When is it appropriate to share your religious faith with others?

[mee]

[quote=path_of_one;146563]Maybe this is how it SHOULD be, but it often isn't. I've had many times that people came back every so often, when it was clear I am not and will not be a JW.

pquote]
and then there was a time when it was clear that mee was not and thought they would never be a JW .


but look at mee now the GOODNEWS of the kingdom is mees focus matthew 24;14 Daniel 2;44


and it is very good

[mee]

[quote=path_of_one;146563]

Second, Christ said that if someone didn't want to listen, to shake the dust off your feet/robe and move on. quote]



very true on to the next door . AND ALWAYS IN PEACE


and with YOUR feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace EPHESIANS 6;15


How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: "How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!" ROMANS 10;15

Bringing Good News of Something Better

"How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one . . . bringing good news of something better."—ISAIAH 52:7.

[mee]

[quote=path_of_one;146563]

I have yet to see a truly loving person come to my door. quote]




If they were not displaying love of God and neighbour they would not bother to be going out on the work Jesus commanded matthew 28;19-20 .

so the fact that they are stood at your door means they are putting love into practice . making know GOODNEWS OF BETTER THINGS is a good thing to be doing .

but many are not enterested in goodnews and that is there choice .

and at the end of the day if Jehovah draws a person they will respond to the GOODNEWS. matthew 24;14


never forget that the most high is behind the preaching work it is not the person at your door .



"Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you."—JAMES 4:8.

[Dondi]

Originally Posted by cyberpi

This is a mistake... I see the Golden rule more as: Listen to the sales pitch or beliefs of others as you would that others listen to your sales pitch or beliefs. The issue is how to contend with a liar or an empty unsolicited sales pitch, or the bulk misguided SPAM, or the undesired cold knocker, or the person whose vocabulary does not include the word 'NO'. I submit that more innovative techniques are available than to be so closed that it is assumed the unsolicited approach of a stranger is a crime. In the USA the lifestyle of so many allegedly independent folks is hardened or paralyzed to the unsolicited approach of a stranger that it is considered politically incorrect for a person to even ask another person if they are interested in dinner.

We had a snow storm this last year and a lot of people got stuck and were walking miles to get home... so I went out and offered them rides home. Some are brave enough to accept the act of kindness. Some behave appalled as if they are pissed off over the unsolicited act because in that moment they are paying for being an independent stranger. Some would like to accept the kindness but their belief that everyone is a potential criminal is greater than their belief that someone is potentially trying to help them.

You've got a point. It's amazing nowadays how much of a stranger our next door neighbor is. Why, I remember pickets fences as a means to communicate. Now those picket fences they are higher and intended as fortresses to protect and insulate ourselves in our cocoons. Shame really. The other day, I was cutting grass and a neighbor two houses down came out to his car and looked over in my direction. I waved to him and he quickly turned away with not the slightest hint of acknowledgement. Well, piss on him. The hell's happening to people in this world?

Originally Posted by cyperpi

Just because the lifestyle of many people in the USA today is to be an independent and unapproachable stranger does not mean it is the best way of life. Yet many of the religious who knock are not really interested in being anything more than a stranger either. The issue is how to contend with them... to reveal to them that what they are doing is also potentially a bit... empty hearted.

Is it? The ulterior motive for those trying to spread the good news of Jesus Christ is to see people saved. The conviction is that they are responsible to see that the gospel is preached to every creature. If one believes in Hell, of any form that means separation from God, which the Bible repeated warns about, does that not present a sense of urgency of the part of believers to try and impel as many as they can to escape from that possibility. Sure, they are strangers. But they are people, too. They are part of God's creation. No one wants to see another person go to Hell. Whether you agree there is a Hell or not, I don't see the empty-heartedness in that. It take a lot to have the courage to tell others about Christ to strangers.

Originally Posted by path_of_one

I have yet to see a truly loving person come to my door. I have seen a lot of people who want to convert me to this or that, but none of them actually shows love. They show that they want to add to their group and validate their beliefs by having me agree with them. I'll hang out and talk, but faith is not about joining any group to me. Faith is about loving others and God, and showing this in one's actions.

