Sharing the Spirit of Christianity/Evangelizing

[mmhmm]

Mar 15, 2014 18:50:11 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Shamrock_Lassie... You are one I would not continue sharing my faith with because I would know the gospel is offensive to you. I would not be and I'm not offended at all.

I've had the same electrician, carpenters and miscellaneous repairmen/women I've shared the gospel with for years now, and have become great friends with all of them. All of them, without exception have dined at my table more times than I can count. Just because my faith is not agreeable to some of the people I know, we are still able to maintain friendships.

I can honestly say the gospel is not offensive to me.  I don't believe, but it isn't offensive in any way.  It's the right way for some.  It's just not the right way for me.  As I see it, if someone brought up the subject of atheism to me and asked me about it, I'd be happy to converse on the subject.  However, I would not bring up the subject to someone else just off the cuff.  I think this is something many people just don't want.  They don't want another person bringing up the subject of religious beliefs with them because they feel those to be very private and personal things.  Does that make sense to you?

[mmhmm]

Mar 15, 2014 18:58:37 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Mar 15, 2014 18:40:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

@heart2heart-when you are speaking with your delivery person, is your intention to help him/her accept their homosexuality (through Christ) and become an active member of a church?  

I like how you asked the question..

My response is, if I answer your question the way I'd like to, already knowing your views on Christianity I would be accused of what in your eyes?

You are not serious about the Christian faith and are looking for a way to lash out. I refuse to take the bait.

I, too, am curious about the question Tenn asked, heart2heart.  You said your delivery person had made some sort of mistake.  Were you attempting to correct that mistake?  Does the delivery person feel he/she has made a mistake that needs correction?

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Shamrock_Lassie... You are one I would not continue sharing my faith with because I would know the gospel is offensive to you. I would not be and I'm not offended at

And that is where you are COMPLETELY wrong. I was raised in a Protestant Christian household - I married a Catholic Christian - my belief system may have changed - and it may not have- but you have now pre-judged me as a non-believer.

I embrace many faiths besides the Christian faith- including Buddhism & Wiccan - what I don't do is engage others in a religious discussion - each person has their own personal level of belief (or not) - and it should remain personal.

I don't wish to discuss mine with others or have them discuss theirs with me. It's something I hold within myself as mine.

[Deleted]

mmhmm, I get it. But it's the total lack of respect for others opinions that is so disrespectful. But you as an admin allow it. You allow the majority to gang up on the minority. How you don't see that I just can't comprehend. I jumped in here because this was an obvious example of what goes on here repeatedly.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I was basically called a heathen - without the person calling me that even knowing anything about me. How is that any different?

I explained myself in post #214 - but @heart2heart had already decided from reading my posts that I was a non-believer. And she was dead-wrong.

[cereb]

Mar 15, 2014 19:24:01 GMT -5 @investorbob said:

mmhmm, I get it. But it's the total lack of respect for others opinions that is so disrespectful. But you as an admin allow it. You allow the majority to gang up on the minority. How you don't see that I just can't comprehend. I jumped in here because this was an obvious example of what goes on here repeatedly.

This isn't a playground. Everyone here is presumably an adult. Is it ok that more than one person can disagree with another person's opinion and post it? It's a message board.  So, that's pretty much the way it works.

[Tennesseer]

Mar 15, 2014 18:58:37 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Mar 15, 2014 18:40:07 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

@heart2heart-when you are speaking with your delivery person, is your intention to help him/her accept their homosexuality (through Christ) and become an active member of a church?  

I like how you asked the question..

My response is, if I answer your question the way I'd like to, already knowing your views on Christianity I would be accused of what in your eyes?

You are not serious about the Christian faith and are looking for a way to lash out. I refuse to take the bait.

You 'Liked' my quote above.  What did you 'like' about ìt?  

You don't know all my opinion(s) about Christianity as Christianity has many branches within it.  I have nothing against Roman Catholics.  I was raised one.  Nor do I have anything against many of the Protestant churches.  I have great respect for many Christian sechurches though not so much respect for some others.

I may not believe Christianity is the one, 'true' religion but then I do not believe any of the world's many religions are the one, true religion.  I believe no one has it right.

