Why do Christians need to promote their religion to non-believers?
score:16
You basically have three sub-questions here, so let me attempt to answer them in order.
Why do christians have to promote their beliefs to other people?
For two principal reasons: because we were commanded to at several different places in the Bible, and as an act of love. The Gospel improves the lives of those who live its principles, and we want to share that with those who don't have those blessings in their lives.
What difference does it make to believers if other people do not believe the same as them?
Well, aside from what I posted above about loving others and wanting them to experience the same blessings we have, it makes a huge difference when the other people are not content to simply "not believe the same" and leave it at that, but actively attempt to use force--of either the physical, political or legal variety--to interfere with our ability to live our religion. And one of the simplest ways to counter that is to turn an enemy into a believer. (Sometimes it can have a very dramatic result; just look at Paul!)
Do they not think they may offend atheists?
Perhaps, but that only matters if you think that avoiding hurting someone's feelings is more important than sincerely trying to help them improve their lives. The Gospel encourages an eternal perspective, which tends to give us a different ordering of priorities than the strong short-term focus so prevalent in the world today.
Upvote:-1
Early Christians had a particular vision, and that vision needed to spread, so the mechanism was:
Accept Jesus, then get others to accept him.
This is similar to the vision of our form of agriculture:
Grow, then get more land, increase food production, then grow some more.
These two quotes came from Beyond Civilization, by Daniel Quinn.
So, we start with the fact that we want our vision of God to spread. You can see this in a similar way with other religions.
Now, do you have to buy into any one particular religious belief, so should Catholics try to convert Baptists? I think that as long as the vision is similar to Jesus' then we should focus on the two greatest commandments which is on how to properly relate to God and each other, with love. So, some people want to force their views on others that don't have their own narrow view of the world, but that seems geared more toward personal glory (bragging rights) than trying to help share Jesus' vision.
Now, you mention in a comment why try to convert people that are happy. Some people feel that they are happy as drug users, or skipping school. If I truly love someone then I would like to see them happy for eternity, and Jesus is doorway to this, then I should share my beliefs, but, as I mentioned in another of your questions, being pushy will just drive people to put up walls and become more resistant. Being pushy wasn't the way that Jesus nor the early Apostles approached this, and using them as a guideline would show that being pushy is probably for the wrong motives.
So, why not share our view on relationships with God and others, and show how it can help them, but that starts with understanding that person, not just trying to use a one-size fits all approach.
We can share our beliefs without annoying people, if we go slow, let God direct us, and understand the person we are talking with.
One of the best books to help show how this works is Dale Carnegie's How to Make Friends and Influence People, btw, if you don't want to use a religious writing.
Upvote:2
Christians believe two things (among others):
- Jesus is the only route to heaven; without him, you go to hell.
- It's our job to love everyone.
If you believe those two things, then you have to try to get everyone to accept Jesus. Letting them go to hell isn't loving them.
You might agree or disagree with those two beliefs, but if you want to know more about them, that'd be best suited for a separate question.
Upvote:7
Let me put it to you this way:
If you saw someone about to walk off a cliff, wouldn't you try to stop them?
The question is asking about a Christian's motives, so it's fair to evaluate this from the Christian's point of view. Perhaps the atheist about to walk off the cliff is only trying to reach a ledge just below top of the cliff, but if all the Christian can see is someone about to take a jump, making an effort to save this person is perfectly appropriate.
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