From your perspective it is an annoyance. Fair enough. But I can find any number of people who are eternally grateful that someone knocked on their door and subsequentlly their lives have changed for better. Our associate pastor used to be a drunken sailor. Spend his paycheck on copius amounts of alcohol every week. At the expense of his family. He was on that downward spiral. But then someone spoked to him about Christ and in accepting Christ as Savior, his whole perspective changed. By the power of God, he got cleaned up, quit drinking cold turkey, reconciled with his wife and family, and got his life straightened out, and now he says that it was the best thing that has ever happened to him.

I could relate similar stories from dozens of members of our church.
It's not all about trying to recruit members. It's not about forcing someone to convert. Nor a stroke of ego to prove that our beliefs are right. It's about seeing people's lives change. But it has to start with that spark of hope that God in His Word has provided.

When Jesus taught the multitudes, He was addressing people who had religion already. What was He doing then that changed peoples lives so? Jesus didn't go after those after those who did not need a physician, but those who were sick. Furthermore, He went after those who didn't even know they were sick, like the woman at the well.

Those of you who are annoyed by door knockers don't need a physician, but wouldn't you be so kind as to put up an occasional annoyance for the sake of those who do. Someone who comes to your door won't know you are not sick until you answer. In which case, they will move on to the highways and by-ways until they do find one in need.

[arthra]

Yeh...but watch out for those encyclopedia salesmen...

[mee]

Originally Posted by arthra

Yeh...but watch out for those encyclopedia salesmen...

the bibles better
As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh. Ecllesiastes12;12

[Tao_Equus]

Originally Posted by mee

As regards anything besides these, my son, take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion [to them] is wearisome to the flesh. Ecllesiastes12;12

Which can also be translated as "Except from what I tell you to read remain completely ignorant" Not at all surprised to see a JW quote that.

[path_of_one]

Originally Posted by Dondi

From your perspective it is an annoyance.

On the contrary, I find it interesting to talk with people about religion. I welcome neighbors, strangers, homeless people, and door to door people to talk with me.

What I find annoying and why I say I have only encountered people trying to add to their group, not actually spread love and faith, is because none of them could take "no" for an answer. Tellingly, none could take "no" for an answer even though they claimed to be Christian and I go to a Christian church already. Somehow, that just wasn't good enough.

That indicates to me that it wasn't about sharing Christ's message or about loving me. It was about them being threatened by any person who was strongly standing in her faith, but whose beliefs and congregational affiliation was not the same as their own.

I can contrast this with numerous friends and acquaintances who, after meeting them early in our relationship, invited me to church or shared their faith with me. I shared mine with them and told them I had a church, and they were excited and happy for me.

I am sure there are some churches who truly are about going out and loving others and spreading faith. I just haven't met them at my door yet. So far in my experience, the more prone to door-knocking a denomination/church is, the more intolerant they are of other churches and Christians, let alone people of other faiths.

To come to my door is not the annoyance. To not take no for an answer is.

Those of you who are annoyed by door knockers don't need a physician, but wouldn't you be so kind as to put up an occasional annoyance for the sake of those who do. Someone who comes to your door won't know you are not sick until you answer. In which case, they will move on to the highways and by-ways until they do find one in need.

I put up with it, and I am kind about it, despite being annoyed at people's tendency to think my beliefs are irrelevant or errant and that their own are superior, and despite their insistence that their little group is the only way to Christ. I think it's just human nature to think this way, so I will continue to discuss with them until they are tired of me. I'm warm and friendly. I still think it's an invasion of my privacy and that the general attitude is arrogance, but that doesn't mean I am mean to them. I figure everyone needs kindness and to be heard.

It's not my own way of spreading the Gospel- I wait until I feel called to talk to a particular person, and that small still voice within tends to lead me to those who need me to be with them spiritually. But I tolerate that other people do this. Upon probing, I find most seem to do it out of fear for others rather than out of love and joy, but it's still based (even though I think in a problematic way) on concern for others. I can appreciate the concern, though I don't appreciate the delivery.

[path_of_one]

[quote=mee;146666]

Originally Posted by path_of_one

Maybe this is how it SHOULD be, but it often isn't. I've had many times that people came back every so often, when it was clear I am not and will not be a JW.

pquote]
and then there was a time when it was clear that mee was not and thought they would never be a JW .


but look at mee now the GOODNEWS of the kingdom is mees focus matthew 24;14 Daniel 2;44


and it is very good

So basically, you are saying that your statement about JW's moving on once it is clear a person will not convert is inaccurate.

