Why do Christians try to convert me?
If you have grown up in a western society and been around a significant number of christians in your area and interact with them, most likely they invite you to a church or asked prodding questions about religious beliefs and if they match up with theirs. More rare is when actual blunt conversation occurs resulting in no grey areas. For example, there is an invitation to join the faith and receive salvation in the afterlife. This leaves two options being part of the saved or one of the future damned. For people with atheistic credences or from a faith that does not proselytize will be perplexed. So what gives? Why is this phenomena happening?As a former adherent of this belief myself, I will try my best to convey the mindset.
- It was commanded by Jesus Christ himself to his disciples to make more disciples of his teachings (Matthew 28:18-20).
- A majority of the time is it comes from a sincere good place in a christians heart to look out for others.
- A very small minority of the cases are self righteous individuals who deem themselves superior
From the early onset of Christianity it contrasted itself from its parent faith of Judaism, with the emphasis on seeking new converts. Eventually, this meant even non jews. Even in this modern age it is an oddity for Jews to go seeking converts because it has always been something to be born into. Those who seek are often with liberal leaning mindsets. This changed with Jesus and the Jewish offshoot that formed into Christianity. Magnified even more when the apostle Paul starting writing letters to the early churches explaining doctrine, especially regarding gentiles (non-Jews). In the last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands this of his disciples.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age“(Matthew 28:18-20)
As previously shown, it is hard-wired into the faith. When I was younger, it was always haunting mentally because of the lack of going out and doing actual ministry myself. Until I got older and more bold and had a sense of being on a mission greater than myself to convert others into believing exactly the way I do. Being a christian really gives most adherents a strong compassion for others and their wellbeing. Family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers are all potential spiritual victims that could be rescued with a little convincing. So, if you are approached through evangelism remember, a lot of these people sincerely believe they are doing what is best for you for this life and the supposed next existence in the hereafter. Please realize it can be quite nerve-racking for them also, often approaching strangers trying to discuss and persuade a belief/idea that many people like to keep private for themselves, especially to someone they never met before. I would strongly recommend letting them down easily and politely if you disagree.
Reason being is it seldom gets anywhere with anybody by harshly shutting conversation down. Doing the opposite has the potential to bring about a conversation that can stimulate both parties. I did not stop pestering folks until somebody engaged me in dialog that forced me to think about my own ideas and stop being adamant on trying to change everyone. On the contrary, if someone is being vulgar and forceful, without listening to reason it would be wise to be blunt and shut the discussion of whose right and wrong then walk away if possible. Evangelists like that are part of the previously mentioned few, who are prideful and in it for themselves, which contradicts christian teachings.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)
So next time you are in a grocery store or a parking lot and approached with these questions about faith, you will have a better understanding of the thought processes going on through evangelists minds. The intentions of spreading the good news and hopes of helping as many people as possible. That this comes from an empathetic place in their hearts.