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Why do some religious people preach there beliefs to non believers ?

It's best to ask the individuals engaging in the behavior directly. Reasons why I might "preach" about my religion:
  • My religion is who and what I am and I can't avoid being who and what I am
  • I like who and what I am, so I am comfortable sharing that and putting myself out there
  • I like sharing things that might be inspiring and bring happiness or joy into lives
  • I am deeply distressed by present biodiversity loss and the sixth mass extinction; it is human-caused and has human solutions
To some, simply existing as a cultural group and living your life in a way that reflects that is considered a problem or preaching. I don't agree with this hostility to human diversity, but it's a thing and the OP didn't specify where they do or don't draw the line with what constitutes preaching. I do not (yet) live in a culture that would actively persecute me for who and what I am so I am free to express who and what I am without fearing for my life or my wellness. This, unfortunately, has been changing in a negative way lately.
So by this logic you should not care if me and many others preach the blessings of Satan openly with good intentions or try to convert people to accepting pedophilia?

Also 6th mass extinction?? As if you know all previous mass extinctions that have occurred and know one will occur? Where did you get this extreme source of knowledge to know all of human and life history?
 

Foxfyre

Member
In Edmonton I have seen this multiple times and find it annoying.
I am Christian and I also find unsolicited religious preaching annoying. I figure 'preaching' on a religious message board to be sort of solicited though. If I am not interested I just scroll over it and find something else.

I should say, however, that I find unsolicited preaching re politics or social issues or other controversial topics annoying. But again I figure that kind of 'preaching' to be sort of solicited on a message board and again can just scroll over it if not interested.

I think those who do it do so for one of four reasons:

1. They are strongly convicted of something and feel compelled to share it.

2. They are thinking about something and honestly want to discuss it with others.

3. They are trying to convince themselves of the truth of what they are saying.

4. They are trying to start a food fight.

Depending on my mood I might participate in situations 1, 2 and 3. I won't do No. 4.
 

IndigoChild5559

Loving God and my neighbor as myself.
It's best to ask the individuals engaging in the behavior directly. Reasons why I might "preach" about my religion:
  • My religion is who and what I am and I can't avoid being who and what I am
  • I like who and what I am, so I am comfortable sharing that and putting myself out there
  • I like sharing things that might be inspiring and bring happiness or joy into lives
  • I am deeply distressed by present biodiversity loss and the sixth mass extinction; it is human-caused and has human solutions
To some, simply existing as a cultural group and living your life in a way that reflects that is considered a problem or preaching. I don't agree with this hostility to human diversity, but it's a thing and the OP didn't specify where they do or don't draw the line with what constitutes preaching. I do not (yet) live in a culture that would actively persecute me for who and what I am so I am free to express who and what I am without fearing for my life or my wellness. This, unfortunately, has been changing in a negative way lately.
Nicely said.

I don't think the point here has been that there is anything wrong with sharing things about ourselves, especially those things which we find lovely or inspiring. I think the discussion is focusing on those who insist on sharing when others clearly aren't interested, or when the time, place, etc. may not be appropriate.

For example, I do share your distress over the current mass extinction. But if I went out to brunch with my BFF who is uninterested, and just wants to have a nice conversation over coffee about how the kids are, then it would be extremely rude of me to bring that topic to the table and bug her in that way.

You are not coming across as the sort of person who is that way. :) I tell that anecdote only to clarify that there is a difference between appropriate sharing and being an irritating person.
 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
So by this logic you should not care if me and many others preach the blessings of Satan openly with good intentions or try to convert people to accepting pedophilia?
What a weird thing to ask. What kind of human randomly starts asking about stuff like this anyway? That's weird.
Also 6th mass extinction?? As if you know all previous mass extinctions that have occurred and know one will occur? Where did you get this extreme source of knowledge to know all of human and life history?
The relevant literature is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a decent education. Calling that an "extreme source of knowledge" is also a bit weird. At least in a modern context where this information really isn't difficult to find.

 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
I don't think the point here has been that there is anything wrong with sharing things about ourselves, especially those things which we find lovely or inspiring. I think the discussion is focusing on those who insist on sharing when others clearly aren't interested, or when the time, place, etc. may not be appropriate.
Maybe it's a social skills thing. I wonder how the dynamics of modern communication will continue to upend this. What does the right time and place look like anymore when so much of our interactions have become impersonal and through a screen?

(yes, I recognize the irony of these words posting them on such a medium)
 
What a weird thing to ask. What kind of human randomly starts asking about stuff like this anyway? That's weird.

The relevant literature is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a decent education. Calling that an "extreme source of knowledge" is also a bit weird. At least in a modern context where this information really isn't difficult to find.

Why is it weird to ask questions? Information isn't difficult to find does not mean it is factual or credible. To think you or anybody can use some recently developed man made tools to track the entire course of history on earth in a field that is constantly throwing out arrogance and falsehoods and being proven wrong over time is a bit of a stretch to me
 

stvdv

Veteran Member
In Edmonton I have seen this multiple times and find it annoying.
IF they come to me THEN I tell:

I have 1 question first, okay?
Of course they agree
Q: Does belief in Jesus trumps belief in Buddha
Of course they agree

Then I tell them:
"We can't speak, because you judge part of God's Creation (Buddhists), that falls under blasphemy, according to your Bible. IF I let you speak to me, your God might accuse me of 'aiding and abetting' your judgmental behavior"

I don't wait for their reply, and walk away
 
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