Evangelists... Seriously!?!

[Sand Dancer]

And it doesn't have to, my wife and I don't see eye to eye on religion. But we don't argue about it either, as our love for each other supersedes that. Just like our agreement to allow any children we have to have access to both of our views if curious, without pushing them in either direction to support one or the other.

.

Were you different religions when you met and married?

 

[VoidCat]

Wasn't sure whether or not this should go in debates or journals, since it may come off more as a rant.

Evangelists.... Seriously?

Some of you may know my wife and I's new town flooded, we were mostly spared, but had one room succumb to the local river Goddess' foul mood.

I had a wonderful organization called Samaritan's Purse, come by today and help do some mold mitigation in the room that flooded out. Thanks for that. Now with them came a couple of Chaplains, from a group of disaster ministries called Billy Graham something rather.

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

What pissed me off, is while I stepped out of the room to use the phone (I had been on hold for 1.5 hours at this point and wasn't missing my call). Apparently, they had started talking to my wife about being "born again", not a concept I'm unfamiliar with, so cool maybe they help my wife. But get this, the guy talking to my wife
starts trying to get her to convert me to Christianity. She insisted several times that I was firm in my own beliefs, as I had already said earlier, I worship many Gods, when asked if I believed in Jesus and the Bible's God. Which pretty much ended his train of thought. And we switched to war stories.

Now, I'm a nice fellow, I'm big on Hospitality. Even if my temper may come off strong at times. But you're in my house on my terms, you do not come in here, and turn MY wife against me (not that you could, anyways). What skullduggery is this steaming pile of Auðumbla ****. This is a disaster area and I let you into my house on good faith. Never again.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Why cast spouse against spouse? Attempt to turn households asunder? Is it because you follow Jesus? This is biblical inerrancy?

Matthew 10 : 35-36
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

you have every right to be mad.
It's not like you don't live in a Christian majority nation and haven't heard the word of Christ...oh wait...
For real if you wanted to worship Christ you done heard about him you'd done convert
They should be left the topic of you not being a Christian alone if they couldn't be nice about it and not try to get your wife to convert you.

 

[SomeRandom]

Wasn't sure whether or not this should go in debates or journals, since it may come off more as a rant.

Evangelists.... Seriously?

Some of you may know my wife and I's new town flooded, we were mostly spared, but had one room succumb to the local river Goddess' foul mood.

I had a wonderful organization called Samaritan's Purse, come by today and help do some mold mitigation in the room that flooded out. Thanks for that. Now with them came a couple of Chaplains, from a group of disaster ministries called Billy Graham something rather.

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

What pissed me off, is while I stepped out of the room to use the phone (I had been on hold for 1.5 hours at this point and wasn't missing my call). Apparently, they had started talking to my wife about being "born again", not a concept I'm unfamiliar with, so cool maybe they help my wife. But get this, the guy talking to my wife
starts trying to get her to convert me to Christianity. She insisted several times that I was firm in my own beliefs, as I had already said earlier, I worship many Gods, when asked if I believed in Jesus and the Bible's God. Which pretty much ended his train of thought. And we switched to war stories.

Now, I'm a nice fellow, I'm big on Hospitality. Even if my temper may come off strong at times. But you're in my house on my terms, you do not come in here, and turn MY wife against me (not that you could, anyways). What skullduggery is this steaming pile of Auðumbla ****. This is a disaster area and I let you into my house on good faith. Never again.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Why cast spouse against spouse? Attempt to turn households asunder? Is it because you follow Jesus? This is biblical inerrancy?

Matthew 10 : 35-36
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

Heh. Reminds me of the two little old lady Jehova’s Witnesses that would visit us every single day when I was growing up. My mother was always painfully polite (as in our particular tradition, to turn away any preacher of any stripe/kind is thought to be an insult towards God/s. No really.)
Ma would often offer them food and drink, as is our custom. But would balk whenever they outright refused to actually discuss her own religious beliefs with her. They were mostly polite about it. But the “hypocrisy” shown was taken as a grave insult by my mother every time.