The only thing I request of all religions ìs to keep ìt ìn your own backyard.

[Deleted]

mmhmm.. I will share my faith with anyone who desire to hear the gospel without exception. I don't bring up the subject of my faith off the cuff. Ever. As I stated before, there is always some type engaging with that person 1st before I share the gospel with someone. 

Christianity is not a private faith to hold to ourselves to those who believe, but is shared by many to others. We understand this gospel will be rejected and not all will hear or accept. This we already know and should take no offense. It is not us who are being refused, but the gospel. 

Here is what makes sense for me, mmhmm. To know when and to whom I continue sharing the gospel with. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ just because I am accused of proselytizing another, rejected or refused. Our perception of sharing differ and I am fine with that.

I'm no babbler. I do not consider those who do not believe, stupid. I believe God accepts all who truly believe the gospel without exception. I will continue to share the gospel to anyone who will hear. And those who don't want to hear I pray I have enough wherewithal to know the difference and allow them their spaces. 

All faiths are built upon word of mouth, a book read or some form of sharing their beliefs. I am not offended when other faiths offer their beliefs to me. I simply refuse and keep moving along. I never stomp around in tantrum or anger or begin name calling because their beliefs differ from mine. 

I am sure you will hold my feet to the fire if I dare share the gospel here, as well as others if I do. I won't. I promise. 

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2014 19:17:00 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

Shamrock_Lassie... You are one I would not continue sharing my faith with because I would know the gospel is offensive to you. I would not be and I'm not offended at

And that is where you are COMPLETELY wrong. I was raised in a Protestant Christian household - I married a Catholic Christian - my belief system may have changed - and it may not have- but you have now pre-judged me as a non-believer.

I embrace many faiths besides the Christian faith- including Buddhism & Wiccan - what I don't do is engage others in a religious discussion - each person has their own personal level of belief (or not) - and it should remain personal.

I don't wish to discuss mine with others or have them discuss theirs with me. It's something I hold within myself as mine.

I apologize.

Let me reword what I feel. I would not continue sharing my faith with you because you don't like engaging others in religious discussion and find that offensive.

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2014 19:48:30 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Mar 15, 2014 18:58:37 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

I like how you asked the question..

My response is, if I answer your question the way I'd like to, already knowing your views on Christianity I would be accused of what in your eyes?

You are not serious about the Christian faith and are looking for a way to lash out. I refuse to take the bait.

You 'Liked' my quote above.  What did you 'like' about ìt?  

You don't know all my opinion(s) about Christianity as Christianity has many branches within it.  I have nothing against Roman Catholics.  I was raised one.  Nor do I have anything against many of the Protestant churches.  I have great respect for many Christian sechurches though not so much respect for some others.

I may not believe Christianity is the one, 'true' religion but then I do not believe any of the world's many religions are the one, true religion.  I believe no one has it right.

The only thing I request of all religions ìs to keep ìt ìn your own backyard.

Tenn. I am going back to my own front yard, okay? 

[cereb]

"cereb- This person feels the love and is not offended in any way by me, but more importantly, takes no offense concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ."


And this is where it all goes wrong. I am not in anyway offended by the gospel of Christ. Most people, even Atheists are not offended by the Bible.

What is offensive is how it is used to excuse by some, or even many to excuse their poor behavior. I have never sat on a park bench, walked down a street, spoken with a public servant or any person not known to me and had a natural  conversation that evolved into religion. I guarantee you, for me any encounter I ever had that went this way was uncomfortable given the personal nature of the conversation. I was always polite to the individual who thought it appropriate to tell me how I should accept the "truths" they had to offer. Like I'm a frigging idiot and can't think for myself. Like I'm not an adult, or I am incapable of choice or like I have had it all wrong all along. Like I am too stupid to "see the light, feel the love,,,blah blah blah.     Humph!

It's rude, it's presumptuous, it's judgmental and offensive. Most people are just too polite to tell you as much.

[Deleted]

Cereb. Thanks for not being one of those who weren't too polite to tell me as much.

[cereb]

Mar 15, 2014 20:07:23 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Cereb. Thanks for not being one of those who weren't too polite to tell me as much.

