Why does Christian evangelism irritate you?

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ShaunLindberghposted 14 years ago
THIS IS NOT A CYNICAL QUESTION!

It is a serious question for people who are not Christians.

If the 'other-than-Christians' are willing to engage in this discussion and Christians are willing to listen without interruption, this could be an opportunity for Christians to learn something about how other people view them without feeling persecuted.

What do you say? Are you game?
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have a built-in bullsh!t detector - I can tell the ones that are fakes.
  
  if it's the "high on Jesus" type - they just come across as fruit-loops.
  
  If its the hell and condemnation ones - these type are very judgemental, the moral police on petty issues and lack any kind of compassion or empathy - they see non-believers as swines or devils - that seems very hateful to me
  
  both these types are irritating, because they force their (false?) ego on others and don't see the other person as a human being
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Heck, I'm a Christian and certain types of "evangelism" irritates me.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  what types specificially. when I was xtian, I disliked being pressured to
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Yeah, I hate what I call "Amway Evangelism" .... it's when certain people try to convince you that you need to get a certain number of people saved in order to be really cool with God.
  
  The reason I call it "Amway Evangelism" is because the closing technique to get people to pray the "sinners prayer" was identical to the closing technique used to get people into your MLM tree in certain Amway meetings.
  
  Don't get me wrong I believe in the salvation experience, I just don't believe you can force someone into it. It's always initiated by God ... a proper evangelist helps someone understand what God is doing without a "close the sale" goal. Sometimes "getting them saved" is not what God has in mind at the moment.
  
  To help someone with that type of deeply personal struggle, you already have to have a relationship and care about them where they are ... people aren't going to share their real issues with someone they just met who wants them to say the magic words so they can move on to the next sales prospect.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I got sucked into doing amway by some pentecostal christians, even though it was so not me (pentecostal wasn't me either).
  
  I thought amway conventions were very evangelical like pentecostal christianity - the hype, the music, fake joy - seeing the prospect as something to convert, not to get to know geninely.
  
  Both amway and pentecostal christianity left a bitter taste in my mouth
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Here's what's weird ... when my (now-ex) wife left me, the ones who came out of the woodwork to help me where Assembly of God (similar to Pentecostal) ...
  
  The Southern Baptist church I had been a member of for 12 years treated me like I was a disease ... notice I didn't say "had a disease" ... they were more compassionate to sick people.
  
  Yeah Jesus said "Make Disciples" not converts. Disciples were people he invested time and effort in ... he cared about their work and family he put up with their non-sense, he didn't say "follow me" and then abandon them.
  
  We do that too often with so-called-evangelism ... it's all about "getting people saved" not about living and working together. The second is much harder and requires more commitment and effort.
  
  It's hard and it's messy and it sometimes creates more questions than answers and we are afraid to admit we don't know.
  
  Social fakery is much easier. Bonhoeffer referred to it as "cheap grace".
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  if only more christians were like this
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  h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  Interesting question.
  
  I have asked the flipside question - why can't those who don't believe just leave a thread about christian living - alone? I was told just our existence was a problem. This thread has not turned into a holy war thankfully, but I think the christians participating have been respectful and truthful. We all get frustrated when an unwelcomed belief is shoved down our throats.
  I hope to see such a civil conversation on the following question:
  When you jump into a thread about christian living (or anything you don't believe in), do you think the participants are trying to talk amongst themselves OR are you trying to convert them?
  I really am curious.
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  Woman Of Courageposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  h.a.borcich, I fully understand your meaning.
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  ShaunLindberghposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  h.a.b. there are two ways you can look at this;
  
  1. I am trying to understand what irritates non-christians, especially ex-christians (more below). Since evangelism is part of Christian living, this is a relevant area.
  
  2. It is also an opportunity for Christians to listen into a conversation that is relevant to them without it declining into discord and animosity as so many others do.
  
  Christians are commissioned to preach the gospel, I get that. This thread might influence Christians in the WAY they they obey the great commission. Hopefully to see the difference (and confusion) between feeling the need to convince people to believe versus allowing the holy spirit to convict them. There's a whole different approach there.
  
  I led many people to Jesus when I was a Christian, many of them are still friends and I do not try to deconvert them. Destiny, whatever it is, is personal.
  
