Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rev. Kelly
I believe that most, if not all, of us understand that we can't force others to see our viewpoint or accept our beliefs, but there are those out there that would try to force others to accept what we believe.
Why would people do this? Can you really force someone to believe what you do or would it just be superficial at best? Wouldn't most people just follow their own way in secret?
|
I'm not sure about other religions, but in Christianity (at least in the more fundamentalist/literalist belief systems), people are taught to spread the Gospel. There are Bible verses that support this viewpoint. So evangelism is seen as a part of the believer's service to God. Two groups that are especially serious about their evangelism are the LDS church and Jehovah's Witnesses. (I try to be patient with them when there's a knock on the door, recognizing that they are doing this out of sincere faith. But I've also learned to say "no...."

)
So, I think it depends on what's in the heart..... It can be sincere, or it can be arrogant. For me to try to convert someone would be like saying "I must change you because I know what's best for you. God isn't capable of giving you all the wisdom you need right now."
