Why do Christians rely on conversion.

[Charity]

I don't like using the word conversion either, let's use the simple word "share". If I see a cake and I take a portion of it, and find that it is the best cake I ever ate, then should I remain selfish and keep it to myself? The answer is simply, no, I need to share it with others. I want others to enjoy the sweetness and joy that I have experienced from the cake. If you don't want to try it and tell me you are on a diet or that you don't like cake that is fine, I just have some left to share with someone else who might happen to like cake......I know this is a strange analogy but it is the same principle.
I really am sorry if anyone gets offended at our attempt to talk with you about what we believe to be something so good. I know a lot of people do appear to get carried away with missionary visions of grandeur. I do not like people who when told by someone that they are not interested, they just keep on relentlessly with needless conversation. In my opinion it isn't scriptural to keep badgering or pushing your belief on someone who doesn't want it.
I sincerely am sorry for those of you who have been turned off by some of the people who tend to be annoying. I only hope that there can be polite conversation and respect for opposing views........Maybe we can try being more considerate of each other.

[darkendless]

Originally Posted by tomspug

You are still having the problem of STARTING from the base assumption that people convert out of desperation and that people who attempt to convert others do so for selfish reasons. Both of the assumptions are simply wrong.

Let's not focus on the term 'conversion', since the word seems to have negative connotations for you. Look at it from the perspective of a Christian who is doing the 'converting'. It is, to him, like giving water to a thirsty person. If a person is not thirsty, they will reject it. In the same way, if someone shares Christ, and that person rejects Christ, what more can the Christian do? And in what way was sharing Christ imposing or harmful?

The truth is that what you see as "conversion" is nothing more than someone sharing their life experiences with others, which is completely harmless. Now, when it becomes imposing is when the (stupid) Christian somehow EXPECTS that after sharing Christ, some fantastic "conversion" should occur.

Here is another problem with your use of the word "conversion". You say "conversion", but what you really mean is "Holy War", which is the use of force for the promotion of religion. Obviously, this is in no way related to the "conversion" form described above, which is simply harmless. There is no correlation between the two actions with the exception of the religion attached to them.

Evangelism is, and always will be, completely harmless. Surely you see that?

The first known attempts to Christianize Sweden were made by Ansgar in 830, invited by the Swedish king Björn at Haugi. Setting up a church at Birka he met with little Swedish interest. A century later Unni, archbishop of Hamburg, made another unsuccessful attempt. In the 10th century English missionaries made inroads in Västergötland.

Given that, its like continually offering someone water when they've said no. That often happens these days, Missionaries come to my house every 2-3 weeks to try and "save" me. Although pointless i also think its a little imposing as well. Wouldn't you learn after the first 2 or 3 attempts?
I agree that it is harmless but only conditionally, submission requires giving up old tradition in order to take in Christian idealogy. That could be considered harmful could it not?

[gnomon]

Originally Posted by healthier

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.

Where is here.

Yes, repeated so hopefully healthier can provide some actual context to avoid all this quibbling nonsense in between.

[roli]

Originally Posted by darkendless

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?

We can argue this 'til Jesus returns, which could be before I finish this ..........


No I'm still here, but the fact is that either way,salvation is an act of God preceded by man's volition.God forces himself on known. If I force you to confess your sins and believe in Christ and his sacrifice on the cross for atonment of your sins, that quite possibly could be futile.

There are so many who have been born into religious enviroments, through their upbringing be it,traditions,particular practices etc and go further to claim they are going to heaven becasue they are good and have their association with such stricked upbringings.

I think their are many who misunderstand what true spiritual conversion is, brought on by the Holy Ghost according to Jesus Christ and his abundant words in the gospels. But who actually cares and or believes his words as final.

His spirit witnesses to our spirit we are sons of God.
Born not of the flesh nor of blood nor of the will of man ,but of God