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And why wouldn't they try to convert them? If they truly believe that the people they're helping physically are doomed to an eternity in hell and that they hav

And why wouldn't they try to convert them? If they truly believe that the people they're helping physically are doomed to an eternity in hell and that they have information about the only way to avoid that (through Jesus Christ) - it would be incredibly selfish to not share that information. My point is their actions are completely in-line with their beliefs. It's irrational for them to act otherwise.

_bxg1 7y ago
And this is the same argument that has been recited to me more times than I can count, and which my father still recites to me periodically. > And why wouldn't they try to convert them? Because, one would hope, they have the emotional intelligence to see and accept the clear and present outlier in their oversimplified idea of human nature who's sitting right in front of them. And to - even if it doesn't result in a real change to their belief system - at least be able to set everything aside for a moment and be present with the real person in front of them.
mattigames 7y ago
Is irrational for them to have those believes in the first place, but that didn't stop them from believing them, so...
RobertRoberts 7y ago
Maybe my bible searching isn't work, do you know of a scripture that says Christians should convert people?
- sparrish 7y ago
  He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” - Mark 16:15 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 28:19-20 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. - Psalm 105:1 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles,that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47 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 There's plenty more than these if you need them. Sharing the good news of what God has done has historically been one of the greatest goals of Jesus followers.
  - RobertRoberts 7y ago
    I am aware of these verses teaching things like baptism, spreading the good news, teaching of Jesus and salvation. But none of those verses say "convert people". There is only one verse I could find where the word "convert" survived these three major translations, KJV, NKJV and NASB: '...and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.' - Matthew 18:3 And this verse places the responsibility on the individual, not the Christian doing the preaching. Do you know where the idea of "converting" people was given as a task to a group to affect others instead of a personal responsibility? Is this a Catholic or Protestant teaching?
    - sparrish 7y ago
      "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" is what you're referring to as 'converting people'. This is, I believe, a view held by both Protestants and Catholics.
      - RobertRoberts 7y ago
        Recently I have been looking more carefully at language, and I have found that people say one thing but mean another. With "conversion", a verb, I don't see how "making students of Jesus" (and I wonder what "making" here means) is the same as "everyone must convert themselves to children". Don't these seem to be two completely different ideas? Is there some verse that more clearly states "convert people" with the same meaning, intent and using similar language?

_bxg1 7y ago

And this is the same argument that has been recited to me more times than I can count, and which my father still recites to me periodically. > And why wouldn't they try to convert them? Because, one would hope, they have the emotional intelligence to see and accept the clear and present outlier in their oversimplified idea of human nature who's sitting right in front of them. And to - even if it doesn't result in a real change to their belief system - at least be able to set everything aside for a moment and be present with the real person in front of them.

mattigames 7y ago

Is irrational for them to have those believes in the first place, but that didn't stop them from believing them, so...

RobertRoberts 7y ago

Maybe my bible searching isn't work, do you know of a scripture that says Christians should convert people?

sparrish 7y ago
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” - Mark 16:15 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 28:19-20 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. - Psalm 105:1 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles,that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47 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 There's plenty more than these if you need them. Sharing the good news of what God has done has historically been one of the greatest goals of Jesus followers.
- RobertRoberts 7y ago
  I am aware of these verses teaching things like baptism, spreading the good news, teaching of Jesus and salvation. But none of those verses say "convert people". There is only one verse I could find where the word "convert" survived these three major translations, KJV, NKJV and NASB: '...and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.' - Matthew 18:3 And this verse places the responsibility on the individual, not the Christian doing the preaching. Do you know where the idea of "converting" people was given as a task to a group to affect others instead of a personal responsibility? Is this a Catholic or Protestant teaching?
  - sparrish 7y ago
    "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" is what you're referring to as 'converting people'. This is, I believe, a view held by both Protestants and Catholics.
    - RobertRoberts 7y ago
      Recently I have been looking more carefully at language, and I have found that people say one thing but mean another. With "conversion", a verb, I don't see how "making students of Jesus" (and I wonder what "making" here means) is the same as "everyone must convert themselves to children". Don't these seem to be two completely different ideas? Is there some verse that more clearly states "convert people" with the same meaning, intent and using similar language?