I've been polite about it for far too long and I ain't doin' it anymore.

[mmhmm]

Mar 15, 2014 19:24:01 GMT -5 @investorbob said:

mmhmm, I get it. But it's the total lack of respect for others opinions that is so disrespectful. But you as an admin allow it. You allow the majority to gang up on the minority. How you don't see that I just can't comprehend. I jumped in here because this was an obvious example of what goes on here repeatedly.

No, investorbob, I don't allow anything.  It's not up to me to allow or disallow.  All I can do is enforce the ToS and the CoC.  I'm not in command here and neither are you.  In any discussion, the minority opinion is going to feel "ganged up" upon.  Sorry, but that's life.  I've been the minority opinion often enough to know in a debate I'll probably get my head handed to me more than once by those holding the majority opinion.  It doesn't intimidate me.  My opinion is my opinion and I'll stand by it.

That said, from what I've gathered, believers are the majority on this board, not the minority, and it seems your contention here is that those who believe are the minority.  Not so, IMO. If we did a poll, investorbob, I'd be willing to bet the farm you're wrong.

[steff]

"a person's religion should be treated like their genitalia...don't show it off in public and don't shove it down anyone's throat who isn't interested."


Credit to my teenager for finding that quote for me a couple of years ago. 

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2014 20:09:39 GMT -5 cereb said:

Mar 15, 2014 20:07:23 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Cereb. Thanks for not being one of those who weren't too polite to tell me as much.

I've been polite about it for far too long and I ain't doin' it anymore.

You were quite bold with me, I must say. 

[cereb]

Mar 15, 2014 20:16:02 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

Mar 15, 2014 20:09:39 GMT -5 cereb said:

I've been polite about it for far too long and I ain't doin' it anymore.

You were quite bold with me, I must say. 

That's pretty much my M.O.

[mmhmm]

Mar 15, 2014 19:48:38 GMT -5 @heart2heart said:

mmhmm.. I will share my faith with anyone who desire to hear the gospel without exception. I don't bring up the subject of my faith off the cuff. Ever. As I stated before, there is always some type engaging with that person 1st before I share the gospel with someone. 

Christianity is not a private faith to hold to ourselves to those who believe, but is shared by many to others. We understand this gospel will be rejected and not all will hear or accept. This we already know and should take no offense. It is not us who are being refused, but the gospel. 

Here is what makes sense for me, mmhmm. To know when and to whom I continue sharing the gospel with. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ just because I am accused of proselytizing another, rejected or refused. Our perception of sharing differ and I am fine with that.

I'm no babbler. I do not consider those who do not believe, stupid. I believe God accepts all who truly believe the gospel without exception. I will continue to share the gospel to anyone who will hear. And those who don't want to hear I pray I have enough wherewithal to know the difference and allow them their spaces. 

All faiths are built upon word of mouth, a book read or some form of sharing their beliefs. I am not offended when other faiths offer their beliefs to me. I simply refuse and keep moving along. I never stomp around in tantrum or anger or begin name calling because their beliefs differ from mine. 

I am sure you will hold my feet to the fire if I dare share the gospel here, as well as others if I do. I won't. I promise. 

*chuckle*  Nah.  I'm not about to hold anyone's feet to any fire!  Sounds painful!  I'd probably just move the post to the Religious Discussion thread.

I do understand some sects of the Christian fold are more evangelistic than others.  I'm aware these folks feel they are to go forth and spread the "news".  Thing is, though ... it isn't news. We already know.  Most people (especially, those raised in this country) are very well aware of religion, of God, and of Jesus.  We know.  Some of us don't accept it in the same way you do, heart2heart.  I'm 72 years old.  I don't need someone to "spread the news" to me, believe me.  I think a lot of folks feel just as I do.  Those who choose to proselytize would do well to be very, very careful in their choice of when and where to do so.  It can be very offensive.  Not because the gospel, or religion, or Christianity, or Christians are offensive, but because it is a very private, personal part of a person's life - a part one doesn't wish others mucking about in, if you get my drift.  That's why discussions of this type always, always, always end up with someone feeling like the underdog, someone else feeling angry, and someone else feeling disheartened.

