I've never had an atheist come to my door with a pamphlet telling me why I shouldn't believe in god. I've also never had an atheist co-worker feel the need to share with me his testimony.

I am not trying to lump all religions into one group of people, I do know there are differences and I do know that they don't all go knocking on doors. I just would like to know what the reasons are that it is important to convert others to a specific religion.

eta: I did want to clarify that I am not saying atheists don't share their views at all with me, I am saying that one has not specifically sought me out to tell me his or her reasons for not believing.

Well, as an evangelical Christian, my answer is simple. Jesus tells us to in Matthew 28: 16-20.

That being said, I have seen some Christians that don't take no for an answer when trying to spread the Gospel. The Bible also says that if someone doesn't want to believe it or hear it, just politely go on to the next person. No point in trying to shove it down their throats. That's just obnoxious, imo.

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We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.
C. S. Lewis

Bonnotsm9 pretty much summed it up for me.

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Jehovah's Witnesses, probably one of the biggest door knockers out there, it is all summed up in the name, they are witnessing for Jehovah.

I was in Walmart last month and a man and woman were looking at the Valentine's day stuff. I heard her mention that they would have to go to Hobby Lobby. So I asked her if there was a Hobby Lobby in town, because I had not seen one, yet. She said no, that they go to a different town. We were talking about crafting, she was very nice. Then as I was about to go on my way, she handed me a card for her church. She went on and on about how God works in her life. We saw each other a few more times in the store and she mentioned each time that she really hopes to see me in church some day. I found her to be very overbearing.

A few years ago, I was talking to a co-worker about drinking and he said to me that since he has Jesus in his life he has had no need to drink. It came up in conversation and I appreciated what he had to say. I was/am happy for him.

I just sometimes feel that some believers hurt more than they help when they become too pushy.

I've also never been approached by muslim or hindu or most mainstream christians. Just Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientologists, and evangelical/baptist christians.

Total turnoff.

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I am a firm believer that if you live your life in such a way that people know you are a christian and go to church, you won't have to "shove your religion" down anyone's throat.

And I am not talking about what I "call bible thumpers" who think their religion is the only religion in the world.

But just being honest, and by the way you act all of the time and not just in church, decent human being.

And by the way, I don't believe that you have to go to church every time the door is open to be a Christian.

I have! More so by Muslims then Hindus. On numerous occasions. Very direct and very firm. Often saying " Just say 'There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet'. If you just say those words that's all it takes. Just say it. Say it after me! Say it and you won't be damned.". Seriously I've met some very intimidating postalizing muslims ~ all overseas. It seems to be more strangers / people I meet briefly who've done this. My muslims friends have never pressured me to change, just as I've never pressured them. I respect people for their own beliefs.

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Mom to dd (age 9) and ds (age 11)
blogging daily about purpose and personal identity

This is my current problem. A few months ago, a little old lady came to my door and asked if she could discuss the bible with me. I was like Okay sure, (if it makes you happy.) LOL She gave me a little pamplet and was asking me what I thought of certain passages, ect. We talked for a few minutes, and she asked if she could come back. I said sure since I did enjoy talking to her. Then of course after I thought to myself, that was a BAAAAD idea. She came a few more times, on a Friday morning, if I was busy I just told her I was busy and she said she would come back another day. Then one day she came back and she kept using the word Jehova and I was like "Oh NO! What did I DO!" My husband of course was like, 'well who did you think they were?' SO Now I'm stuck with this lady coming to my door about once or twice a month. I tell her I'm busy and not intersted, but she still comes back. There was even one day I hid in the hallway and wouldn't answer the door.

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~Missy~Mommy
Meghan9.Samantha7,Cameron5

New England Mommysavers Social Group, Join us!http://mommysavers.com/boards/group.php?groupid=10

What I'm wondering now is, why would anyone join a church that proselytizes? I mean, I can see how if you are raised in that, it would seem perfectly normal to you. But, if they go around trying to get people to join them, why would anyone want to join a church that requires that? I mean, there are plenty of other Christian denominations with very similar beliefs that do not require it. So I wonder why people would join in on that.

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