Category: philosophy/religion topics
Earlier today we had the Jehovas Witnesses descend on masse ..now I've no problem with people having a religion if they are good enough to keep it to themselves. However, I cannot understand the need for christianity's storm troopers, to force their beliefs on others. Shouldn't they be content in their faith and if it is as strong, as they would like us to believe, why then do they feel this unremitting need to save us poor atheists...possibly the JW's feel threatened by the fact that are able to think for ourselves, and struggle through life, without leaning heavily on the crutch of religion...
goblin im sorry you had to put up with that. not all christians are like that. i will only witness to someone if god has put it on my heart; i dont force it down peoples throats. but again i apologize that you had to put up with that it is very embarrassing to me.
The only thing I once did is to say that I wish others will find their belief again, but I would never force someone to believe, because i have experienced it myself.
Yeah. I agree. I could and do state what I believe in, but I would never try to force my religion down people's throats either. I will say when I feel strongly about something, but I won't force people to change or say they'll go to hell or like that because I think almost all religions and beliefs can have their good points. We get the same thing too with JW's actually. We used to tell them that we are happy with the way we worship and don't feel we need to change it. But recently, and now, when we see one coming down the street, we just pretend we're not home and they actually fall for that. *smiles*
Leilani
Funny, isn't it, how it's the extremists in any sect who feel the need to practice conversionism? JW's, Mormons and Baptists in christianity, the Hari Crishna sect in hinduism, though all the hindus I know are horrified at the very idea... and I'm sure I had more examples but it's far too late and I'm far too brain-dead to look them up just now, so I'll come back with some sort of point tomorrow. *sheepish grin*
See if anyone thinks I am pushing religion on others, then tell me. But I never intended to.
the jahova's witnesses are the worst for that.
True, and I didn't mean to imply that Mormons and Baptists etc are quite at that level, but I've had people from both sects express interest in saving my soul, completely unprovoked in a public place, so it put me off a bit.
OK, just a guess, but I guess some people just worry a lot about hte masses of people who either are unaware of or have refused their faith and don't want to see them being eternally tortured because of this. It's kind of a do-gooder thing. Problem is, extremism and the do-gooder mentality do not mix well. LOL!
I personally believe it's my responsibility to at least share my beliefs. But I don't think going out on the street is the way I'd do it. I find it to be non-effective. I think people will respect me and my opinion if I share it with them once we're friends. But I never make friends just to try to shove my opinion on them.
I agree, Puppybraille.
Along with the rest, I am not one who shoves Christianity down peoples throats. It is totally up to each person to believe what they want. I am not the one to force religion down the throat. However, I am not afraid to speak the name of Jesus Christ.
I, too, do not shove religion down peoples' throats; I simply speak my beliefs. I have a right to, after all. One of the things I like about my religion is that we do not believe in converting others.
Chet
That's cool!
reading this has just given me a fantastic idea! i'm going to go round to every church in my area, get address's for there parishioners then go to every house i can find on that list and preach ungodlyness! if it's good for the goose!
Harp, I don'T think tis is funny, honestly.
well why not? if people can preach the word of god why can't people preach the word of atheism? After all, the non believers don't like to be told they should believe, so it's the same as a non believer going to a believer and telling them that god doesn't exist and that if they stop believing, they will be saved...
exactly! i have just as much right to knock on somebodies door and suggest that they don't worship god as they do to knock on mine and suggest that i do!
quite, and by just as much right, that should be, none what so ever. no one should have the right to harrass anyone in their homes with the view of converting them to their beliefs.
Oh man, Goblin!!! I totally understand what you're going through. I've had so many people force their beliefs on me when all I wanted was to be left alone!!! I don't think it is right so why not do what Harp suggests and preach the word of Atheist? I really liked that idea a lot!!!
*sexy*
Well okay. Then preach ungodlyness. But you will not have my support for that. HOnestly. I understand everyone who hates if religion is shoved down their throat. Yes, i do, I had this experience. But still you should accept others' beliefs.
or disbeliefs. as in, if someone doesn't believe, you, as a believer, should accept that also.
I agree Ines. Totally. No one who goes too a believer and says don't worship God, will have my support. If people don't want too believe, that is there choice. I can't say i've ever had it shoved down my throat, but i could imagine how it may be annoying, however, it is hard for someone with very very strong believes, possibley that they'd die for, too keep quiet. I, personally, believe that everyone will be held acountable for there actions on the mighty day of the Lord!!! that's my personal view. No one has too accept it. Sazel.
We had the mormons at the door last week. I really find it off putting when people come to my door unannounced and want to preach. LOL If I want guidance, I'll ask Mel or Lordlover etc. to talk to me, or I will go to church, which I do on occasion. Point is, believing is great, but not forcing peeps in the middle of a Monday evening. LOL
Hehe, Harp's idea was tried here recently by sort of a low-key satyrical comedian called John Saffran. He went to a Mormon community, and rode around on a bicycle, equipped with pamphlets, knocking on people's doors with lines like "Good morning Madam. If you have just a moment, I'd like to talk to you about the non-existence of God." All for the purposes of his program of course, and not meant to seriously offend anyone, but twas amusing.