  I trust you will listen carefully and not engage too much. Many ex-Christians feel huge hostility towards Christians who invade their space. I am trying to understand that pain.
  
  It is relevant also to your mission.
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  h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  
  In trying to understand what irritates exchristians about evangelism, is it not relevant to question what is percieved as evangelism? You see what I am saying?
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  sandra rinckposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Because they try to dictate to you what "they" think your "personal relationship" with God should be.
  
  Because they try to force you to do things you don't like...against your will which results in them making yourself a liar.
  
  Because they talk bad about each other as if they NEVER can do anything bad just because they believe they have been saved and you can too!
  
  Because they seem to lack value in Jesus and place most emphasis on condemnation ie: "You are all sinners and you have to repent" and I am thinking, "What the Hell for, I didn't do anything wrong therefor I don't need to repent." It really doesn't work out well with them.
  
  Because they more often hurt people financially and emotionally. Why a church needs your money is beyond me. Last I heard Jesus was free of charge... belay that. Last I heard was Jesus comes with a price tag.
  
  Because it excludes a huge portion of the world.
  
  Because it gives special "privileges" to people who do it for the money.
  
  Because it's always "their" understanding that matters even when there is a million different "their understandings" to disagree with or favor.
  
  Because often people will just make something up to compensate for the "wrong" done in Christianity ie: Hitler was not a Christian he was an atheist, or "let's change what "corrupt" means so that it doesn't reflect badly on Christians.
  
  Because for some reason they believe that God will forgive them but they somehow know who god wont forgive.
  
  They believe they know what is best for everyone even if a person knows what is best for themselves.
  
  They make their way into government and say how moral they are but are the most hypocritical people on the planet.
  
  They say really insensitive things like, "Haiti deserved what it got because they don't believe in god." Or, "it's god's plan that children starve" or "who are you to go against god's will" when what they really mean is, "you better listen to me or I will make your life hell."
  
  They quote the Bible like they have read it but because I have read it, I KNOW they did not.
  
  They obsess over other peoples religions like they know through their own but they have no idea about it. They just know what 'so and so' said about it who also did not know.
  
  They say really stupid things and when you have had enough of their stupidity and finally say something, they get all "woe is me" but can never admit that they caused it themselves.
  
  They try to change other people's work to reflect their gross interest.
  
  .... etc., etc., etc.,...
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  Jasmine JellyBabyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you should have wrote this as a hub darling!!
  
  But I do agree with you 100%
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Actually she did, She called it "Why I hate Christians Who Don't Listen". It's a good read and Christians should learn from it.
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  DoorMattnomoreposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  yeeeup. Good hub Sandra.
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  Jasmine JellyBabyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ok just read the hub, very true indeed.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I just read it and also agree.
  And as she said, All Christians do not go there.
  
  But the slippery spot on the church floor is always there.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  oh, and then if you say you are ex-christian, they say you must never have been a true christian in the first place
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Maybe the paint didn't stick.
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That's an interesting point ... that particular debate is called in theological circles, "assurance of salvation"...
  
  It's not loving, but It's not logically inconsistent: Basically if God exists and Jesus can save you then you can't be unsaved. But if he does not exist, and/or Jesus is not his son or capable of saving, then you could not have been a Christian because it's all false and nobody's really a Christian.
  
  However, there is one part of human reality that this theological logic does not take into consideration ... group identity. Based on Tajfel's Social identity research (as well as some others) Group Identity is an important to our psychological well being and when a person who was once part of a group is no longer part of that group, there will be negative reactions. I think part of that is why you get the "you were never really one of us in the first place" attitude.
  
  I think it stems also from the flawed theology that "all you have to do is believe."
  
  I read your "I'm an Ex-Christian Hub"
  
  Ironically, Jesus' criteria for Christians was not proper theological thought, but sacrificial love for one another despite severe differences.
  
  Thus I could argue from a biblical perspective , that their rejection of you and your pain was clearly a lack of sacrificial love, and they, not you, are the ones who where never Christian in the first place. And I could make it stick. But that, in and of it self would also be unloving.
  
  Had that group been supportive and Christ-like, loving you when you needed it, rather than judging you for disturbing their nice little theologically sound universe, I suspect you would have been spared much pain.
  
