Faith and the Unease of Christian Mission Work

[motheroreily]

I've been thinking a lot about mission work and the idea of converting people from other religions and it makes me feel uncomfortable. I'm not sure why, but something about it doesn’t sit right with me.

Maybe it’s the idea of approaching someone with the assumption that their beliefs are "wrong" or need changing.

Have you ever felt this way? How do you reconcile faith and respecting others' beliefs?

You’ve a low opinion of yourself. I haven’t sinned and definitely don’t want saving by anyone. Preaching to someone is basically rude in any part of life.

I'm always very surprised when people state they haven't sinned. Perhaps I shouldn't be.

Why would you be surprised. Some of us lead good lives without any religious rules. Sin is just a religious control function.

How is sin a 'religious control function'? What is it meant to control?

The religious threat that you’ll go to hell (which doesn’t exist) if you don’t behave and believe as a god dictates.

This made me wonder why would you follow a religion that was introduced by colonists?

I asked atheist DS this yesterday. He said that if faced with proof that God existed he would definitely accept that he does.
He'd also be asking a lot of questions like "why haven't you ever sent proof"

Hmmm I don't think it's a very effective threat then, because most people really don't 'behave'! 😅

One could argue that the whole of creation surrounding us is proof!

You’ve made your choice @Parker231
I wouldn’t be so rude as to discuss the matter any further with you.

I suppose it depends what you mean by sinned.
If you believe having sex before marriage is a sin, then I'm a sinner. (Personally I don't believe that)
Is thinking "bad" thinks a sin? How bad? "My brother is an annoying twat". Is that a sinful thought, or human nature to be annoyed at a sibling?

If people only see the "big" things, the things that are illegal as Sins, then I'm not a sinner.

I haven’t sinned so can’t have any imaginary threats for my actions. If others don’t lead a good life, their problem.

That's proof that the world exists. Not God.

Usual response!!

@AlteredStater "I'm always very surprised when people state they haven't sinned. Perhaps I shouldn't be"

Why? I haven't sinned because a sin is a transgression against divine law. And for me there is no such thing.
This does not mean that I've never done anything wrong, or never hurt another person. That is not the same thing at all.

I think it’s the response you wanted?

You don’t want anyone to preach the Gospel to you and you’ve decided you’re fine without Christ.

I respect you enough to let that be the end of it.

Sex before marriage and thinking a family member is an idiot are part of every day life and not wrong. No one is hurt and your good life continues

Yes, I quite agree. But I know others who will tell me the sex before marriage is a sin.

Ah yes @Parker231 I remember you. You have not sinned because there's no such thing, and you are a good person and perfectly fine with your life. I know better than to throw myself against a brick wall! But I wish you well.

Reading through this thread reveals two kinds of people -

1. those who have made themselves the judge of right & wrong and who have devised a “Jesus” to fit in with their own imaginations. Evidenced by phrases such as “for me” such and such is true.
2. those who humbly recognise that Christ is the Judge and that He has revealed Himself to the world in His incarnation and has, by His Spirit, caused the record to be written so anyone can read it and understand who He is and what He taught and who believe His word.

These two very different kinds of people will not agree on issues of salvation, sin, Heaven & Hell etc because their points of reference are utterly different.

Missionaries do good work in poor and needy communities. The side effects of people living their faith and helping those in need is that some people will be attracted to that faith.

Other faiths do similar. I've definitely read about a Sikh temple feeding those in need in the local area. I was so impressed.

I'm Catholic but not closed off to other faiths. There is only one truth. I happen to believe in Christianity. As long as there are people who believe in God getting out there and helping others is what matters.

To be honest there's a lot more about returning to faith to get stuck on. I tend to pray for insight and understanding. It's really helped.

Good luck.

@AlteredStater "One could argue that the whole of creation surrounding us is proof!"

Well, one could. But not with any logic. Which is fine- faith and logic are different things. All that the "world of creation" proves is that the world exists!

You don’t have to believe in a god to help others.

@ZenNudist Sikh gurdwaras offer food to anyone that asks, regardless of need.

Reading through this thread reveals two kinds of people

those who have made themselves the judge of right & wrong and who have devised a “Jesus” to fit in with their own imaginations. Evidenced by phrases such as “for me” such and such is true.

I haven't made myself judge of right and wrong. I accept that I don't know.

If anything it's the "this is the only way to believe" who have made judgement on others.