So far, things have gone reasonably well; however, I think we've probably reached the end of this side of the discussion.  We're starting to tread on ground that can - and will - cause problems.  Thanks for answering my questions.  Let's get back to the original subject of this thread.

[Deleted]

mmhmm.. I got your drift for sure. 

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I apologize.

Let me reword what I feel. I would not continue sharing my faith with you because you don't like engaging others in religious discussion and find that offensive.

Again, I'll repeat - you are dead-wrong - where have I ever said I find it offensive?? You can go back and read the entire 8 pages of this thread, and I've never said I've found the discussion offensive - what I would find offensive is some total stranger or casual friend trying to push their beliefs onto me.

You've mentioned twice that you start up casual chit-chat with strangers and then lead them into discussions of faith from there - your way of "spreading the gospel" that you believe in.. that may not be someone else's belief.

What makes you assume they need to hear your sermon - or be saved? They may already have a belief system of their own.

And there are far more religions on this planet than the Christian one - Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikh, Wiccan, Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Hebrewism, Zulu, and a long list of others :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

And Atheist - which has also been mentioned in this thread.

[Deleted]

Mar 15, 2014 20:37:44 GMT -5 ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ said:

I apologize.

Let me reword what I feel. I would not continue sharing my faith with you because you don't like engaging others in religious discussion and find that offensive.

Again, I'll repeat - you are dead-wrong - where have I ever said I find it offensive?? You can go back and read the entire 8 pages of this thread, and I've never said I've found the discussion offensive - what I would find offensive is some total stranger or casual friend trying to push their beliefs onto me.

You've mentioned twice that you start up casual chit-chat with strangers and then lead them into discussions of faith from there - your way of "spreading the gospel" that you believe in.. that may not be someone else's belief.

What makes you assume they need to hear your sermon - or be saved? They may already have a belief system of their own.

And there are far more religions on this planet than the Christian one - Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikh, Wiccan, Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Hebrewism, Zulu, and a long list of others :

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions

Shamrock_Lassie. I promise you I will not do chit-chat with you about my faith or any faith, okay? Nor push my personal beliefs onto you for that matter. I will never assume anyone need to hear my sermon or be saved, but ask first in a very cordial way. If a door is slammed in my face, so be it. If someone does not believe the gospel I believe I will fully understand. I am not trying to push what I believe onto anyone. 

Believe me, I know there are more religions on this planet than Christianity.

Okay, let me try this one more time.

I would never push my beliefs onto you because you would find it offensive. I am sure I have never done that to you to my knowledge. If I have I apologize.

End of conversation.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I would never push my beliefs onto you because you would find it offensive. I am sure I have never done that to you to my knowledge. If I have I apologize.

End of conversation.

Maybe the saying "The Third Time's the Charm" might work here - I have NEVER found what you say offensive - what I find intrusive (not offensive), is your need to feel you have to pass on your message to strangers you meet at a bus-stop or who come into your home to do maintenance - or someone you happen to meet in passing - when you have no idea if they already have a belief system of their own or not.

Before you feel you have to 'convert' someone to YOUR belief system, think of this - you cannot force someone to accept your personal credo:

Judge not, Lest Ye be Judged.

Live and Let Live.

To Each His(Her) Own.





.

[grits]

Mar 15, 2014 16:33:47 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Tennesseer- My deliverer and me happen to be friends. I've known them for quite some time now. It was obvious I am Christian (paraphernalia) when they first entered my home. Their first few comments included the following.. "Yes, I know, but I can't become Christian because I am "this way".. It's not that they don't believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. They just believe incorrectly.

I don't believe you. I don't believe they would tell you the cannot become Christian because they are "this way". There is nothing wrong with their "way".   And few of the Christian sects are unwelcoming of gay attendees.  Gays may not be welcomed in your church but other Christian churches are more than happy to see them.  Remember:  we are all sinners until the day we die.

And who appointed you the one to determine that others incorrectly believe the gospel of Jesus.  It is equally possible that you incorrectly believe the gospel of Jesus.  It all depends upon one's own interpretation of the gospels.

Get over yourself lady.  Your hubris is something else.

