why convert?

homer · Kitten Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 135

Hi everyone. I am by no means an authority on any religion, but I've known and talked with people of many religions. But I've always wondered something about Christians. More so than people of other religions, Christians seem to proselytize and strive to convert those with different beliefs.

For instance, I saw this quote on the thread about atheism

Van · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 10:12 am Post subject: Why?

Homer, you said you couldn't care less about what I have chosen to believe, yet you ask me why I want others to share my belief. And when I answer, you will suddenly have another question, innocent as all get out about why I believe what I believe. Or you will seek to share what you believe. At least initially you have started on the same path as all the other atheists in cybor-space that I have met. But time will tell.

Jesus taught that in Him is eternal life, that we should follow Him and do all that He commanded. This includes sharing the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone.

homer · Kitten Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 135

van, thanks for your reply. I understand your skepticism of my motives, but I do think it is unfair to make assumptions about my intentions. I asked simply because I have a genuine curiosity about this. As I said, I'm not here to antagonize. I ask this forum because I figure that who better to ask than those who study the bible.

And truth be told, no, I don't have another question about why you believe what you believe. I think that what you believe is great for you, and more power to you.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, you said:

Van · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 12:10 pm Post subject: Second Question

Explicit, Luke 24:46-47.

homer · Kitten Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 135

Cool. Thanks.

Matdvd · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 7:08 pm Post subject:

I also think that another view that could be shown by a quote that I heard a long time ago. Forgive me if I massacre it....it's been a few decades.

It was told by someone who was probably an atheist himself, and the reason that he didn't believe in God.

He stated that the reason he didn't believe wasn't because Christians were pushing their beliefs on others, but that if the Bible was really all true, than Christians should be relentlessly pursuing ways to urge people to listen, and not be so apethetic. ..and they weren't.

Even though it isn't natural for me to speak to someone about religion at all, and frankly makes me feel uncomfortable, if I think that they are seeking some answers, then I don't want to miss the chance.

From a Christians point of view, the real sin and selfishness would be to know and experience what we have, and not tell a soul......that would be the worst sin of all.

Hope that helps a bit. Take care.

Matdvd · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 7:12 pm Post subject:

BTW, I'm not too sure I'm okay with the "Kitten" thing above my pik...

Okay, I give up, changing the pik doesn't matter....what's up??

Nobby · Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2003 8:46 pm Post subject: I Don't know

Hey Matdvd,
I thinK you look Kinda cute! Laughing

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Tiger75 · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 3:46 am Post subject: Cute little kitten!

Hey Matt

I was once a 'show poodle' but now I'm a fierce poodle! Don't worry mate you'll 'evolve' in time Laughing

(Lets hope it doesn't take several billion years though #Rofl

)
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Tiger

homer · Kitten Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 135

matdvd,
thanks for that additional perspective. Though if that is the reason why that person was an atheist, I think that may be the weakest reason ever.
I mean, that would be like saying you were a Christian only because atheists were trying to shove their beliefs down your throat.

So, I have another question then. How do you perceive those of differing beliefs (atheists, jews, muslims, etc.) if/when they try to share their beliefs with you? Do you appreciate it? Resent it?

I would guess that it would be more likely that you would get that sort of thing more from atheists than you would people of other religions, but just for the sake of conversation, I want to include everyone.
Thanks.

Phinehas · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:51 am Post subject:

Homer, because I love you.

I have had enough personal experiences that demonstrate that God is real; His Son (Son is a title, not literal) lived, died, and rose as the scriptures describe; and that the Holy Spirit works in us and through us if/when we let Him. What I and born again others on this board have is priceless and it costs us nothing to give it away to others.

Jesus says that He is the only way (vehicle, door, path) to Heaven. Many criticize Christians for this seemingly arrogant position and for "pushing" it on others. But they're missing the broader explanation.

What sets Christianity apart from every other major and minor world religion is that it is the only one in which man need not strive to earn his salvation or appease God. Only in Christianity did God Himself do the work of salvation for all.

The question most often heard from those resisting an invitation to Christ is: "Why does He (God) make it so hard?" In fact, He has made it easier than in any other religion and he wants to rescue us from those religions because they do not lead to Him.

So the point is this: This gift of salvation is FREE. It costs you nothing to accept God's gift of salvation, which is Jesus. We're talking about eternal life here with the One who created you, knows you better than you know yourself, and loves you more than any human being is capable of loving anyone.

How can we not share this inexhaustible treasure with others? How can we not yearn in our hearts to see people come to know the peace and joy that comes from being in the family of Christ?

DISCLAIMER
The "fee" for entering in to a relationship with the living God is to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is God (Lord). It is impossible to accept this free gift of salvation without believing that the one from Whom it comes is real.

Phin
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“When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates, and not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel. My heart is with Israel's princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD!” Judges 5:8-9

Nobby · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:55 am Post subject: Welcomw Abord

Hi homer,
Sorry I'm so long doing this! But I want to WELCOME YOU to our board.
I thing you will find some some good friends here! I like this Board dnd I think you will to!
Catch you later,
Nobby

Phinehas · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:56 am Post subject:

Nobby · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 11:10 am Post subject: Thanks Phine

Thanks Phine, Vety well said!
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homer · Kitten Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 135

thanks phinehas, nobby for the responses and the welcome. I'm looking forward to enjoying future discussions with you all. Of course, we may not end up agreeing on everything, giving the differing beliefs and all, but as phinehas expressed, I enjoy the opportunity of listening to, and learning of others' beliefs.

I think where my original question came from is that I have no desire whatsoever to persuade anyone that my beliefs are more correct than theirs. So, I have not really understood why Christians are so zealous in their efforts to 'spread the word'. Thanks to your responses, I understand that it is something that is explicitly encouraged in the bible, and is an integral part of being a Christian.

So, thanks for the insight. 8)