Converts

[AuroraWillow]

Revoltingest asked a question in a recent thread, but I think it deserves its own, so I'm making one.

Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

 

[LuisDantas]

Is being rational and nurturing common sense a faith? If so, then yes, because I sorely miss that attitude.

 

[xkatz]

Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

No, Judaism does not seek converts and it is not an important aspect of the faith. Judaism realizes that people will always have differing views and opinions, especially when it comes to G-d and faith. I feel that all theists worship G-d, he just reveals himself to different people in different. To me (and Muslims I guess), He is El/Allah, to Christians He is also Jesus Christ, to Hindus He is often the Trimurti, and so on and so forth. Judaism is not and never will be meant for everyone. To each his own

 

[Marco19]

When any religious sect or school make there primary aim to convert and give a huge spot light into this, then that instiute becomes as any political totalitarian regime whose desires remains to show that they are the only right way to seek the truth!

Unity in diversity, therefore this type of propaganda shows lack of (knowledge & tolerance).

 

[Yona]

No, Judaism does not seek converts and it is not an important aspect of the faith. Judaism realizes that people will always have differing views and opinions, especially when it comes to G-d and faith. I feel that all theists worship G-d, he just reveals himself to different people in different. To me (and Muslims I guess), He is El/Allah, to Christians He is also Jesus Christ, to Hindus He is often the Trimurti, and so on and so forth. Judaism is not and never will be meant for everyone. To each his own

^This however I personally do think it's cool when people (sincerely) convert.

 

[xkatz]

^This however I personally do think it's cool when people (sincerely) convert.

I concur

 

[Sahar]

Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

Yes, it's amazingly inspiring.

 

[Twig pentagram]

Yes, it's amazingly inspiring.

Why is it inspiring?

 

[Zardoz]

...
Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

I agree with what xkatz has already said.

I must honestly admit I have a preference for Abrahamic faiths, but if other faiths produce good fruit... then who am I to say that G-d has not given them that faith relationship? By good fruit I have the universal Abrahamic laws of Noah for a measure, and for sure not every religion that has been practiced measures up to it. The Aztec religion, for example, practiced human sacrifice! Barring some major problem like that, I would not see a need for conversion. Likewise secular and non-theists can be viewed by this same standard, and if they are good people, then live and let live.

 

[BLACK ADDER]

Thanks for that question!
As you may not be aware,most conservative evangelical pastors estimate that 90-95% of their congregation are not truly converted,in the Biblical sense of the word. This is,of course, a fulfilment of Christ's teaching in Matthew 13,where a sower went forth to sow the seed and some fell on the road,and didn't grow:in fact, the birds came and ate the seed.Some fell on rocks,with little soil,and they sprang up quickly,looking good,but when the sun came out, they withered,because they had no real root. More seed fell amongst thorns,and when the thorns and the seed grew together, the thorns choked the seed and killed it.But some seed (the minority,I'm afraid) fell on good ground,and grew up into productive plants,yielding a good harvest. Further in chapter 13 Christ explains this parable:He says that the Seed is the Gospel,and the types of ground are the human heart. Some recieve the seed,and nothing happens. Some receive the seed,and grow quick,looking very encouraging FOR A WHILE, before they die out because of lack of good soil. And some grow amongst thorns,which Christ says is like the cares of this world,that choke out the Gospel,and nothing grows.But some soil has been plowed and is ready for seed.It gladly receives the Seed,and grows a good,productive crop.
Unfortunatly, this parable,amongst others in Matthew 13,says that only a percentage of those that even will take any notice of the Gospel will "get saved", or become converts in a true sense.
So,what happened to plow the ground,and ready it for the introduction of the seed?
a young rich man approached Christ in Mark chapter ten,and asked what he must do to earn eternal life. Jesus said that he must be right with God.The young man then informed Jesus that he had kept the Ten Commandments and other Levitical Laws from childhood! And yet, he KNEW things were not right between him and his God. So the Bible says,Jesus looked on him with love,and said,"One thing thou lackest...Sell all that thou hast,and take up the cross,and follow me." The young man went away sad,not only because he wanted to keep his "stuff", but because he would have to give up his lifestyle and follow Jesus.
Friend,that is the KEY.That is what "plows up the field" ready for the seed. Repentence.
Jesus says to YOU,"One thing thou lackest..." You have done the best,tried the hardest,sacrificed, but one thing thou lackest. Jesus does NOT want you to sell your "stuff". Oh,no. He wants more than that.He wants you to "sell out" to Him, making Him Lord of your life, turning your back on sin and dedicating yourself,with God's help, to living for Him. He wants it all,and for you to deny your plans,your self,and your desires,and to take up the cross,and follow Him.
I have been where you likely are.I thought everything was okay.But "One thing I lackest". All the things that Jesus and the Apostles talked about in the New Testament are now true in my life,by the Grace of God.
And this is open to those that will repent.
The Black Adder
Isaiah 32:17

 

[sandandfoam]

Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

Nope.
My faith is merely perception and a collection of stories. It is unique to me. A perspective.
I enjoy and learn as much from others with very different perspectives as I do from those with similar ones.

 

[Revoltingest]

Revoltingest asked a question in a recent thread, but I think it deserves its own, so I'm making one.

Is it significant to you that particular people, or people in general convert to your faith? Why?

Thanx for the thread. Very interesting discussion.
And best of all, I've nothing to add.

 

[Thesavorofpan]

Yes convert!!!!! Have you converted yet!!!! Convert Darn it!!!!
Yeah its the main focus of our message. Pfft I rather not be bother with it.

 

[Nerthus]

I've never really been one to get overly concerned with whether or not people convert, it's a personal thing in my opinion, but I have never liked the idea of going out preaching and trying to get people to convert that way. I would also never stop anyone.

 

[Allah-lover]

I love all people & i believe in giving them good faith to thier after-life

scince i believe that islam is the truth.

 

[Kathryn]

If someone is unhappy, unfulfilled, seeking inner peace and joy and/or a belief system that will enrich their lives, and they ask me what I believe and if it offers that to me, I will tell them "Absolutely - and do you want to know more?"

If someone asks me for advice, I will give it to them. Most of my advice would stem from my beliefs and faith. I don't push it on people, but if they ask, I am going to share.

If this encourages them to convert, or want to learn more, I'm here to help them.

Share the good news - I believe that.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I concur

I concur with your concurrence of his concurrence.

 

[javajo]

I believe if one converts out of a search for truth, that's great. For example, the disciples all died for proclaiming the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. 500 plus years later, Mohammad said Christ did not die on the cross. One is true, the other is not. If one believes the eye-witnesses who were killed for their witness and converts, then that's pretty cool, since they did it in a search for truth. Just my thoughts.

 

[Levite]

Another plus-one for what xkatz excellently said, although I also think that Jews By Choice (converts) are some of the awesomest people I know.

 

[Shia Islam]

If you have the solution to human problems then why to hide it?!
but if you are not sure that it's the solution, the why to hold it yourself?!

For me, what is important to me is to let people informed about my faith.
That's why I named my website: religioninform.com.

I consider many people who are not Shia Muslims to be close to Shia Islam, because their logical Thinking lead to the same conclusions that Shia Islam teaches.