You must live in a sheltered world.  I have had multiple people tell me they can't go to Jesus because of things in their life. I don't ever start the conversation about it, they do.  I have known hookers, drug addicts, drunkards, porn addicts, wife beaters, child abusers, and yes gays.  They volunteer it to me, I don't ask.  If they ask me what I think about it, I'll tell them.  I was spending time with a gay friend last weekend. He is HIV positive, and scared. He asked me questions not the other way around.  I just try to be his friend, and encourage him in his recovery from meth, and his recovery from co-dependent relationships. What he needs most is someone to care about him.  He doesn't need someone to throw stones or someone to tell him his screwed up life is alright, and keep on trucking.  As soon as I put my arm around his shoulder, he relaxes, and starts to go to sleep.  People need to know they are loved in spite of themselves not because of themselves.

[Tennesseer]

As I said grits- there is nothing wrong with their "way".  If someone is telling them there is (from a religious view), they are being served a line of crap.  JMHP of course.

Remember: God/Jesus does not make mistakes.

[grits]

Mar 15, 2014 22:56:36 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

As I said grits- there is nothing wrong with their "way".  If someone is telling them there is (from a religious view), they are being served a line of crap.  JMHP of course.

Remember: God/Jesus does not make mistakes.

Don't even try to use something you don't believe to support your argument.

Instead of sitting in a chair arguing by internet, why don't some of you go volunteer, and try to help the messed up of humanity get their lives turned around?  Volunteer at a shelter, a soup kitchen, teach people to read, do something constructive.

I've had people tell me that I was the first person in years to even speak to them with respect. No child wants to grow up to be a hooker, drunk, drug addict or whatever messed up person they've turned into. .

[Tennesseer]

Mar 15, 2014 23:03:31 GMT -5 grits said:

Mar 15, 2014 22:56:36 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

As I said grits- there is nothing wrong with their "way".  If someone is telling them there is (from a religious view), they are being served a line of crap.  JMHP of course.

Remember: God/Jesus does not make mistakes.

Don't even try to use something you don't believe to support your argument.

Instead of sitting in a chair arguing by internet, why don't some of you go volunteer, and try to help the messed up of humanity get their lives turned around?  Volunteer at a shelter, a soup kitchen, teach people to read, do something constructive.

I've had people tell me that I was the first person in years to even speak to them with respect. No child wants to grow up to be a hooker, drunk, drug addict or whatever messed up person they've turned into. .

None of us are on your mail route so I really doubt you have any idea what any of us do volunteer wise.  Give it up grits.

[grits]

Mar 15, 2014 23:08:03 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Mar 15, 2014 23:03:31 GMT -5 grits said:

Don't even try to use something you don't believe to support your argument.

Instead of sitting in a chair arguing by internet, why don't some of you go volunteer, and try to help the messed up of humanity get their lives turned around?  Volunteer at a shelter, a soup kitchen, teach people to read, do something constructive.

I've had people tell me that I was the first person in years to even speak to them with respect. No child wants to grow up to be a hooker, drunk, drug addict or whatever messed up person they've turned into. .

None of us are on your mail route so I really doubt you have any idea what any of us do volunteer wise.  Give it up grits.

As much as some of you love to talk about your life, we'd know.  As much time as you spend on here, it is doubtful that you have time to do any major volunteering.  You mainly come on here to spread anger, racism, politics, and criticize.  Get real, and do some good.   

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

Hey heart, I was reading this earlier where it was originally posted. Seems like what you were trying to say was that JC would bake the guys a cake? Let God judge as God does on everyone's personal judgment day?

You gotta do what makes you feel good heart, and I like grits have had people just start talking to me about God. Mostly because I'm always talking about history and things that have happened, regardless of what some what to believe.

I just posted something to this effect on the long term investor thread, but I'll repeat it again here.. Looks like all current political and economical situations are about to become moot. Stay .

[mmhmm]

Ahem.  I moved these posts here so the discussion of sharing/proselytizing/evangelizing could continue in a more conducive environment.  I didn't move it here so two people could wage a verbal war.  Let's see if we can keep this somewhat civil and involving everyone who wishes to discuss, shall we?

mmhmm, Administrator