Why do Christians rely on conversion.

[UnityNow101]

I don't like missionaries because they are far too smug in their beliefs for my liking. I have a very hard time believing anything that they say when many of them are not even willing to question their own beliefs, yet would like me to give mine up. That is insanity.

[Caladan]

I find the whole idea of having the need for someone else to believe as we do amazingly destructive.
as far as I can see it is clouded with ignorance of the fact that the world is simply filled with many people who will always think and believe differently or lack of means to cope with that simple fact.
the idea that everyone should have similar set of beliefs is simply dystopian.

naturally I don't buy the argument that missionary activity is also about bringing happiness or an important message to a person. if you want to make a person in need happy, give him substantial material that will aid his family or his condition, don't promise him salvation or eternal bliss, to me that is simply psychological abuse.

Im more than willing to discuss with people about any religion while respecting their faith, I have always been interested in reading material of religions and learn about them, but the moment someone tries to tell me that I should believe as they do or why what they believe is exclusively right, is the moment I am offended, it is as if anything I might have said meant nothing, and as if the person in front of me has no respect for me as an individual and a human being, capable of reaching my own POV. I was simply a target the whole time.
to me it simply shows a lack of maturity. Im in the firm belief that if people were mature in their own faith, there was no need to try and influence the thought and beliefs of other people. it would be more simple to accept people as they are, with all their different beliefs. it would give way to a productive inter-religious dialogue, where no one would need to claim exclusive ownership over truth or rather ownership over God, that if exists, is elder to all human religions.

Now, as someone who has never been to the US and have not seen how missionary activity inside the US works, it might turn out to be pretty harmless in the bigger picture, Im sure many people see it as a source of entertainment.
one thing I know, is that when religious people here ask me to do religious gestures I politely say 'no thanks', some other times I pretend they are made out of air, one thing for sure it doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

[Charity]

Originally Posted by darkendless

Shouldn't those people decide what is better for them rather than Christianity? I'm of the firm belief that if people need help they will come to church, there is no need to spread the word.

You have to try something before you know if it works or not.....If they aren't told about something how do they know if they need it or not? Some people don't go anywhere without being invited, there is a difference in extending an invitation and strong arming someone.....

[Draka]

I often will let missionaries into my home to talk (not JWs though...I have reasons for that) upon one condition. I'm usually asked if I have some time to hear a bit about their church or beliefs and such. I will respond with "sure, if you have time to hear about mine". If they are unreceptive about hearing the beliefs of mine then why should I listen to theirs? I have no problem with a discussion, a sharing of ideas, but if they are looking for anything more than that they will not get it here. They may learn something, but they will not get a convert. I guess it depends on what is more important to them. So far, the only ones that willing take me up on the offer have been Mormons. Not only have they seemed generally interested and cordial, the same ones have actually come back bringing new missionaries to speak to me as well to "learn something". I guess that may be why I have more respect for Mormon missionaries than those from other faiths.

[roli]

Originally Posted by darkendless

How do you justify mass and often violent conversions? Is it something like "see the holy spirit or my sword is going through your lungs"? Or was Christianity just desperate for some more sheep during the mass conversions of Scandanavia?

Maybe such acts were not from God,is that possible

Some people in history have done atrocious acts in the name of Christ and religion, not neccesarily associated to God.

[Draka]

Originally Posted by roli

Maybe such acts were not from God,is that possible

Some people in history have done atrocious acts in the name of Christ and religion, not neccesarily associated to God.

However atrocious acts commited by god are just fine and dandy. Wouldn't be difficult to see why some would think he would approve of such behavior.

[zenzero]

Friend healthier,

Why do Christians rely on conversion.
Often this is a very big debate in this side of the World. Almost all the Christian missions here are having only one main goal that is conversion. If there is any agitations or some form of "Big brother" attitude is shown against conversions, they step into the streets to cry for and even sent the matter to Pope for prayers.
Why they behave like this in conversions.

Whatever maybe there reason. It should be seen this way. God is one and if by converting my life becomes better by way of education, earning a livelihood by being a member of some community who are better etc.etc. then why not.
On the other hand Christians are missionaries and mostly by way of providing some services and enriching lives of communities which appeals to common people; besides they have the money or ability to raise money by their sheer energy to do good for humanity.
Love & rgds

[UnityNow101]

Originally Posted by roli

Maybe such acts were not from God,is that possible

Some people in history have done atrocious acts in the name of Christ and religion, not neccesarily associated to God.

Maybe no act is from "god". Is that plausible? Many things have been done in the name of "god", while there is no way of knowing whether they were sanctioned by him or not. I tend to side with the idea that no act is ordained by a higher power.

[darkendless]

Originally Posted by roli

Maybe such acts were not from God,is that possible

Some people in history have done atrocious acts in the name of Christ and religion, not neccesarily associated to God.

So conversions are only in the name of God when the outcome is favourable and does not reflect poorly upon the church and its people? Who are you to decide who was for God and who wasn't?