Hm. Yeah, amusing ... for those who like it maybe.
and why perhaps would the deeply religious not like it? why is it, that the deeply religious feel they can tell the world how they feel, but that the people who don't feel the same as them can't do the same?
*nods* There's this idea, that since people trying to spread their faith are only trying to share the word of "insert deity here" and save everyone's souls, that the rest are obligated to nod and smile and think them well-meaning and harmless. But those godless atheists should keep their opinions to themselves, since they might corrupt someone's innocent faith. Since faith is such a powerful thing, surely it can withstand an exchange of views. Similarly, I think that people who put their religious opinions out there in public should be prepared to defend them. If you're not, then you can keep them private. You'd be surprised how many people do.
or to put it another way, do unto others! lol
Lol. Make me look verbose, will you?
I don't usually say something about it unless someone makes fun of me, and I defend myself, or if I feel like God has put it on my heart to witness to someone. Usually, though, if something like that happens, it's in private. These public rants and vents are the effects from the causes of Christians being slammed. I don't mind if someone of another religion speaks their mind; I may disagree with it, but that's their opinion. However, if they are immature and insulting about it, then, I don't appreciate it and end up retaliating. Am I making any sense at all?
Well, personally I find Harp's idea of preaching atheism in the JV fassion quite funny. Probably no one would take it seriously anyway, apart from those who felt offended... I also object to people preaching at me, even don't care for them to tell me they hope I'll find religion someday; in my opinion that's just arrogant. It implies they think that my life is somehow worth less, or less fun because I'm not religious... After all I'm not going around telling them I hope they won't be adicted to God forever, or some such nonsense that would suggest that my life is in some way better because I don't follow any religion.
If you want to rid your self of the JW's just invite them in and try to pray with them....
I've been slightly disappointed by these door-to-door preachers. When they come to my house, I spend their time debating the virtues of atheism and/or other religions. I compare verses from the Bible with that of other beliefs (wow! Wraith reads the bible! Oh my god!). Anyway, I always found it amusing that they usually decided to leave when I tried to debate their points. I mean, if you're going to go preaching, you ought to be prepared to present your propositions in a constructive manner, even if the person you run across decides to be a pain and debate.
I've been disappointed by these people because, it is these self same people who continually preach perseverence in converting the lost to their religion. Are they themselves afraid to become one of the lost? Is this perhaps why they turn away?
I once got hung up by the daughter of a missionary when I tried to debate religious points with her. I was tactful about it, neither attempting to offer any insult or disgrace. The event left me even more disappointed. I mean, if a missionary who seeks to save the souls of those he helps, has a daughter who isn't prepared to defend the very things he teaches, perhaps he should take more time to be a missionary in his own home?
I say none of this to offend or otherwise degrade anyone who may be Christianity. I only say it as a point to show my disappointment.
Funny thing is, I remember passages of the Bible what taught one to preach the majesty of God through their lives. That the best way for them to show someone the love and what not of God, was to present themselves as evidence. It is disconcerting, therefore, to find people no longer trying to do things this way. They now take to shoving their ideas and beliefs down our throats.
I *could* believe in the virtues of Christianity, were I to have the perfect symbol of it to watch and otherwise communicate/interact with.
Amen, Wraith. Luckily, all Christians are not like that.
Exactly.
i like your idea alex. i think i might try it out sometime!
I spent about 18 months as a mormon, so i know just how unbareble that kind of religion can be. On a number of occations i have dealt with JW's and mormons at my door trying to change my sinfull ways so that i might be clenzed...
The thing that annoys me is that so many of these people fail to understand the fact that atheism can also be a valid religious standpoint. I think that harps idea has some merit in the fact that more people really need a rude awakening to this fact.
Atheism is the belief that there is no god of any kind. And since it is a belief, it can be called religion. And if all Jw's and mormons are trying to do is convert one to their beliefs, then why shouldn't atheists try to do the same? Further to that, why shouldn't Scientists go round door to door and try to get people to subscribe to their theories?
i completely agree. that was the point i was trying to make.
Things just are because ... they are. I find it easier not to believe in anything. I love being human, and so, I love indulging in human desires. LOL. Because I have been raised Catholic, it was always ingrained into me that a lot of things were sinful. We can't be selfish 'cause that's just wrong. Screw that. Humans are naturally selfish, so how am I going to feel guilty about something that's part of human nature? I'm going to enjoy my humanness. Granted, that doesn't mean I don't have morals or anything. I like to think of it as not being constrained by religion. I live as I see fit to live, and let others do what they want.
agreed. me too.
hmmm i like some of yall's ids
Well, I am out to serve, but it's only because I really like it. I hate selfishness. Too many are, and that makes me angry. Some religious practices I don't agree with, so I only follow some.