[Vajradhara]

Namaste Dondi,

thank you for the post.

Originally Posted by Dondi

When is it appropriate to share your religious faith with others?

most folks in the west have a very unusual view regarding Buddha Dharma, by and large they have the impression that Buddha wanted the monks and such to avoid any sort of evangelism however the Suttas quite clearly indicate otherwise.

so my answer would greatly depend on the culture that i happen to be in. in the United States i would generally wait until asked though i have been known to volunteer some information during the course of a discussion if the situation presents itself.

The OP of that forum listed some methods that have been used to get the 'message' across:

-Knocking on doors

mostly i find this approach to be quite off putting and can't really imagine how it could possibly be successful.

-Passing out written materials

in what way? like at a public function, having an information booth or something of that nature?

-Inviting friends to religious services

depending on the tradition i actually like this one quite a bit. some traditions i couldn't go to even if i were invited but of the major world religions i'm be happy to be invited.

i wouldn't extend the same courtesy, however, as Buddhist praxis at the temple is usually fairly lengthy and involves some aspects which require a bit of practice beforehand, meditation for instance. there are some events at the temples which aren't like that and are designed for the non-Buddhist public so i'd invite to those.

-Telling friends about your beliefs, with or without invitation

with, yes; without.. depends.

-Mission trips to share beliefs and do good works

engaging in positive actions is always beneficial but i, personally, am not so keen on trips just to spread my views.

-Faith-based movements or attempts to change laws or politics, from the Puritans to Dr. Martin Luther King to pro-life groups

no. changing laws based on ones religious beliefs is the quickest way to get me opposed to those views.

-Sharing beliefs with someone who is in distress

deplorable.

-Faith-based help projects such as homeless shelters that require text studies, hospitals with religious ministries to patients, drug treatment programs (e.g., Scientology's Narconon), etc.

no. you either help someone or you don't. requiring religious study in exchange for treatment isn't helping someone. nothing $cientology is involved in can be supported.

-Pointing out weaknesses or faults in someone else's beliefs

in a debate forum or context, sure. outside of that there seems to be little value in such tactics.

-"Slacktivist Witnessing" - e.g., holding up signs at football games, religious graffiti, T-shirts, etc.

i always wondered why God liked the Packers so much.

metta,

~v

[mee]

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

Which can also be translated as "Except from what I tell you to read remain completely ignorant" Not at all surprised to see a JW quote that.

All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

2 timothy 3;16-17

the bible is most beneficial indeed its Gods thoughts

[mee]

[quote=path_of_one;146863]

Originally Posted by mee

So basically, you are saying that your statement about JW's moving on once it is clear a person will not convert is inaccurate.

when i go door to door its not about getting people to convert its about me making known the GOODNEWS , matthew 24;14

if they say i dont want to hear it that is their choice.
on to the next door
but what i was pointing out, was that at one time i didnt want to hear what the witnesses had to say , infact i didnt even open the door . so when i know that people are hiding behind the curtains , i think to myself there goes mee and what i used to be like

[mee]

Originally Posted by Vajradhara

mostly i find this approach to be quite off putting and can't really imagine how it could possibly be successful.





~v

Its very successful 7 million Jehovahs witnesses world wide.

and the GREAT CROWD in turn are helping to get the work done revelation 7;9-10.
Also, in all the nations the good news has to be preached first. mark 13;10


Jehovah himself foretold: "The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time." (Isaiah 60:22)

As that scripture states, Jehovah himself brings this to pass.


other sheep started to flock to the little flock , in ever-increasing numbers and now there is a GREAT CROWD.


Jesus said that those who would be going to heaven with him would only be a LITTLE FLOCK ,(144,000 )
"Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom."—LUKE 12:32.

"And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads." (Revelation 14:1)



but he then spoke about OTHER SHEEP ,and they also would listen to his voice JOHN 10;16
And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.




and the great crowd is being gathered now in this time that we live in .


its all happening in the times we live in, and the bible always comes true

[mee]

knock knock

here is someone bringing GOODNEWS of something better.



DANIEL 2;44



And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite;

[Nick the Pilot]

Hi everybody!

I found some information regarding this topic. I have been studying something in psychology called codependency.

Co-dependents Anonymous

Codependency means someone is too needy.

According to some recent research, people who need to proselytize are doing this because they are too needy. I find the idea fascinating.

I think their research is right on.