Convert to Jesus or Die!

[puglover]

That got your attention, didn't it?

Actually, what I'm really trying to say is that I don't understand why so many non-Christians seem to think Christians like me want to conquer the world. Apparently, our message looks imperialistic to them, like we want to convert everyone. They don't seem to realize that the Crusades were almost a full millenium ago.

Why do people seem to think Christians (or any religious people for that matter) are going to put them to the sword if they don't convert? What do they fear us?

See Wikipedia on Global Domination:

Ideologies
Many proselytising religions such as Islam and Christianity are universalist, viewing it as their task to convert as many people as possible to their religion, without restrictions on national or ethnic origin. This spiritual domination (see, for example, Kingdom of Heaven) is usually by most people seen to be distinct from a temporal domination, but certain fringe groupings within these religions have an established goal of global theocracy.

 

[Stapel]

Well, the Bible says that Christians shoudl spread their religion. That means a good Christian WILL try to convert whomever he meets, right?

Otoh, I don't think many people fear 'the sword' of the Christians, though.

 

[skadistic]

Could be the all the religious stuff thats in places it shouldn't be (pledge, money, courts). Christians won't convert or kill (any more) but muslims still do. Christians simply pass laws that thinly veil their true atempts at forcing thier religion on others. As for the fear part. non-christians have seen in the past how ruthless christians can be to others.

 

[Masquerouge]

To me, people trying to convert me - usually Christians - are just plain annoying. I can see how other people can thus have a global rejection on Christians, and how in turn this, alongside with nasty historical events, can spread the myth of the "convert or die" religion.

 

[.Shane.]

I think that most Christians are reasonable.

I think the Christians that the OP is really talking about are the religious right, who are essentially the American version of Islamic fundamentalists, just dressed up a bit.

 

[puglover]

Well, the Bible says that Christians shoudl spread their religion. That means a good Christian WILL try to convert whomever he meets, right?

In the sense that Christians should share what they think gives their lives purpose with others.

A famous Christian (I think Francis of Assisi, but don't quote me on this ) said "A Christian sharing his faith is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find food." Evangelism should, ideally, be done out of humility and in the best interest of the other person, not the forceful domination of the world through theocracy, as many see evangelism to be.

 

[skadistic]

In the sense that Christians should share what they think gives their lives purpose with others.

A famous Christian (I think Francis of Assisi, but don't quote me on this ) said "A Christian sharing his faith is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find food." Evangelism should, ideally, be done out of humility and in the best interest of the other person, not the forceful domination of the world through theocracy, as many see evangelism to be.

Theres the rub. I'm not hungry.

 

[drkodos]

I think that most Christians are reasonable.

Try living in Easten Tennessee.

 

[De Lorimier]

I'm a non-Christian, non-believer for that matter, and I don't think people are trying to convert me. I do have a problem with religious people enforcing their religious beliefs in social surroundings and public spaces.

There was a story yesterday about a local YMCA who tinted the second floor's windows following complaints by members of the Yetev Lev synagogue next door who didn't want their children to see middle-age women doing yoga and tai-chi in gym clothes. The YMCA chickened out right away and complied to the religious fundies who paid for the new tinted windows. Now it's the YMCA members who are pissed. That's a small example, nothing tragic, it's an example of religious folks trying to impose their way of life on other people. When they act like this, they suck.

 

[warpus]

Why do people seem to think Christians (or any religious people for that matter) are going to put them to the sword if they don't convert? What do they fear us?

Personally I don't, I just find it annoying when other people try to get me to believe something without any evidence... repeatedly.

 

[.Shane.]

Try living in Easten Tennessee.

No thanks, but I'll send you a care package.

 

[Masquerouge]

I think the Christians that the OP is really talking about are the religious right, who are essentially the American version of Islamic fundamentalists, just dressed up a bit.

Yeah, it has to be noted that for some reasons US Christian fundies get a lot of worldwide attention, usually on the ridicule side. Having the US president be an Evangelical Christian probably doesn't help dispel the cliche.

 

[Sidhe]

That got your attention, didn't it?

Actually, what I'm really trying to say is that I don't understand why so many non-Christians seem to think Christians like me want to conquer the world. Apparently, our message looks imperialistic to them, like we want to convert everyone. They don't seem to realize that the Crusades were almost a full millenium ago.

Why do people seem to think Christians (or any religious people for that matter) are going to put them to the sword if they don't convert? What do they fear us?

See Wikipedia on Global Domination:

Oh I'm fine with proselytising, but some Christians need to understand we have the right not to follow, or even to listen if we do not feel we need to. This should not evoke incrudulous behaviour or lead to judgement, that's not a Christians Job, after all God will do that if your right and we are wrong I respect their wishes to save my soul, they should respect my wishes to disbelieve, or to go to hell or at least there strange version of hell.

As to the thread title: no bring on the bolts of lightning, I'm ready.

 

[MobBoss]

I think that most Christians are reasonable.

I think the Christians that the OP is really talking about are the religious right, who are essentially the American version of Islamic fundamentalists, just dressed up a bit.

As a self-proclaimed religious fundie, I find your comment distasteful and insulting. Why I havent burned a witch or beheaded anyone in oh...10 years. Nor have I fitted out any of my kids with bomb vests yet.

So, I humbly deny that I am merely some dressed up version of a jihadist.

 

[rysingsun]

Why do people seem to think Christians (or any religious people for that matter) are going to put them to the sword if they don't convert?

because they want a reason to accuse us.

 

[Xanikk999]

As a self-proclaimed religious fundie, I find your comment distasteful and insulting. Why I havent burned a witch or beheaded anyone in oh...10 years. Nor have I fitted out any of my kids with bomb vests yet.

So, I humbly deny that I am merely some dressed up version of a jihadist.

Your not a religious fundy give me a break.

(Edit: Nevermind i see your joking.)

 

[Masquerouge]

because they want a reason to accuse us.

Is there more to your post than meets the eye?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

I am fine with anyone wanting to convert anyone else to anything, as long as they are reasonable and respect everyone's right not to be forced to do anything. I also believe, genuinely believe, that what I believe will benefit anyone who accepts it. Anyone is free to reject the mesage, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't have helped them.

 

[ComradeDavo]

Simple answer - Many Christians wish their country to be governed by Christian law (i.e. no homosecxual marriages, no sex before mariage and so forth).

Also when you've had Christian preachers condeming you for going to a metal gig or whatever it kind of makes their religion look bad

 

[JollyRoger]

Why do people seem to think Christians (or any religious people for that matter) are going to put them to the sword if they don't convert? What do they fear us?

Probably for the same reason Christians in America somehow think they are being persecuted.