I was less polite. I was never rude to them. Just didn’t have as much patience. My father would gently mock them, but in a cheeky way. So they never really seemed to take any offence.

Whilst annoying as hell, I strangely kind of miss their visits lol

But yeah I understand how frustrating such people are. Good on your better half to stand her ground and defend your right to beliefs your though.

In my family’s tradition to proselytise is the epitome of hubris. I guess because it’s seen as presumptuous to try to choose another’s path for them. And arrogant as hell to talk on the behalf of any deity.

 

[SA Huguenot]

Wasn't sure whether or not this should go in debates or journals, since it may come off more as a rant.

Evangelists.... Seriously?

Some of you may know my wife and I's new town flooded, we were mostly spared, but had one room succumb to the local river Goddess' foul mood.

I had a wonderful organization called Samaritan's Purse, come by today and help do some mold mitigation in the room that flooded out. Thanks for that. Now with them came a couple of Chaplains, from a group of disaster ministries called Billy Graham something rather.

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

What pissed me off, is while I stepped out of the room to use the phone (I had been on hold for 1.5 hours at this point and wasn't missing my call). Apparently, they had started talking to my wife about being "born again", not a concept I'm unfamiliar with, so cool maybe they help my wife. But get this, the guy talking to my wife
starts trying to get her to convert me to Christianity. She insisted several times that I was firm in my own beliefs, as I had already said earlier, I worship many Gods, when asked if I believed in Jesus and the Bible's God. Which pretty much ended his train of thought. And we switched to war stories.

Now, I'm a nice fellow, I'm big on Hospitality. Even if my temper may come off strong at times. But you're in my house on my terms, you do not come in here, and turn MY wife against me (not that you could, anyways). What skullduggery is this steaming pile of Auðumbla ****. This is a disaster area and I let you into my house on good faith. Never again.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Why cast spouse against spouse? Attempt to turn households asunder? Is it because you follow Jesus? This is biblical inerrancy?

Matthew 10 : 35-36
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

As a Christian, it might sound shocking to you, I AGREE TOTALLY WITH YOU!

However, take into consideration that what the heart is full off, the mouth overflows with.
Even though this person, in his mind, thought he is doing good, in his eagerness he made his gospel bitter in his mouth.

I dont care who you are, you dont force your religion down other people's throat.
From my side, I believe the Spirit of god creates a time where someone will want to talk to you about your religion, this is when you can openly convey the gospel.
Else, they should rather go to a forum as this and speak their mind.
This way everyone knows this forum was intended to brain wresstle with otherminded souls.

I want my tombstone to read:
Here lies Piet.
He never found the correct church...
But he could not find a wrong one either!

 

[SA Huguenot]

Conservative Christianity is all about proselytizing over everything else. I am so sorry this happened to you. I would be angry.

I think we should not generalize...
I know many Christians who would never do such a thing as the OP mentioned.
Actually, the majority of Christians dont go out in such a way to irritate people into their religion.

However, I remembered how at a family and friends gathering, everyone dished up, and the father of the household said to everyone to close eyes to bless the food, one man loudly protested, "I dont believe in gods!"
In such an instance I would think one will keep silent on the traditions of other people's beliefs.

This old man replied, "OK dont worry, the Father believes in you."

A few smiles, and the bomb was defused.

I also had my sessions with Watchtowers and Mormons, and if it was not for these interactions, I would not have learned about these religions.

Perhaps the OP could have told the person to return at a later stage, and gave him hell about his attetude.
Just a thought.
Remember, every action, can be turned into a lever to open a can of worms, and perhaps to enlighten someone caught in the dark dogma of indoctronation.

 

[pearl]

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

Many Evangelicals are required to go on a mission, seems that's what your visitors were doing. Actually, it is required of all Christians to 'go forth and spread the Gospel'.