  As far as where you are now? I'm far less disturbed by people who are looking "all over" than I am by people who have all the answers. If I believe that Jesus was speaking God's truth when he said, "Those who seek shall find", then I shouldn't worry so much about where you're looking as long as you are, in fact, looking. If God's there, He'll let you find Him. And you'll find that the whole journey, pain and all was worth it.
  
  If He's not ... well then I'm just wrong. It's happened before.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I respect your views BD - you're the kind of christian that I don't find judgemental and "higher-art-thou". I think too that people find my directness and honesty unsettling - I'm prepared to ask the hard questions (my son is like this too - we both have Asperger's Syndrome, which makes so much sense now). Those with AS tend to be very intellectual (and want their questions answered, not just told to believe anyway), and find the "social" side of church very overwhelming.
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Thank you BB ... I assure you that I believe sincerely that God is quite displeased with the way in which your pain was minimized and doubly displeased that it was done "for Him".
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I've just another hubpages christian accuse me of never being a real christian in the first place - totally off the mark. Don't they see this judgemental attitude is hurtful & further repels people?
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  A lot of times they can't ...
  
  It appears to have been a problem very early in church history,though, Paul addressed it very bluntly in Romans 2:
  "1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"
  ...
  21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?
  ...
  24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
  ...
  
  Based on the above scripture, I believe that God will judge harshly, those Christians who, by their lack of love drove you away from Him.
  
  All judgment from God is not hell ... and exactly what that judgment is/will be I don't know. But I am sure that God is not happy about it. He wasn't happy about it in the first century. And He's not happy about it now.
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  That needs to be on billboard on every highway leaving every city in America .... or any other country that an individual can put up such things.
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The judgment we judge ourselves on is pretty harsh ...
  The truth is that I judged divorced people quite harshly, in my heat of hearts ... when I became divorced I was, in fact faced with the truth that I was being judged with the very judgment I had judged. That didn't fit with my "Teddy Bear God" image that I liked so well.
  
  I learned what it meant: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;"
  
  I became a far less judgmental person because I had been judged by my own criteria, found wanting, and made a choice to change. It was not pleasant, but it was beneficial.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I was a judgemental person as a christian. Going thru real pain and suffering really knocks that out of ya.
  
  You are a real treasure, BD
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  there' a few very hostile "christians" on the forums that are mega-judgemental - I think their behaviour is terrible - they actually ensure that I never return to christianity
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  h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is a shame that a few bad examples can make such a major decision for you. I intend that in a way that is not mean. Whenever a few people gain that much power, especially on a forum, well it is sad. My experiences on these forums have not always been pleasant, but I refuse to give power to rude people.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  i've recently written a hub about my journey over many years - some of these individuals just reinforce why I left. Only a few christians have had the empathy to understand my hub - others have been judgemental
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  The only reason to turn to Christianity is if it's true. If it's false, then it doesn't matter ... but if it is true, then I hope as you discover that, you won't allow their bad behavior keep you from your discovery of truth.
  
  The Good news is that I believe God will look at all of you, your mind, your heart, your AS, your goals, your intent, your actions, your secrets ... and his judgment will not be based on their social values. He will look at Truth.
  
  What they do is wrong ... and I would be harsher on them if I did not know that at one time, I was just like them, and still am sometimes. (I really hate it when I catch myself doing it, too.)
  
  When I look at the darkest parts of my heart, I know, that I need something, someone ... I need grace because I know that by myself, I am mean, unloving and cruel. And that horrifies me. I know what I'm saved from. I may be saved hell, but more importantly for now, I'm saved from being a very mean person.
  
  I do hope you find better examples. They exist.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I still examining it, BD, but to tell the truth, christianity is hemorrhaging worse the more I look at it. I can't force myself to believe something I'm not certain is true anymore. Previously, I relied on blind faith. Only now I am analysing it - interesting thing is I am naturally very analytical, but I never questioned my beliefs before
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  One of the things I discovered in my self examination was that if I thought it was up to me to convince people, then I really didn't have the faith in God I claimed. God can show Himself just fine if and when he wants.
  
