During the years I've been on Xanga and youtube, I've read countless comments and blogs describing the "out-there" Christians as Bible thumping, fire and sulfur, burn in hell types of people who don't take into consideration the feelings of the people around them. One of the most seen comments is that "those Bible thumpers are telilng me that I'm a bad person, which I'm not, and that I will go to hell if I don't repent of my sins, of which I have none." And that's all they get out of what evangelists are trying to tell them. However, if you've ever bothered to listen to those evangelists, their message has way more than what people choose to hear.
First off, the "Bible thumpers" quote from the Bible all the time because, well, without it, Christians would not know the full account of the fall and save of humanity. If you were a policeman, would you want to be out in the field not knowing what citations to give out? Or a lawyer in the courtroom not knowing the various Supreme Court cases that help your case?
Secondly, evangelists shout, yell, and "make a scene" because a person's soul is not something to take lightly. They try to attract as much attention through the passion in their voices to reach as many ears as possible so that people may hear the truth about Jesus Christ and His saving grace. They may repeat John Edwards' "Sinners in the hands of an angry God," or they might reiterate 1 John's very basic guidelines to fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, but it's all the same thing. You are a sinner, I am a sinner, we must repent of our sins and strive to live a godly life to escape from righteous judgement being poured out upon us.
Third, (at least) some Christians continue to pursue others with the message of Christ because of the same reason as number 2, a person's soul after this life will go to either heaven or hell for eternity. This is exactly the same situation as a person with cancer. His family hounds him to get medication and chemotherapy to save him from death, but the choice is his. The father, as the man of the house, has poured his love and strength into the family, and they wish to reciprocate by helping him escape death. Will they stop at a "no thanks (aka I want to die)," or will they keep pressing him to get well from his sickness? I'm pretty sure that the family would continue to approach him until the end.
Remember, evangelists try to live by the Bible and they want you to be with them in heaven, and they will go to many lengths to get you there, but the choice is yours. So the next time a Christian talks to you about Christ, please take into consideration the fact that he/she wishes you the best lot in the next life.
Comments (5)
This is a wonderful post to make people understand what is the driving force behind someone choosing to do this. However even with your final heart felt words you are correct it is a persons choice.
This is mainly all to the second and third points of your post
So how about being respectful of a persons choice when they ask you to stop, tell you they aren't interested, or they try and walk away, say they have their OWN beliefs?
How would you like it if someone from another faith, completely
different than yours did nothing but send you emails, talk at you and
push their faith at you. You would get annoyed, upset and offended that
they simply did not understand you didn't disrespect their faith but
you do not believe it. It doesn't matter the message you are trying to send, it got lost a long time ago.
I only say this because I have my own beliefs and I have an extended family member that constantly sends emails and bombards me with Christian things. I have asked repeatedly for it to stop, I find some of it quite offensive. I have the utmost respect for faith and religion. I believe whole-heartedly that people NEED to believe something, whether it's Christianity or Atheism there is still a belief of some kind.
So when you choose to ignore someone else's beliefs because they are not your own does that make you and your faith better or worse in the eyes of others?
But as I said you have done a wonderful post, thank you for your explaination.
This is a great explanation.
@pheorbs - Christians can't settle on "what my faith is, is my business" because christians are called to make sure people are saved. I must say, completely honestly, that if someone kept sending me things of another faith regardless of my request not to, I would become aggitated -- but that's expected. After awhile, I'd probably at least look deeper into it. I think there are certain ways to going about evangelising, and oftentimes sending billions of emails about a particular faith is not effective. Though it seems like an honest and genuine thought from your family, it's not taking them much effort. Though there is certainly a sentiment of care behind each person who attempts to reach you, it's more effective to talk about it or just be around you then send you an email you can quickly delete.
@awholenewbeginning - I understand you argument, I do realize that some Christians believe they have a calling to save people. Whether you are making a generalization here or not I do not know.
However you still did miss most of the point if you were not generalizing.
Yes I get emails, but I've been talk at (not to as in conversation, at as in couldn't care what I say) had Christianity pushed on me. It is wrong to assume that someone should look deeper into it if they are hounded. Are you going to look into how to enlarge different body parts because you get spammed emails talking about it?
Many do not listen and choose to assume they know more about saving me and my relationship with the Christian God than I do. I was raise in a very devote Christian family. I have been baptized and confirmed. I also walked away from that path. I had a calling to a different path in life and in my faith.
I realize that there may be care for me behind these attempts, but also realize that while an email is less personal to a degree I will most likely continue talking to this family member if that is as far as it goes.
Imagine being forced over and over to hear an infomercial all about a new snow suit just have to have because it will save you in the winter when the temperature drops below zero. You live in south Florida and won't ever need it. Your forced to sit through it every time you talk to this person. Pretty soon you will avoid and break all contact with them because they choose not to leave you alone because they HAVE to sell you this.
Care behind something does not make it right or wanted.
Kudos.