This is one of the most common objections to Christians that I hear. People do not understand why Christians cannot understand that everyone has their own beliefs, and why we cannot simply “live and let live”. They see Christians as prideful and arrogant, because they believe their beliefs are better than others. So let’s make an attempt to take a rational look at why Christians proselytize.
What is proselytizing?
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, to proselytize means “to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause”. In other words, to proselytize is simply attempting to convince someone outside of your group to join you. Do Christians proselytize? Christians do attempt to convince others to join Christianity, but Christians are by no means the only ones who proselytize. Actually the majority of religions are built off of proselytizing, but not only that, politicians and their supporters proselytize in order to spread their ideas and increase their votes. Charity groups proselytize in order to increase their funding. Even schools proselytize to get more students. Even with all these different groups proselytizing, it is rare to hear complaints about any of them except Christians (maybe politicians but that is usually by the people proselytizing the opposite side). So what makes Christian proselytizing so different?
Why are Christians so pushy?
First a short proclaimer before I answer this question: Though I completely understand it is not always the case, I will be answering this question with the assumption that the Christians we are talking about are following the Bible’s motivation. So what motivates Christians to be pushy in proselytizing? The answer is simple: love. Non-Christians accuse Christians of not understanding their beliefs yet the opposite is clearly also true. If a non-Christian truly understood the belief of a Christian, they would then appreciate the fact that the Christian was proselytizing.
Think about it this way. If you knew how to cure cancer then you would attempt to tell as many people with cancer as possible about your cure, right? Now imagine there was one person that not only didn’t believe in your cure, but didn’t even believe they had cancer. They had all the tests done and they showed all the signs but simply didn’t believe it. What would you do? You would do everything you could to convince that person that they did have cancer and that they needed your cure. You wouldn’t consider it intolerant of their belief that they are healthy, you would consider it an attempt to save their life.
Now from the side of the Christian; a Christian believes that all are infected with a disease called sin (Rom 3:23) which leads to death (Rom 6:23) and that the only way to be cured is through accepting Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:9-10). If we truly believe this and did not tell you, than we would be like the person with a cure to cancer who hides it away and allows all the cancer patients to die. Whether you agree or not is your choice, but even if you disagree with what a Christian believes, you must agree that it would be insensitive, even criminal, for me to believe that you are headed towards death and not do anything about it.
Okay, but why are Christians always so judgmental, assuming I’m a bad person?
The Bible shows us all to be bad people without Christ’s sacrifice. Whether it’s you or me, no one person is better than another. That is the amazing thing about the Gospel, is that for once there is no discrimination. People who have claimed to follow it have created discrimination, but that just further proves the point that humanity as a whole is flawed. Christians are not saying that you specifically are a bad person, but that everyone of us has sinned and done something wrong, and therefore needs a Saviour. Again, as stated above, you are free to disagree with this point, but it doesn’t change how Christians believe.
Can't Christians understand that everyone has their own beliefs and that the Christian belief is no better than others?
Of course a Christian understands that others have their own beliefs but just as everyone else, a Christian believes that their own beliefs are correct, and just like everyone else they believe that their own beliefs are important, and a part of their beliefs is the importance of sharing them with others (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 1:8).
So what’s the point of this article?
Non-Christians often accuse Christians of being intolerant of others beliefs, and say that they should not proselytize. The point of this article is simply to show that to tell a Christian not to proselytize is being intolerant, possibly even ignorant, of their beliefs. To be clear, I do not, by any means, stand behind every action made in the name of Christianity. I also do not defend many of the methods used by Christians to proselytize. I also believe strongly that Christians need to be more open to hearing what others believe and more understanding when people do not want to hear from them. But as mentioned above, it would be insensitive and even criminal for us Christians to completely abandon our attempt to help save you from the death that we believe you are headed to. You are free to disagree, but as you ask us to be tolerant of your belief, please be tolerant of ours.
Martureo, I understand why you want to proselytize me, but I'd still rather not be proselytized. That's not intolerance, just my preference. However, if you do happen to show up at my door, I promise I'll be cordial and respectful.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand and respect your position. You are always cordial and respectful and I respect that as well. This was simply an explanation for those who try to tell Christians that they should never attempt to share their faith or convert others. At the same time we Christians do need to be understanding of when we need to back off and respect your right to not want to hear.
ReplyDeleteThat being said you won't see me at your door as I do believe that door to door is not only rude and intrusive, but also ineffective and therefore a waste of time for both you and me.
Well written article, Matthew.
ReplyDeleteI think it is one of those things that will always create tension between people. Each side gets frustrated at the other for "not understanding". Difficult topic to cover, and I think you did it clearly and eloquently.
It's amazing to me that there is not a truth of life missing from the bible, yet as amazing as that is, it still gets ignored because the "church" owns it and the church sucks, therefore the bible sucks.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I see the rationalism of those who reject Christ.
It makes no sense.
If you seek Christ at least once in your life, truly from your heart of honesty, you will not be able to resist falling in love with Him and acknowledging Him to be the creator of all we know and see.
