On being a Christian: Do you have to convert non-Christians?

1. 70

   Mikioposted 11 years ago

   Hello, Christians out there.  Do you feel it is your obligation to spread your religions to non Christians? Do you experience a conflict within you when someone talks about religious tolerance?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      a49eracctposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As Christians it our job to tell people about Jesus. We do not necessarily need to convert them. If that's what my testimony does for someone that's great! But it's not right for me to pester someone about becoming a Christian or begging them to come to church.

      replyreport
      1. 70

         Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you.  Well said.

         replyreport
   2. 58

      A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Whether one feels it's an obligation or not, it is very disrespectful to those who didn't ask to hear about the religion. It would then show that by spreading the religion, one is only serving their own interests, which means that would be an act of selfishness.
      
      Yes, there will be conflict, and in order to avoid the conflict, don't spread the religion.

      replyreport
2. 85

   Ms Deeposted 11 years ago

   As a Christian, I don't see my faith as a religion, but a way to a loving relationship with God. If someone wants to know what gives me joy and hope then I will gladly share with them about my relationship with God the Creator and how anyone can have such a relationship. I don't have a perspective of wanting to spread a religion. However, if someone or a group of people does not have access to the information of how they can have a friendship relationship with God, I will gladly work to make it available for those who are interested. As for an inner conflict concerning religious tolerance, I resolve it by seeing it as acceptance of all people, regardless of their religious beliefs. I don't have to accept their religion for myself to accept and respect them as people and fellow humans.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Beautifully said.  Thank you.  Do you ever get into an argument with the militant Christian Fundamentalist groups over this issue?

      replyreport
      1. 85

         Ms Deeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         You asked, "Do you ever get into an argument with the militant Christian Fundamentalist groups over this issue?"
         
         Well, they try to argue with me, I've found. They may start it off by asking a question, and I try to give them a helpful answer. But then I find they are not really interested in a sincere answer and its merits--they are not really "knocking on the door" searching for how we can or cannot know the truth of it. When I see this happening, I bow out of the conversation. (Mat. 7:1-9)

         replyreport
         1. 60

            a49eracctposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I really needed to see this. I've been getting so flustered when I offer the things I have learned, only to just be insulted afterwords. Thank you!

            replyreport
            1. 85

               Ms Deeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               Hey a49eracct, so glad it helped!

               replyreport
3. 57

   Saved by Jesusposted 11 years ago

   No one can "convert" an unbeliever, except the Holy Spirit of God.   As a Christian, we are commanded to spread the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for our sins.  He died so we can live and not face the wrath of God when we die.  That's the Good News.   Now, only God can open a non believers heart so that they can be saved.  Only God can draw a person to Him and give him the desire to seek God.   He is the only One who can "convert".  No human can do it at all.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Does this mean that you keep your mouth shut at all times when you run into non-Christians?  Or, what if this non-Christian is anti Christianity and says terrible things about Jesus?

      replyreport
4. 69

   AshtonFireflyposted 11 years ago

   No, I don't really feel it is my obligation. If people want to believe it, they will. If I'm their inspiration, so be it.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What an enlightened attitude!

      replyreport
5. 94

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Just an Atheist's two cents here. Trying to convert us causes conflict just as it would cause conflict with you if we did the same. Having a conversation and sharing your beliefs is a good thing as long as you are talking to a decent person and don't mind that while they may enjoy hearing your views they will not change based on what you say. I enjoy learning more about Christians but at the same time I hold true to my own beliefs. Basiclly trying to convert a non believer would be a waste of time.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      beautifully said!  Thank you.  Can't agree with you more.

      replyreport
6. 76

   Precious Pearlposted 11 years ago

   No, I have to love them ... if someone comes to the Lord because of my testimony then I am happy, rejoicing but it is not my job to change their mind or convert them.  My only job is to share my testimony and the joy I have because of my relationship with Him.  It is His job to draw them to Him.  God gave us all a free will to choose ... I chose Him long after He chose me.

   replyreport
   1. 70

      Mikioposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Enlightened attitude, I think.  Thank you.

      replyreport
      1. 76

         Precious Pearlposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         You are welcome and thank you.  Thought provoking question.

         replyreport