  I believe that as you seek truth ultimately God will reveal himself in His own way that is special to you, and it will have been quite the journey ... I think God's not nearly as afraid of the opinions of Dawkins and others as the people who claim to have faith are. Who knows, some truth Dawkins discovers and reveals may lead you straight to God.
  
  To me, as I read your hubs and comments, three things are very real ... your intelligence, your pain and your seeking. Some of my Christian friends also think I'm too analytical ...
  
  I started analyzing God as creator, the same way I might analyze a composer or artist.
  
  Since you are analytical by nature, my personal opinion (and only my opinion) is that if anything you should let go of the blind faith even more (if that's possible!) and begin analyzing God the way you would analyze any previously unknown life form.
  
  Assume everyone is wrong and that you have to discover it all for yourself. Be as analytical as you can be, God made you that way and it will delight Him. Just don't be surprised that others don't have answers that satisfy you. The truth is, you are probably smarter than they are and that you probably have questions that they never thought about asking, let alone have an answer to.
  
  I once compared it to hearing about a unicorn and discovering that the truth was a rhinoceros. Once you see the truth, you can see where the legends came from, but it's not like what you thought it would be when you heard the legends.
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  ShaunLindberghposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I was a Christian for 30 years but I would be very happy never to have been a Christian. I learned a lot and made good friends who are still good fiends. I don't see it as a waste of their lives as many ex-christians do.
  
  But now I am going off topic.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I guess it's helped make me who I am - believing, then deconverting. Think life would have been a whole lot easier if I didn't have all that psychological trauma
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I can understand and agree with this statement, even knowing that there was one fang pointed at me.
  
  The changing the definition of corrupt part.
  Can ya say that a supreme court JUDGE broke the law when "THEY" have the ability to change the Law.
  To say that God is corrupt.... sorry but we gotta understand what definition we are talking about.
  
  And under the circumstances ??? Who are we to levy our definitions of corrupt upon a God.
  
  We just might want to rethink how we define corrupt.
  
  My definition of corrupt would not fit that circumstance.
  
  The rest of your comment ?.. yes ! You go girl .
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  ShaunLindberghposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Hey Jerami,
  
  Please don't stir the pot too much here. It's been a pretty civil process of sharing on a very specific topic. I'd appreciate it if you don't distract it.
  
  There is real value here for all of us.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  well I was baptized christian, still go to church but I have evolved since sunday school. Christian evangelists are still there in sunday school mouthing words they barely understand and forcing you to be blind, not think and take it the same way they do.
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  dutchman1951posted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ready, sure I have been reading, no comments just interest.
  
  Evangelists do not bother me, but the faith healing ones, that does bother me- a lot for some reason.
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  brimancandyposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  My main problem with it, is it is the same bible, and the same crap has been talked about for hundreds and hundreds of years. Yet, some christian groups feel that they have to clobber you over the head with what the bible says. And, they go out of their way to go to non christian countries, and try to spread their word there wether people there want to hear it or not.
  
  My other problem is, the rally bashers. These are people who picket various groups, and show up in mass to shout hatred at their primary targets. Usually the gay community and obortion clinics. What do they
  expect to accomplish when they do this? Are gay people by some Miracle going to shout to the heaven's OH MY GOD!!! I'M STRAIGHT! Thankyou gay bashers! NOT!!!
  
  Some christian groups even support war, as long as it is the name of god. I find that very sad. I don't support any war, no matter what country is fighting it. Killing people for what? How many people in wars have to die before someone has had enough? How many people have to die in the name of God?!
  
  Sorry. this subject just gets to me. I wish they would just all go into their stupid little churches and stay there and wait for God to come for them.
  Leave the land open for the rest of us to enjoy without anyone getting into our faces about god.
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  Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  People lying about things. Of course it gets irritated after a while.
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  Friendlywordposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  ...this could be an opportunity for Christians to learn something about how other people view them without feeling persecuted.
  
