Is spreading your religion correct?

[Caladan]

Well, it matters if let's say only a Wiccan is doing the conversion, because then the subject gets a very one-sided view. However, if they all have a chance to try and convert, then the person who is subject to their attempts gets a varied view on people's opinions, and can make a decision for himself what, if anything, seems believable.

So, you believe that all systems of beliefs out there (Satanism, Christianity, Islam, Neo Paganism) should have the same shot at prosetylizing? and you as a Christian who believers in fairness would give your children the chance to be 'converted' into the Church of Satan?

 

[danny vee]

So, you believe that all systems of beliefs out there (Satanism, Christianity, Islam, Neo Paganism) should have the same shot at prosetylizing? and you as a Christian who believers in fairness would give your children the chance to be 'converted' into the Church of Satan?

Now this is a bit of an awkward question as I don't have any children, but I think that this a child should not be subject to being prosetylized by a huge amount of different religions before his/her understanding grows, and he/she does not believe everything he/she is told anymore. So yes, in the teenage years of the child, I would, if the child was willing, allow them to be subject to prosetylization by people from different religions. Until then however, I'd probably only tell them of my own religion because, to a child, does it really matter? It won't affect them too much, they won't think about it excessively, and, isn't it just important for a child to be happy? These big questions concerning religion can come later, when the child is ready.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Define bad.

In this context, I'd say that "causing a net harmful effect on others" can be safely classified as "bad".

There's a difference between convert, and force someone to think like you through blackmailing them and torturing them.

Actually, there isn't necessarily any difference at all - there's overlap. This isn't to say that all conversion involves blackmail or torture, but both of those can be (and have been) used as conversion tactics.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Now this is a bit of an awkward question as I don't have any children, but I think that this a child should not be subject to being prosetylized by a huge amount of different religions before his/her understanding grows, and he/she does not believe everything he/she is told anymore. So yes, in the teenage years of the child, I would, if the child was willing, allow them to be subject to prosetylization by people from different religions. Until then however, I'd probably only tell them of my own religion because, to a child, does it really matter? It won't affect them too much, they won't think about it excessively, and, isn't it just important for a child to be happy? These big questions concerning religion can come later, when the child is ready.

Yes, it does matter. As the old Jesuit saying goes, "give me a child until seven and I will give you the man."

 

[danny vee]

In this context, I'd say that "causing a net harmful effect on others" can be safely classified as "bad".

Actually, there isn't necessarily any difference at all - there's overlap. This isn't to say that all conversion involves blackmail or torture, but both of those can be (and have been) used as conversion tactics.

You still haven't defined bad, you've only put harmful under the category of bad, which you haven't defined.

 

[danny vee]

Yes, it does matter. As the old Jesuit saying goes, "give me a child until seven and I will give you the man."

This is just silly. You know that a child will believe pretty much anything you tell them so I think that it is not reasonable to bring up a child with a messed up world view. When the brain has developed, then is the time to enter these topics. For example, children are afraid of things that, once their brain develops, are noticed by the child to be a completely silly thing to be afraid of. My eight year old little sister got extremely afraid when she heard that the sun was going to expand in 5 billion years, because her perception of time is not developed yet. There is no reason to bring up topics like the variety of religion in the world, until the child can understand them.

 

[jtartar]

Is converting non-believers into believers of your religion OK? Let's say you were 100% sure of your religion, would you think it morally correct to go and convert a bunch of African tribes to your religion? The fact that some people are 100% sure about their religion is the real problem with this. If you were 100% sure wouldn't you go and tell others of the truth, so they could be sure too?

danny vee,
Not only is it not wrong to tell others about your religion, but it is a command of Jesus. That was Jesus' command to his disciples, just before he went back to heaven, Matt 28:19,20, Acts 1:8. This is the most important part of being a Christian, teaching others about God and His purpose, John 18:36,37. All Christians are to be footstep followers of Jesus, 1Pet 2:21. Paul taught the same things, 2Tim 4:2-5. Paul said it was God's will that all come to an accurated knowledge of God, 1Tim 2:4,5.
Even though Jesus healed and did many other powerful works, he was known as THE TEACHER. Over and over, when people came up to him they said;Teacher, or Rabbi, Luke 18:18,19, 20:28, 21:7, 22:11, John 20:16, and on and on.
Remember, we are told at Acts 4:12, that the name of Jesus is the only name given under heaven, by which men MUST get saved. People must learn about Jesus and his place in God's Kingdom. People must Know God, not just as a nodding acquaintence, but intimately, John 17:3, 2Thes 1:6-9.
The thing of utmost importance is: we must teach the TRUTH, John 4:23,24, John 17:3, 2Thes 2:9-12, Heb 5:12-14.
We would not want to stumble anyone by teaching false doctrine. Remember, the one you stumble is the very one that Jesus gave his life for, Matt 18:6,7, Phil 1:9,10, 1Cor 8:11. 2Pet 3:15-17.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

You still haven't defined bad, you've only put harmful under the category of bad, which you haven't defined.

And I'm not going to define it, because there is no single definition. "Good" and "bad" are complex, but largely defined by individual moralities and societal norms, and are to a great extent determined by context. However, since homicide is harmful to just about every society and the individual people in it (especially the person killed), I think it's rather safe to label it as "bad".

