72 replies to this topic

[Josh]

^

Well, irrationality is also in the eye of the beholder. If I jumped in front of traffic and clucked like a chicken, my mom might think that was the most endearing thing ever while the rest of the world would think I'm an irrational moronic stupid git.

[Kelela]

John Burke, on Jul 8 2003, 02:32 PM, said:

My personal perspective is that-- while religion can be used as a justification for the evils we perpetrate against each other-- it can also be a powerful mitigating factor against those evils, encouraging love and mercy in a world without enough of either.

Yes John I agree, I use my faith to enhance my spiritual life, an extremely personal life.  I hail from Evangelical roots, however, I leave the conversion of others to others. I am totally uncomfortable trying to sell my 'religion'. If the way I live my life causes questions and curiosity, I will explain the why and how of it, but I can not be a salesman for the Christian faith just because church rules demand it.  Come to think of it, I'd make a lousy salesman period.
(((((Lyric))))))

Kelela

[Peridot]

Lyric Z D, on Jul 7 2003, 06:21 PM, said:

Lil wrote:

Quote

{{{{{{{{{{Lyric}}}}}}}}}}}

Just try to remember that not *all* Christians are of the "our way or the damned way" persuasion and are not all going to be in your face with the proselytizing.

Lil

I have yet to meet one who isn't. Unless you are?

Lyric, part of the reason for that is that those of us who are Christians but who are not invested in proselytizing others aren't constantly accosting people to inform them of our religion!

Seriously, though---one of the reasons I have started to let people know that I am a Christian is that I think that the only way those of other religions (or no religion) will know that not all Christians are inveterate proselytizers is if the "quiet Christians" start speaking up and identifyiing  ourselves.

And its not just me, or my family, or the Christians here on the board.  There are whole denominations that give active evangelism a rather low priority.

And believe me, we get approached by the door-to-door evangelists just the same as anyone else! Most of them are pretty polite, and I'm pretty polite to them.  But I've had at least one experience that I would definitely rather have gone without.

.....And as for Jid's experience with the over-eager young men while running on his way to class....

ROTFL!!

Peridot

[Bad Wolf]

Yup.  No such thing as pleasing all of the people all of the time...and trying, especially when it involves unacceptable compromises (and imo it always does) doesn't get the desired result.  

Lil

[Cait]

^ This is funny because I get the same thing...... I'm told often "You think you know it all."  

And I often answer..... "No, You think, I think, I know it all" ...... It helps me to stay clear on who thinks what when I break it down like that...

Strong opinions, stated in a confident manner are often misinterpreted as enforcing that opinion on others..... It's not, or at least it usually isn't, but that is seldom understood.  And I've fallen into that trap myself upon occasion! ~sigh~

~ Cait

[Bad Wolf]

Caitriona, on Jul 8 2003, 09:04 PM, said:

^ This is funny because I get the same thing...... I'm told often "You think you know it all." 

And I often answer..... "No, You think, I think, I know it all" ...... It helps me to stay clear on who thinks what when I break it down like that...

Strong opinions, stated in a confident manner are often misinterpreted as enforcing that opinion on others..... It's not, or at least it usually isn't, but that is seldom understood.  And I've fallen into that trap myself upon occasion! ~sigh~

~ Cait

WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Drew]

Vapor Trails, on Jul 8 2003, 11:47 PM, said:

"Trying to explain/talk sense to some people is like trying to teach a pig how to read. You end up wasting your time and annoying the pig."

A very good reason for me to stay out of this thread.  

[fallenangel]

Yeah i'm with all the rest of the Christians replying, as i am one myself.I am shocked that other believers have acted this way,they of all people should realise that by forcing it down your throat it would only serve to alienate you and piss you off.  I wish you could of had a better introduction to Christianity, perhaps if the people trying to convert you had explained things better then you may have had asn answer to some of your questions. Fal

[QUOTE]If you ignore it,it won't go away,it'll just hide in the background until you are not ready and take you by surprise.

[Lady of Mystery]

As a Christian, I believe what I believe and I'll leave it at that.  I don't force what I believe off on anyone, unless they truly want to know.  And if they want to learn more that is fine, if they choose to go another route that's their choice.

Tho I have noticed in life as well as here on Ex-Isles, it matters not what one's "faith" is, or what one believes, we ALL are guilty of trying to persuade others to our way of thinking.


Lady

[GiGi]

^ Indeed that is true, I am guilty of it myself.

[ReeMaven]

I don't consider myself as belonging to any religion. I believe all religions have their good and bad points. I have been in similar situations with people trying to Make me feel that their beliefs are the only option.  The funny part is that a good friend of mine is a priest and he has NEVER once tried to convert me or even make me feel excluded for not sharing his beliefs.