed over and over again in the Catholic Church, which is why I do not practice, or committ my children to the Catholic church.
But I still can't help but believe in Christ and something greater than us (....pa-lease let there be something greater than us!!!!!)
Anyhow, there must be A LOT of militant, ruthless, violent, bomb-strapping Christians out there... because there sure seems to be a whole lot of aggression towards them here...
seriously, I don't think it's Christians that the world needs to fear...
2007-12-02 03:09:06 · answer #6 · answered by blujello 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not obligation, privilege. Besides, Scripture is very clear that we are not to hide His light, but be willing to be used when the opportunities arise. I don't make the opportunities, God does and I have been evangelizing for many years now that I know the Holy Spirits probing me when to speak and when to refrain. I do not focus on "hell" when talking to non-believer's. It's an important topic, but I feel that being seperated from the Lord and all that is good for eternity is far worse than hell fire itself. And no, I don't aim to "convince" I strive to plant a seed in their heart or water one left by another Christian, then I trust God to do what He does best.......bring Salvation.
2007-12-02 02:59:36 · answer #7 · answered by HeVn Bd 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's hard to keep it too yourself. What Jesus can do with your life is amazing. Think of it this way if you knew of a guy on a street corner that was giving away 100 million dollars to anyone that will talk to him. Wouldn't you want to tell everyone you knew about this guy. Granted that isn't the most accurage analogy but it's kinda the same thing. It's a blessing that I would love everyone to have thats why when givent the chance I will talk about Jesus to non-christians. However, I don't go knocking on doors or talking to complete strangers and when I can tell they are getting annoyed I stop. If they wont except the 100 million dollars who I am to keep bugging them about it.......... its their choice!
2007-12-02 03:27:28 · answer #8 · answered by averagegolfer3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would think that in a society where that is not the norm(as it IS the norm here in the US), persons being approached by strangers who eventually tell them they are going to spend an eternity in eternal torment, would become pretty defensive.
Furthermore, it would seem rude to say the least when someone willingly pursues such an endeavor as to try to "sell" Christ, arguably, its not too much different than any other solicitation.
Many would argue that it is much different than any other solicitation and that "salvation is free" when in all reality it isn't. Spending a few dollars to buy something or even spending alot, still does not measure up to a lifelong, life-transforming commitment. :P
2007-12-02 02:52:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus said that believers should go INTO ALL THE WORLD and preach the gospel (good news) to everyone Yes, it is an obligation and a privilege to teach the lost about salvation thought Christ Jesus and through Him alone.
2007-12-02 02:54:26 · answer #10 · answered by journey 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