Do you feel the need to 'Spread the word' ?

[michel]

If you have a deep religious conviction, is there an onus for you to 'spread the word' ? What are your opinions ?

 

[jewscout]

If you have a deep religious conviction, is there an onus for you to 'spread the word' ? What are your opinions ?

not necessarily to "spread the word" but alot of people don't know anything about Judaism so i like to share...i think it gives them a better understanding of a faith few know about...i'm not out to recruit, often times i'm just like "don't be a jew it's too hard!" but, like i said, it's not a faith most people know about aside from the whole not eating pork thing...

 

[timpeters]

Well, I believe it's my duty to cause as much good in the world as I can. That's the general synopsis of my whole Utilitarian Utopian sorta beliefs. And I think the more people feel that way, obviously, the more good will be done. Therefore, I strongly believe in "spreading the word". My beliefs have brought me incredible peace and happiness, and I would would love to share it with others

 

[Valjean]

This obsession with proselytizing seems peculiar to Christianity and Islam. Why do they feel so threatened by alternative opinions? Is their faith built on sand?

 

[Unedited]

I never talk unless I'm asked.

 

[standing_on_one_foot]

No, I don't feel the need to convert others, if that's what you mean. I'm with Jewscout on this. I like spreading information, but that's the extent of it.

 

[Majikthise]

I rarely bring up atheism outside of these forums, never mind trying to tell someone they should consider beleiving as I do.The main reason I have seen for someone to extol their religion to others is the fear of their soul going to hell.That or they want yer money.

 

[blueman]

As a Christian, Jesus gave us a charge to go out and spread the gospel (Acts 1:8) , so that others may know what He did more than 2000 years ago through His incarnation, cruxifiction and ressurection which gives eternal life and union with God the Father to those that believe through faith and the grace that was extended by God. (Ephesians 2:8)

 

[Halcyon]

The main reason I have seen for someone to extol their religion to others is the fear of their soul going to hell.That or they want yer money.

Indeed, although i think some people also do it because they are genuinely worried about your immortal soul.

As for myself, i find that people tend to find their own path in life, i don't think its necessary to advertise.

 

[Katzpur]

If you have a deep religious conviction, is there an onus for you to 'spread the word' ? What are your opinions ?

Well, I'm a Mormon. Need I say more? :jiggy: I guess my reasoning is that I believe that what I have is of great value, so obviously I'm excited about sharing it. Of course, I recognize that there is a big difference between sharing something and shoving it down someone's throat.

 

[Katzpur]

This obsession with proselytizing seems peculiar to Christianity and Islam. Why do they feel so threatened by alternative opinions? Is their faith built on sand?

I'm curious as to why you see proselytizing as evidence that someone feels threatened. On the contrary, if my faith was built on sand, I'd be very hesitant to open myself up to ridicule by telling people what I believe. I don't believe that I have to undercut another person’s position to make my position look good. If I have to do that, I don’t have a position. But I certainly don't feel in any way threatened by beliefs that are different from mine.

 

[jeffrey]

I believe that the best way to "Spread the word" is by my actions. People see my joy and let it ware off on them. Let them see what God has done for me. Let them ask me.

 

[blueman]

Those who believe it is required for their immortal soul are confused or misguided. Ephesians 2:9, says "Not of works lest any man should boast". You cannot guarantee your immortality through your works.

 

[SK2005]

I love your answer jgallandt. It's true. "True religion is the life we lead, not the creed we profess."— Louis Nizer

I spread the word of Christianity mostly, but I do answer a lot of Catholic questions. But ususally if they ask me only, because I love attending other churches because it is so interesting and very cool. So I know a lot about other churches as well and have to explain other faiths to others (like my thread Defending Faith) because they choose to be ignorant and closeminded.

 

[Unedited]

http://www.meninhats.com/d/20020918.html

I read this one and thought of this post!

 

[Green Gaia]

If you have a deep religious conviction, is there an onus for you to 'spread the word' ? What are your opinions ?

Not at all. My beliefs are only for me and probably wouldn't make sense to anyone else. I believe everyone has to figure it out for themselves to really make sense of it. I will talk about them if asked nicely though.

 

[Katzpur]

Those who believe it is required for their immortal soul are confused or misguided. Ephesians 2:9, says "Not of works lest any man should boast". You cannot guarantee your immortality through your works.

I couldn't see that anyone here claimed that was the case. Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall men know that ye are my disciples -- that ye have love one to another." Obviously, someone who truly is a disciple of Christ will show this by his or her actions, wouldn't you agree?

 

[EnhancedSpirit]

I am not here to spread the word. The way I see it, the word has been around since the beginning, and has been spread too thin.

I am here to spread the Spirit of Truth.

 

[blueman]

I couldn't see that anyone here claimed that was the case. Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall men know that ye are my disciples -- that ye have love one to another." Obviously, someone who truly is a disciple of Christ will show this by his or her actions, wouldn't you agree?

There was someone earlier who referred to works and that's why I responded. I agree with you regarding what Jesus said to His disciples, but works are not the basis for salvation, instead they are the basis of what your reward will be in heaven. We are saved through grace and faith. As I mentioned earlier, Jesus does command us to spread the gospel, but one should not confuse that as being the basis for salvation.:jiggy:

 

[Melody]

If you have a deep religious conviction, is there an onus for you to 'spread the word' ? What are your opinions ?

I agree with Katzpur that when we do talk about our faith, it's not because so much that we want to convert you as that we are so excited at the way God is working in our lives that we want to share it. I also agree with Halcyon that there is a component of wanting a person's soul to be saved.

However, I don't go knocking door to door. I don't hide my faith but I also don't go around saying "Praise God" every other minute. When people show an interest, I'll share.