  CHRISTIANS FEEL PERSECUTED!
  What a twisted joke.
  The people that are going around the whole world condemming other people to hell feels persecuted.
  I've been banned to many times, so I can't tell you what I really think about your CYNICAL statement.
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Christians talk the talk, but don't walk the walk. Evangelism is religious hypocrisy at it's finest.
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  vox vocisposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, I don't talk much, but I do try to walk the walk...I am not irritated by evangelism, I am just sorry to see the world drowning in a bunch of crap!
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  Beelzedadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  In other words, the evangelism you describe is the "world drowning in a bunch of crap." The world is made up primarily of believers.
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Mishaposted 14 years ago
Frankly it does not. Or almost does not. Progressive evangelism irritates me way more. But I am working on getting less irritated with it.
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IntimatEvolutionposted 14 years ago
Because they remind me of the stories we here about vigilantes, and how they ran around half-cocked in the wild west days. An idiot with a loaded gun, is about the scariest thing for me.
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EmpressFelicityposted 14 years ago
I always swore I wouldn't participate in any of the religious threads on HP, but I'll make an exception for this one

My position is that religion is a subjective thing - either you believe or you don't. You cannot prove the existence of God; that's why it's called "faith"!

Because it's not possible to prove God's existence in a rational, logical way, evangelists have to resort to all sorts of tricks - whether it's the hard sell already described by other posters, or emotional blackmail. Unfortunately, I have an extremely short fuse when it comes to both techniques, regardless of what context they're used in (it doesn't have to be a religious one. You should hear the way I deal with cold callers on the phone ). That's where the irritation comes in, for me.

I have far more respect for "believers" who simply try to exemplify whatever their faith teaches, rather than preaching at you.

Luckily I live in a very secular corner of the world so I don't get to experience full-on religious evangelism very often.
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exorterposted 14 years ago
I will listen to any one who comes to the door as long as they will listen to me also, some of the door knockers do not listen at all, they have their sales pitch and that is all they are interested in, with them I simply shut my door.
I am pentecostal, I try to speak to people, but if they do not want to hear about I shut up about it, you can not plant upoon a rock
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  in my case, they walk away really disturbed as I elaborate on what they are talking about in a historical and esoteric context.
  
  Christians don't know how to react to me. They can't tell if they want to believe me or they want to run away. I've had a seventh day adventist respectfully admit she does not know what she's talking about. hahahhahahahahahahha!
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Mighty Momposted 14 years ago
The Christian part is great.
The evangalism part is what irritates me.
Probably what irritates me most is being told I am either not a Christian or "less of" a Christian.
I don't hold my version of Christianity (which happens to be the BIGGEST, if not the BEST one) over them.

It's like the line in that song:
"He can't be a man cuz he does not smoke the same cigarettes as me."
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I agree, do not judge any one, if they have never went to a church, it does not matter, Jesus loves them as much as He loves me
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Jasmine JellyBabyposted 14 years ago
because they all sound like a bunch of marketers selling VIP tickets to heaven.

I think what annoys me the most is most preachers are greedy bastards who dont really do what they preach. For instance look at that texas preacher guy who preached against homosexuality for years only to find out he's been banging some guy for 15 years?? and then he goes on Oprah to say "I'm sorry?"
I mean what the hell is that??

I think they've turned the gospel message into a guilt message and you can only be saved if you send them money every month!
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  you have bad people in every thing, you can find them everywhere
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Myloloposted 14 years ago
This is a really nice thread - I don't pick up any anger just calm opinions and thoughts on things we've experienced. I mostly got a smile out of the Amway Evangelism ( was in Amway once upon a time). I am in fact a Christian and yes, the in your face evangelism and number keeping and lack of follow up in making deciples I agree with 100%. I wish, I mean I really wish we could be more Christlike and walk next to someone and not attack them. Christ wasn't an attacker. He was soft spoken, kind, generous and did not use force and most always in parable form - just to get people thinking.
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Pcunixposted 14 years ago
Because I'm not interested. As simple as that.

Mind your own business and I will mind mine. Starting pitching nonsense at me and you just tick me off. I will defend your right to believe any fool thing you want to believe, but I do NOT want to hear about it.
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  ceciliabeltranposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  actually this is true to.
  
  I just don't want to hear the same-o same-o. Newsflash, heard it before...ten thousand times...anything new?
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Alien invasionposted 14 years ago
I feel sorry for those who don't believe in my version of God and the afterlife because theyr'e all going to Hell for ever and ever.
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Lindamayposted 14 years ago
Going to hell...now that was a statement I always questioned for the 25 years I was involved with Christian doctrine. The reason I questioned it was because I felt God's presence many times over and it ALWAYS felt like a lot of love. Would a God of love ("God is Love") send people to a horrible place called hell (if there is such a place)? Really now!!!!!! How contradictory!! I cant believe I even considered that idea!!!