 

[Revoltingest]

Many Evangelicals are required to go on a mission, seems that's what your visitors were doing. Actually, it is required of all Christians to 'go forth and spread the Gospel'.

I always help them out by giving them the address of my
friend & neighbor. He's an atheist, & should hear The Word.

 

[pearl]

I always help them out by giving them the address of my
friend & neighbor. He's an atheist, & should hear The Word.

Cute. I prefer St Francis' version, 'only use words when necessary'.

 

[Sand Dancer]

I think we should not generalize...
I know many Christians who would never do such a thing as the OP mentioned.
Actually, the majority of Christians dont go out in such a way to irritate people into their religion.

However, I remembered how at a family and friends gathering, everyone dished up, and the father of the household said to everyone to close eyes to bless the food, one man loudly protested, "I dont believe in gods!"
In such an instance I would think one will keep silent on the traditions of other people's beliefs.

This old man replied, "OK dont worry, the Father believes in you."

A few smiles, and the bomb was defused.

I also had my sessions with Watchtowers and Mormons, and if it was not for these interactions, I would not have learned about these religions.

Perhaps the OP could have told the person to return at a later stage, and gave him hell about his attetude.
Just a thought.
Remember, every action, can be turned into a lever to open a can of worms, and perhaps to enlighten someone caught in the dark dogma of indoctronation.

That's why I said conservative Christians, which are half of Christians. There are lots of Christians who see people as people instead of possible converts. Sadly, many of the churches I attended did focus on this, and tithing.

 

[Revoltingest]

Cute. I prefer St Francis' version, 'only use words when necessary'.

I'm no saint.
Words spill forth as a deluge from a failed dam.

 

[pearl]

Words spill forth as a deluge from a failed dam.

You will be the life of the party; I would be the wallflower.

 

[Revoltingest]

You will be the life of the party; I would be the wallflower.

Only if the party descends into arguments about politics or religion.
Otherwise, I'm looking for the food, & then a good place to relax
unnoticed.

 

[BilliardsBall]

Wasn't sure whether or not this should go in debates or journals, since it may come off more as a rant.

Evangelists.... Seriously?

Some of you may know my wife and I's new town flooded, we were mostly spared, but had one room succumb to the local river Goddess' foul mood.

I had a wonderful organization called Samaritan's Purse, come by today and help do some mold mitigation in the room that flooded out. Thanks for that. Now with them came a couple of Chaplains, from a group of disaster ministries called Billy Graham something rather.

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

What pissed me off, is while I stepped out of the room to use the phone (I had been on hold for 1.5 hours at this point and wasn't missing my call). Apparently, they had started talking to my wife about being "born again", not a concept I'm unfamiliar with, so cool maybe they help my wife. But get this, the guy talking to my wife
starts trying to get her to convert me to Christianity. She insisted several times that I was firm in my own beliefs, as I had already said earlier, I worship many Gods, when asked if I believed in Jesus and the Bible's God. Which pretty much ended his train of thought. And we switched to war stories.

Now, I'm a nice fellow, I'm big on Hospitality. Even if my temper may come off strong at times. But you're in my house on my terms, you do not come in here, and turn MY wife against me (not that you could, anyways). What skullduggery is this steaming pile of Auðumbla ****. This is a disaster area and I let you into my house on good faith. Never again.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Why cast spouse against spouse? Attempt to turn households asunder? Is it because you follow Jesus? This is biblical inerrancy?

Matthew 10 : 35-36
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

I believe the proper response rather than questioning their motives is to post a sign on your front door, "Please do not mitigate our crises if you tell us to be born again", saving both them and you trouble.

That way, they cannot show you any agape love before daring to suggest that being born again is a biblical command.

 

[pearl]

Only if the party descends into arguments about politics or religion.

Well, there you got me, as I would do the same, sort of a call to arms

 

[Kenny]

Conservative Christianity is all about proselytizing over everything else. I am so sorry this happened to you. I would be angry.