It makes too much reasonable sense to deny.
What a difficult burden.
Very well written and solid article. I think you did an excellent job of presenting why we share and the motivations that should be behind a true Christian's actions. Given this logic, there should be no reason why someone should be offended at an attempt of a Christian to share his beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all of you for your compliments. I realize this article isn't going to solve anything but I thought it would be interesting to write a response to all the critics.
ReplyDeleteMartureo, I rewrite some of yours.. "But as mentioned above, it would be insensitive and even criminal for us insurance salesmen to completely abandon our attempt to help save your family from disaster because we believe you have a fair chance like everybody to die from accident or disease prematurely. You are free to disagree, but as you ask us to be tolerant of your ignorance and stubbornness (my apology to be so blunt), please be tolerant of our analysis based on scientific studies."
ReplyDeleteThe world will, however, be a lot enjoyable for everybody, if less insurance salesmen will come knocking at our doors uninvited. If I need an insurance policy, I will buy it over the internet or call an agent. As nothingprofound would have meant, most of us will still be polite and courteous to cold calling insurance salesmen.
@Paul Interesting point and solid argument. There are a few differences with your example and with what I am talking about. First of all I made it clear that I do not condone many of the methods that Christians use, this includes door to door, as I think that in our society this method is considered rude and intrusive. I would like to point out though that you are speaking from a western society point of view as in many countries showing up at people's door is considered not only okay but expected.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, again assuming the person is going by the Bible, we are not selling anything. True there are some churches that attempt to say that giving is mandatory but the Bible makes it clear that it is not. We are simply letting you know about a free gift.
Thirdly, as a Christian I am 100% convinced that the Bible is true. It's not just a fair chance that sin will lead to death, this is how it is. This is why the cancer analogy is better fitting.
Thank you for your comments Paul.
Martureo, I have many Christian friends and they earn my highest respect. In Hong Kong, Christians are not as pushy as, perhaps, their US counterparts. Christians in mainland China are doing more important, but difficult, spiritual jobs, as such I have even more respect for them. Personally I am not against 10% donation as some Christian groups do (in HK too). My point is devoted Christians should not be offended when their audience find their message "offensive". For good or for bad, spirituality (like education, politics, and a Big Mac) is being considered by the average citizen as a product/service to be sold and bought in our contemporary society. And in such situation, one shouldn't blame one's potential customer when one "failed to convince". Perhaps, just perhaps, one should do better prospecting (like any seasoned insurance salesman), and find out those "warmer prospects" to talk to instead of talking to any John and Dick who happened to be around. No apology needed for preaching with a passionate heart and soul (it's only a matter of practical strategies).
ReplyDeleteIt seems, Paul, that we are very much on the same page then. I also believe that the practical strategies of Christians are outdated and often intrusive. It is also my belief that we are better served to speak to those "warmer prospects" as you said. This article was written in response to popular criticism that Christians should not attempt to convince others at all. There seems to be a popular belief that people can not know truth and that anyone who claims to know truth and tries to convince others of it is simply arrogant and intolerant. This is the argument that I attempted to refute from a Christian's point of view. When I talk to Christians my focus is very different as I am discussing there strategies and, even more importantly, motivation. I am not ignorant of the fact that many Christians are proselytizing with wrong motivations either. Again, thank you for your commenting.
ReplyDeleteI know this is two years old... but: is there a special handshake or magic words that I can tell a Christian (well meant or otherwise) that I am aware of who Jesus is purported to be, and I am aware of the Bible and its teachings, but I simply do not wish to take part.
ReplyDelete"No, thank you" should suffice, but it doesn't. I don't want "them" to stop believing in their God. I just want to be left alone.
I teach my children that genitalia and belief systems are best left hidden from public view. Unless invited (and legal).
I agree that a "No, thank you" should suffice. And I apologize for my pushier counterparts. As mentioned above my point wasn't to excuse Christian's strategies. I think that Paul hit the nail on the head when he said that Christians, like insurance salesman, need to be a bit more sensitive to those who are ready to hear.
DeleteRegarding this paragraph: "Now from the side of the Christian; a Christian believes that all are infected with a disease called sin (Rom 3:23) which leads to death (Rom 6:23) and that the only way to be cured is through accepting Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:9-10). If we truly believe this and did not tell you, than we would be like the person with a cure to cancer who hides it away and allows all the cancer patients to die. Whether you agree or not is your choice, but even if you disagree with what a Christian believes, you must agree that it would be insensitive, even criminal, for me to believe that you are headed towards death and not do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteCan you really think that as a minority group we have not heard all this many times already? We have heard your good news. After long deliberation we have come to a different decision, for our own good and valid reasons. Stop beating us over the head with your beliefs. If we want to hear more we will ask.
Actually in my experience the majority of people, Christians and non-Christians alike, have not deliberated at all about what they believe. I think the majority of people simply follow in the steps of their parents whether that means they follow in Christianity, atheism, or another religion entirely. As a Christian who has deliberated over my beliefs I think this is just as sad for Christians to not do as it is for anyone else.
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