I stepped away from Christianity into a spiritual journey three years ago and have never felt so free. I still have a relationship with God, but no longer walk in judgment of others, nor do I feel judged as well. I can love people right where they are. Along with that I don't feel the hard pressure that I must somehow get them 'saved'...what a relief! Also, I learned that I AM truly worthy and deserve to have a good life. In fact, come to find out...I was NEVER born unworthy!

We are here as spirits to experience life in the physical, period. We make it whatever we want to, it is up to us, no rules. It is according to our beliefs..our feelings, thoughts and words, which then create our lives. God never did, nor does God now judge us. God always says yes to whatever it is we desire to experience. Now that is the God I know and have all along! Love the Love inside you (which is loving you as well), ,love others with that same love, job done. Now go enjoy life like you had intended to before you came here!

We are all One, us and God as well...religion has a tendency to divide, separate us from one another and from God. That too was never intended, but alas, leave it to some to take away..to want control over others that badly. It's time for us all to 'wake up' from the dream (illusion)..will you be next? I hope so, for you will then find yourself each day able to love, experience joy, and have a wonderful peace of mind...truly living life as you deserve as a child of God. By the way, some may not like this statement...however, like it or not it's the truth..we are ALL children of God! God is in and around every single individual on the planet...always has been, always will be.

Sincere Love, Linda
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  Jeramiposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I think that this kind of posts are becoming more of a regular thing.
  Thank You God.
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  Disappearingheadposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  mmm I could never reconcile the obvious contradiction with God who's love endures forever with a God who sat watching as sinners burned for eternity either. Most of the church is happy to live with this contradction and call it justice.
  
  Because of this belief in eternal hell fire, the evangelists are motivated to run about in the streets compelling people to come in, and if you are not interested, they move on to the next with a "you have been warned you are without excuse". Their part to play is to warn you so that they are then off the hook with God who would otherwise make them responsible for not telling you. So the who motivation for believing in Jesus is not love but fear.
  
  Of course out of them comes all the scriptures learned by rote to 'support' their position, by this learning by rote exposes their lack of understanding.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I can't see sending someone that doubted to hell with a serial murder is fairness
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Shawn M.posted 14 years ago
I think Christians have just as much tension about evangelism than those hearing about what they might want to say about Faith, Spirituality, God, Jesus, Eternity, Hell, etc.

By in large, a vast majority of Christians are freaked out about the idea of even sharing their faith. They are nervous, don't really know what to say or even how to say anything... Maybe that's a better place to be than taking a class on the, "How to Share Your Faith First Base, Second Base, Third Base, and Homerun" (yes Christians use the bases idea too, which is funny)

Anyhow, one of the other tensions that Christians have is that their Pastor, Minister, or Preacher tells them to share their faith, but few of them (pastors, etc) do anything to share their faith aside from those that show up each week. I can't say all as a generalized statement, but its true.

Lastly, the final tension I see, considering all of the above, is that Jesus actually does tell Christians to go out and preach the good news...

The Good News is that Jesus came into the world to save people from their sins. He also said to feed the orphans and help the widows, but really, that's it.

The tension here, is that Christians want to add more to that message, they add extra things like a Value Menu... It's really sad, but the message is so simple, yet made more complicated by the established "church" which is hardly the church.

Anyhow, hope this adds some "value" to the discussion at hand.
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china manposted 14 years ago
I have no issues with personal religion at all. For many people it is a way to live life without thinking about things too much - and this euphoric state insulates us from the grim realities of life.

I have no issues discussing 'matters arising' with intelligent beings who know enough about what they are saying and where it comes from.

I get really irritated by those who do not understand even their own words and blindly mouth things they do not understand.

I despise those who post about some 'miracle' that they have clearly engineered themself, made up themself or 'heard' and write as if it were themselves to make it 'true'.

I detest those who claim to have some terrible affliction to put their online presence onto some moral high ground from where they spout nasty rubbish, twisted morals and report others for imaginary personal attacks when they clearly lose an argument and show themselves for what they are.