I think this needs more explanation. I am a conservative follower of Christ... and I don't have "proselytizing" over everything else. Part of it, yes, but not over everything. Yes, I would be angry too over what they did.

I find more often now that we want to paint everything with a broad brush when someone does something wrong, politically, socially and everything else. It is a shame because if cancels the important part of life... dialogue.

 

[The Hammer]

I find more often now that we want to paint everything with a broad brush when someone does something wrong, politically, socially and everything else. It is a shame because if cancels the important part of life... dialogue.

This is why I didn't really say anything to them directly, and was hospitable and cordial. And also why I ranted here about it, to no one in particular, to decompress.

This is mostly on those two gentlemen, as their actions have soured my opinion on a group I was originally neutral towards, and was honestly glad to see them helping the community.
Home - Billy Graham Rapid Response Team

 

[Muffled]

Wasn't sure whether or not this should go in debates or journals, since it may come off more as a rant.

Evangelists.... Seriously?

Some of you may know my wife and I's new town flooded, we were mostly spared, but had one room succumb to the local river Goddess' foul mood.

I had a wonderful organization called Samaritan's Purse, come by today and help do some mold mitigation in the room that flooded out. Thanks for that. Now with them came a couple of Chaplains, from a group of disaster ministries called Billy Graham something rather.

Now, I invited them into my home, as my wife is Lutheran Christian, and this has been as hard on her as it has me. I also allowed both organizations to pray for me and my wife, because it is no big deal to me.

What pissed me off, is while I stepped out of the room to use the phone (I had been on hold for 1.5 hours at this point and wasn't missing my call). Apparently, they had started talking to my wife about being "born again", not a concept I'm unfamiliar with, so cool maybe they help my wife. But get this, the guy talking to my wife
starts trying to get her to convert me to Christianity. She insisted several times that I was firm in my own beliefs, as I had already said earlier, I worship many Gods, when asked if I believed in Jesus and the Bible's God. Which pretty much ended his train of thought. And we switched to war stories.

Now, I'm a nice fellow, I'm big on Hospitality. Even if my temper may come off strong at times. But you're in my house on my terms, you do not come in here, and turn MY wife against me (not that you could, anyways). What skullduggery is this steaming pile of Auðumbla ****. This is a disaster area and I let you into my house on good faith. Never again.

1 Corinthians 13 : 4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Why cast spouse against spouse? Attempt to turn households asunder? Is it because you follow Jesus? This is biblical inerrancy?

Matthew 10 : 35-36
For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.

I believe then that you are saying God is your enemy. Good luck with that. Sodom and Gomorrah didn't fare too well.

 

[Muffled]

I also asked if this was Biblical inerrancy. Although maybe not as directly as I could have in retrospect.

I believe a Christian has a duty to love the person and that requires trying to convince the person to leave death behind and come into life.

 

[Muffled]

And it doesn't have to, my wife and I don't see eye to eye on religion. But we don't argue about it either, as our love for each other supersedes that. Just like our agreement to allow any children we have to have access to both of our views if curious, without pushing them in either direction to support one or the other.

But what these two Chaplain's we're trying to do, was use that love and support as a cudgel to force homogeneity. In a time of hardship for us.... Seems out of bounds imo.

This will not damage me and my wife's relationship, as we are chuckling about the brashness ourselves. But that doesn't make it any less rude then it was.

I believe there may be a desire to keep the peace but that is not love that is self preservation.

 

[Kenny]

This is why I didn't really say anything to them directly, and was hospitable and cordial. And also why I ranted here about it, to no one in particular, to decompress.

This is mostly on those two gentlemen, as their actions have soured my opinion on a group I was originally neutral towards, and was honestly glad to see them helping the community.
Home - Billy Graham Rapid Response Team

To be honest... you are more gracious than some Christians. I thank you!