Fishy Religious Fishers
Missionary zeal sometimes appears to me to have little if anything to do with real concern for others. The few times I've been approached by someone asking "Do you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?" it was socially inappropriate – I think a child could have sensed that.
In each case, the person was barely acquainted with me and the reason we found ourselves in the same room had nothing to do with getting together to talk religion. We didn't have the relationship in which the attempted “conversation” - ? – made any sense. It had no context. It truly felt like it was all about them; that was the vibe…
What's your position on proselytizing? Have other people had experiences that were more positive?
To pursue a metaphor, it seems to me that Christians who choose to emphasize the New Testament verses about becoming “fishers of men” would have more luck using live bait instead of bright shiny lures that practically scream “artificial” when viewed from under the living water line.
Spiritual Blog Reviews: A Blog Fisher who’s the Real Thing
This week I received an email from Darcy at Spiritual Blog Reviews http://spiritualblogreviews.blogspot.com/. She’d reviewed my blog. Thanks, Darcy.
I’d never run across her site. It’s unique in my experience and looks like it could be a great resource – I’ll be checking it out further when making my “blogging rounds.” Darcy scouts around for thoughtful-looking blogs on spirituality, then reviews and links to them.
Often when I come across compilations of blogs or sites, they’re not real blogs; the sites often don’t take comments and are only about selling products. And often the site hasn’t been updated for a long time, so when you click on a link you might find that the last time the person posted was, say, eight months ago.
Looks like Darcy’s avoiding those pitfalls and using live bait!
In each case, the person was barely acquainted with me and the reason we found ourselves in the same room had nothing to do with getting together to talk religion. We didn't have the relationship in which the attempted “conversation” - ? – made any sense. It had no context. It truly felt like it was all about them; that was the vibe…
What's your position on proselytizing? Have other people had experiences that were more positive?
To pursue a metaphor, it seems to me that Christians who choose to emphasize the New Testament verses about becoming “fishers of men” would have more luck using live bait instead of bright shiny lures that practically scream “artificial” when viewed from under the living water line.
Spiritual Blog Reviews: A Blog Fisher who’s the Real Thing
This week I received an email from Darcy at Spiritual Blog Reviews http://spiritualblogreviews.blogspot.com/. She’d reviewed my blog. Thanks, Darcy.
I’d never run across her site. It’s unique in my experience and looks like it could be a great resource – I’ll be checking it out further when making my “blogging rounds.” Darcy scouts around for thoughtful-looking blogs on spirituality, then reviews and links to them.
Often when I come across compilations of blogs or sites, they’re not real blogs; the sites often don’t take comments and are only about selling products. And often the site hasn’t been updated for a long time, so when you click on a link you might find that the last time the person posted was, say, eight months ago.
Looks like Darcy’s avoiding those pitfalls and using live bait!
Posted by Paul at 9:11 AM Permalink
23 Comments:
So while you heard the evangelists saying, "join my superior religious club!", they meant to say something like, "we may die at any moment and so let me drop this on you so you don't burn in hell forever ... and if you do, it won't be my fault."
It's certainly interesting to think about people trying to force their belief systems on others. You're right, social graces tend to be swept away with the fervor of "their" experience, which they want to be "yours." I'll admit, I enjoy conversations like this, as I find that very few people actually know their information beyond the few classes taken. The majority of people share based on emotion...and yes, we all like those bright shiny object. I come back with just as much emotion, congratulating them on finding their own path. These people want validation that you can experience their joys and pains, in my opinion... Interesting to think about! Thanks again!
Darcy
"Fishy Religious Fishers" is crux of the matter of post about proselytize. "Good example" as Cristal said is the best.
I try to keep my feith in good way and I try to be open to learn more, more understand. I know that it is still too little. And I know that I don't like to proselytize and be proselytizing.
I read review about your post(s) and it was my good break being there during my hard time now.
I really appreciate it!
Tomorrow (Friday) after next chemotherapy Kevinek should go home, if everything will be without complication.
DARCY: I can imagine that - maybe, for example, a Jehovah's Witness knocks on the door and the timing's right. In my two cases it felt much less voluntary - for example, someone from a health care agency entering my home for the first time...
CRYSTAL: I agree. And it's a non sectarian or trans-sectarian gospel. People who lead constructive lives (and unconstructive) - who ARE "good news" - come from every religious tradition and outside of religious traditions.
Interesting to consider what they might have in common.
KRYSTYNA: Hope you get Kevinek back home. Hospitals sure are nice places to get out of.
here is a quote I believe in:
The hands that do service are holier than the lips that pray.
Keshi.
Some proselytizers lack finesse and turn a person off as a result. But that is a cultural thing I think. I avoid assigning motives to these people other than honorable ones (I give them the benefit of the doubt) only because I am not in a position to judge their hearts.
I have heard it said that everyone is selling something anyway.
I just discovered your site from Darcy's review this week. I've looked through a lot of your back entries, and I enjoy your thoughts and ideas. Thanks, and keep it up!
Thanks for all the good thoughts, and welcome Jacob -
I also figured out the answer, very simple one, but wanna hear what you have to say :)
NABEEL: I really don't know if there are more atheists than in the past. As to whether most atheists are x-Christians, I also don't know. For example, there are many cultural Jews in the US who embrace aspects of their tradition without believing in God.
like fishing) involved in cold-calling potential converts. I have
no real prejudices about the experience: usually, I'll listen politely for a while, and observe the persons delivery or demeanor, at least until an internal egg
timer signal the end of alloted time.
I really have issues with canned monologues, dictated in a
"matter-of-fact", indifferent tone.
A surprising number of would-be
evangelists have few noteworthy public speaking skills, no humor,
or a rather selective understanding
of the words that they're voicing.
Occasionally, one comes along who
actually listens to those whom they
came to save, or, can speak analytically about spiritual issues. I can't really generalize,
nor can I explain why I give them
time to state their cases.
Interesting post!
Good observation. Yes, many who feel that it is their responsibilty to convert everyone else do so in a very raw fashion which does come of as not geniune.
I do look forward to talking with people of this mindset, it gives a great chance to understand their thought process and to be able to share mine.
i also think that actions speak much louder than words. and ... the best way to lead people is by example ~ tolerance, patience, love even and especially when those responses seem impossible to render.
i don't think that mother theresa went around town asking people 'are you saved?' nonetheless many who encountered her felt touched by her wisdom, her faith and love of g-d and humanity and her humble servitude. such seems to me, an invitation. as opposed to the zealot approach ~ which seems tantamount to manipulation ... or intimidation, as you put it.
MARK: I can see that - if you're feeling like it and have the time to spare at the time you're approached.
RED M: Actions also strike me as more truly telling of people than their professions and confessions. Hmm, you may have me thinking two posts ahead...
I don't think it's anyone's place to push their religion on another. I think if you enter a conversation as equals, with the intent of having a discussion about your beliefs in a polite and respectful manner, you might be persuaded to change your mind about aspects of your beliefs, but I highly doubt anyone would just up and convert.
Someone on this thread or the next mentions the blanketing approach, not his word... but the idea that if you approach enough other people in a mass marketing campaign you're bound to catch some.
With religious campaigns it would be an all voluntary force, so I suppose they've got nothing to lose. There must be a reason, because that's how that kind of thing always struck me too - how well can THAT work?! I suppose spam in your email works on the same principle?
Post a Comment