And the slavering right wing kkkristians are clearly an online incarnation of their imaginary satan.

Religion boils down to two very easy choices - there is NO proof of any kind that there is any kind of god SO you either have faith or you don't. Not even grown up theologians disagree with this.

And so it all descends into how many are in my group - we create reality and so if enough people see the bright light I see then we all really believe there is a bright light and - for US - there is.

If religion did not constantly indoctrinate its children, and drag in the vulnerable and plain stupid, it would slowly die away in the face of no proofs.

2012 is their last chance, if the events engineered by those who follow the bible actually produce the god promised rapture and the death of pretty much everybody then they can claim god.

Or will their legendary intolerance and stupidity lead them to mimic the final steps promised and unleash the end of the world in response to those 'voices' in their double heads.
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Jasmine JellyBabyposted 14 years ago
I think christians today have lost the real meaning of being a christian. I bet even Jesus himself looks down and goes "what is going on with these people?"

Christians today are the exact people Jesus described in the book of Mathew.. False prophets, time wasters, greedy bastards. I do believe that Jesus hates religion more than anything else because he never preached religion.

He was a loving man, filled with compassion and never begged for money from anyone. He did say "go into all the world and preach the gospel" He didn't say "go into the world and hold telethons and take every penny you can find from a poor sucker"

None of the Christians today resemble anything that Jesus truly is.
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have never met any one who knows all Christians, most just judge christians by the ones they have met.
  I am a Christian and do not recall ever seeing you any where, Please do not judge me by the majority of the Christians in the world.
  which no one is perfect, even if they claim they are, the ones that claim they are perfect is trying to hide something, every one has flaws, the true Christian must try and work out their flaws, and that is an unending job,for we will never be perfect, if we offend some one we apoligize to them
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  and so judgemental and hurtful, even of other christians...but they can't see it
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I have seen that Christians can not see their own faults
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Jeramiposted 14 years ago
BDazzler, I learned a long long time a go to nor say, "look at that person, I"D NEVER doe such a thing"

Life has a way of making ya eat your own judgementality.
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Oh, yeah.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  BD, the other thread won't let me reply. Yes, you are very accurate in you assessment in that you see my pain, intelligence & seeking. Yep, I can't blindly believe - that's why I'm analysing it all now.
  I'm supersensitive to judgemental people and people that spout nonsense irritate me. Thank you for your very kind words - I didn't expect to find kindness on the religious forums
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  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  Well - you can get some more from me - I admire the way you seek out and comment in these forums. You have well balanced way of looking at things while we all try to dig into this stuff.
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  Baileybearposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  thankyou china man. I used to be black and white about things (the way I was brought up), but I'm naturally a person that sees the shades of grey - another reason for my growing discomfort in christianity.
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  exorterposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  I go to church all I can, but if I hear some one spouting nonsense, I go to them and confront them, the church is not a place for that, anything that is not right I go to them, we are to prepare the church, I was the head decon in church and if any one had questions about something they came to me, I would go to the preacher if they did not feel comfortable doing it
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  BDazzlerposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  You are most welcome
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Friendlywordposted 14 years ago
Why does Christian evangelism irritate you?

BECAUSE I'M A GAY MAN AND EVANGELIST WANT TO KILL ME. That irritates me a little bit.
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  china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this
  It is a broad church - in the correct sense of the word. Don't worry, I am a straight guy and they smugly tell me I am going to their hell because I think.
  
  I would say we make strange bed-fellows but, you know, er, er, er,
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Zenofsongposted 14 years ago
Homosexuality is the answer to overpopulation. Thankfully, it isn't mandatory and some people just happen to fall in love that way.
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Kangaroo_Jaseposted 14 years ago
I am not a Christian and therefore Christian evangelism does not bother me at all.
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paradigmsearchposted 14 years ago
"Why does Christian evangelism irritate you?"

Here is a serious answer to your question:

There are evangelists in almost every city and town.

In most cases, the evangelist is a con man, and his followers are a bunch of lower-IQ people who are being conned out of their money.

People of normal intelligence instinctively recognize this. That is why the “irritation”.

Note: This response is about evangelists, not about religion in general.

Actually, here is an idea:

The Christians should clean up the crooked evangelists’ problem the same as Islam should clean up their extremist problem.
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