This is just silly. You know that a child will believe pretty much anything you tell them so I think that it is not reasonable to bring up a child with a messed up world view. When the brain has developed, then is the time to enter these topics. For example, children are afraid of things that, once their brain develops, are noticed by the child to be a completely silly thing to be afraid of. My eight year old little sister got extremely afraid when she heard that the sun was going to expand in 5 billion years, because her perception of time is not developed yet. There is no reason to bring up topics like the variety of religion in the world, until the child can understand them.

By doing so, you create a situation where it is very unlikely that your child will follow any religion but yours.

And terms like "messed up worldview" are relative.

 

[sandy whitelinger]

I thought you said that only those who believe in Jesus will be saved? Now you are saying that all who believe in God will be saved? Please clarify.

Jesus is God.

 

[sandy whitelinger]

And yet we know that's not the case, so back to the question. If someone hasn't heard of the Christian God, how is it fair to punish them eternally for not believing in something they've never heard of?

You could also think of it as what would be the point of proselytizing, if everyone already knew about God? If that bit in Romans, is true, then there's no need for anyone to proselytize, is there?

Romans is true and some peole need help getting over their disbelief.

 

[Heneni]

Is spreading your religion correct? Who wouldnt want to spread the good news. Just be prepared...good news for some, is bad news for others.

If you are declared the winner, will the loser be happy with the news?


Heneni

 

[HoldemDB9]

Jesus is God.

So you see all who believe in God as believeing in Jesus?

You don't believe that God will in anyway favour a Christian over a Muslim or a Hindu?

 

[GiantHouseKey]

Why do we need to survive?

Well we don't need to, but in that sense you could say that we dont really need anything.

If your God said 'Go forth and multiply' and we didn't he'd probably be pretty pee'd off right?

If your God does not exist then we can say that, at a Base 3 level anyway, that we need to survive because survival is all we can acheive other than death. And life is the preferable position of this mutually exclusive set of existance, in my opinion.

GhK.

 

[logician]

danny vee,
Not only is it not wrong to tell others about your religion, but it is a command of Jesus. That was Jesus' command to his disciples, just before he went back to heaven, Matt 28:19,20, Acts 1:8. This is the most important part of being a Christian, teaching others about God and His purpose, John 18:36,37. All Christians are to be footstep followers of Jesus, 1Pet 2:21. Paul taught the same things, 2Tim 4:2-5. Paul said it was God's will that all come to an accurated knowledge of God, 1Tim 2:4,5.
Even though Jesus healed and did many other powerful works, he was known as THE TEACHER. Over and over, when people came up to him they said;Teacher, or Rabbi, Luke 18:18,19, 20:28, 21:7, 22:11, John 20:16, and on and on.
Remember, we are told at Acts 4:12, that the name of Jesus is the only name given under heaven, by which men MUST get saved. People must learn about Jesus and his place in God's Kingdom. People must Know God, not just as a nodding acquaintence, but intimately, John 17:3, 2Thes 1:6-9.
The thing of utmost importance is: we must teach the TRUTH, John 4:23,24, John 17:3, 2Thes 2:9-12, Heb 5:12-14.
We would not want to stumble anyone by teaching false doctrine. Remember, the one you stumble is the very one that Jesus gave his life for, Matt 18:6,7, Phil 1:9,10, 1Cor 8:11. 2Pet 3:15-17.

So you're just following orders? LOL

So said the soldiers of Hitler.

 

[Beaudreaux]

It depends entirely on how it's done. I babble on about my theology to anyone who'll listen, but I don't do it to convert. If someday, someone were to decide I was right and had faith in my vision of God, that would be cool, I guess. But I'm not going to go around telling people that their vision is wrong.

If your view is right, aren't the others wrong by definition?

 

[Beaudreaux]

I agree with Storm......it depends. Far too often people like to bring up the Crusades and other atrocities done as a jab toward Christianity (although many Protestants will be quick to tell you "that's the catholics not us") and how they operate.

Right! Protestants burned witches at the stake. And drowned them. Oh, and bombed abortion clinics.

There is no denying that conversions were done crudely (to put it lightly). And the crusades isn't even a real good example of it.

However...it's often forgoten that millions were converted without even saying much at all. A show of kindness and love is sometimes all it takes.

True enough.

 

[J Bryson]

It's perfectly fine to talk about your religion, or to suggest reading material, or to hand out pamphlets. However, continuing to talk after the person has expressed polite disinterest, or threatening them with a horrible afterlife if they don't read the material, or continuing to thrust the pamphlet at a person as he or she runs? Uncivil and impolite, not to mention poor marketing technique.

If I ever decide to convert to Christianity (for instance), it will have far more to do with the woman who hands out food at the Venice Boardwalk due to her belief in Christ than it will have to do with anyone who has ever cornered me at a coffeehouse or other public place to insistently spread the "Good News".

 

[ChristineES]

People keep saying "so you wouldn't mind if your children were taught "so and so". With that statement a stipulation could be made- No proselytizing to children other than your own under a certain age- at least not without the parents' consent.

 

[Darkwater]

Spreading your religion is correct,I love a guy who is not scared to show his ignorance & stating dumb stuff is how everyone learns,whether right or worng(and everything in between)

 

[J Bryson]

Yes, it's distasteful and an infringement upon the family structure to proselytize to children without parental consent. I had a lady try to do that when I was twelve. She was convinced that my Dungeons and Dragons book was Satanic, and stated that she should throw it away for me. I lied and told her that I'd do it myself.