‘Unfortunately, I’ve seen missionaries create hatred for Jesus and Christians where there was none to begin with, simply because of their methods.’

To love Christ is more than just a feeling. When Christians evangalize, in any fashion, it is an act of obedience to ‘go into all the world’ and tell the good news. How it is done and how it is received do not necessarily coincide. God prepares the hearts of those who are hearing, if the heart has not been prepared then it doesn’t hear. A Christian cannot ‘win people over’ and quite frankly, anyone who is won over by a good presentation rather than by saving grace will be a short-lived convert.

I’ve seen people’s hatred for Christ become immense just by a slight comment about a Christian’s conviction in some part of their lifestyle – like any of those mentioned in the original post. Sometimes a Christian doesn’t have to say a word, just live differently (in a biblical manner) and people can still be offended and have their hearts hardened toward Christ. This will always happen, and Jesus knew it. John 15:18&19

I have seen Christian evangelism destroy cultures and turn people bitter and violent. I believe that Christians have the right to preach and proselytize, even if I don’t accept all that they are preaching. You MUST speak your truth if you think that is the only truth.

I only wish that there was a little more thought and sensitivity to the way it is done. In the effort to prove that Christianity is the only way-does one need to, for example, make totally erroneous remarks about another person’s belief system? You (I mean a general “you” not you personally) may believe their path is false, but to make comments about a belief or a practice without understanding it and to put people down while holding up your truth is also wrong. There has to be a better way of doing it, which is why I agree with you that the way you lead your OWN life is the best way to attract people to your beliefs.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen missionaries create hatred for Jesus and Christians where there was none to begin with, simply because of their methods.

To be a Christian is to believe that the only way to salvation and freedom is through Christ…all other religions are hopeless and lead to destruction. The only loving thing to do with such a belief is to *aggressively*, as you put it, pursue the world with that truth, just as Jesus did, regardless of the persecution. Some will hate us, as they hated Him; and some will see the truth and the truth will set them free.

Truth is not always comfortable or pleasing to the ear. But what good is a religion that says “this is one way to freedom, but you may want to try another way if you don’t like this one”…There is only One Way, and I hope you find Him.

By the way, the gospel of Scripture is two-sided; there is the overwhelming love of a Savior who gave His life so we could be free now and in eternity, and then there’s the very real wrath of God “coming to the sons of disobedience”. We would be the meanest of the human race to believe such knowledge and mitigate it for “offenses sake”.

I agree with you…I should have added into the post, that a life “set apart” is a life that causes people to ask about the hope within us and gives us the opportunity to give an answer.

I am resolutely “lost,” I suppose. I don’t believe the Bible, or the Quran, or anything else is God’s word, though there are parts of the Bible I love deeply and that have guided me.

I will not go into my religious beliefs here, but there is something that those who want the whole world to be Christian-and a particular type of Christian at that-should realise. I present this as a plea.

Calling people “lost”, “heathen,” “pagan” in a disparaging manner, deriding their traditional practices, sermonising and using their “lips” as Jess mentioned, when specifically told that one does not want to be preached to, can be hugely off-putting and achieve the opposite result of what evangelists want, i.e. a deep hatred of anything Christian, leading in some cases to what I believe is called the “persecution of the church”.

Jess, this ties in with your comment-sometimes “sharing the good news” is an extremely aggressive act, which is why, though I don’t agree with Kelly about submission etc, I think the better way to win people over to your way of thinking is to lead your life by example. Thanks to you too, for being open to discussion.

Believing Christ existed and being saved by Him is a distiction that leads born-again Christians to follow Him ‘in submission’. The role that was created for women, as well as giveing ourselves over to God’s will is part and parcel of being Christian. Picking and choosing the parts of the Bible to follow is part of being ‘lost’ to the world’s way.

I know sometimes a written comment can come across as preachy – that is not intended here. Just my thoughts when I read your comment. ;o)

Blessings to ALL!!