Why not just let others believe?

[Guest Zer0]

As the title suggests, why not just let others believe? I've never been able to fully understand why someone can be so determined to make someone else believe their religion, belief or philosophy. This doesn't apply to only religion, it can apply to almost anything. Take for example a well-debated (and still in debate) subject of evolution. Is it correct? Is it wrong? Certainly there is evidence but does that make it right? My take on this is to me, it's believable. Does that make it right? No. Does it make it wrong? No. If we venture into the world of religion, we can ask the same question. Why not just let others believe? Now, before anyone comments on how I'm targetting only one group, I would like to say I'm not. This question is directed at pretty much everyone, regardless of age, gender, belief, etc... . I know many people do allow others to have different beliefs, and some don't.

Faith isn't something that can be scientifically measured. Does that mean it doesn't exist? Of course not. Other things that do exist cant be scientifically measured, such as one's affection for something or someone. You can put it on a scale but that can be meaningless as it's something that cannot be quantified.

So, whether you believe or not, it doesn't matter, why not let others believe? I have a belief of my own that everyone is intolerant of something or someone in some way. It doesn't have to be religion, it can be a food, a genre of music, a brand of shoes, a TV show, the list is endless. Asking why don't people allow others to believe Family Guy is an amazing/horrible animated cartoon may be an interesting conversation but this isn't the forum to discuss it in. As this is a religion forum (and an open-minded one at that), why not just let others believe in something you may not agree on?

We can debate about religion, evolution, whatever else and that can be fine. It is when someone becomes intolerant or wants others to believe/disbelieve. Why is that? For the most part, most of us want a world of peace, happiness, etc... (although aggressiveness is still needed in moderation), so wouldn't trying to make others believe just make this world less peaceful? If someone is already willing to believe and you're helping them, that's perfectly fine. It's if someone has their mind made up on their belief yet others want to change it. Why do we do this?

I'm not sure where this originated from, however, it's a fairly popular quote or idea: "with every light, there comes a dark". Suppose that we did make everyone believe in a certain belief. Some may say that would be great, however, I think otherwise. It'd be an off-balance. There's no opposite to it. Consider if the whole world became all Christians or became all Atheists. In either case, I think it would be a rather horrible world. You would have everyone enforcing that belief so everyone complies, restricting some freedom. Do we really want a world like this? I don't.

Of course, this is very unlikely to happen (and impossible, as a baby is born quite often, it wouldn't have a religion right there and then), however, just bear with me on this idea. Suppose all males couldn't produce sperm or all females couldn't bear children, then if this world were to exist, wouldn't it be rather horrible?

Even if this hadn't come to mind, why not just allow one to have their own beliefs? (you don't need to comment on the unusual world I talked about. looking back at it before I press post new topic, I see just how silly it sounds )

[John3;16]

There are certain truths which we must hold to, that pertain to eternal life, and certain truths that we are

called to declare to all mankind, namly the Gospel that has power to save those who are on their way to

eternal death. The Gospel by defination means

[Guest]

.... I've never been able to fully understand why someone can be so determined to make someone else believe....

It Is Impossible For Someone To Make Faith

Belief

It Is God's Gift

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For With God All Things Are Possible

And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:26-27

It Is Your Choice, Accept Faith In The LORD Jesus Or Not

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:35-36

Still Don't Have An Understanding Of Truth Believers? Trust God, Receive His Witness And You Will

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:11-15

[Gerioke]

As the title suggests, why not just let others believe? I've never been able to fully understand why someone can be so determined to make someone else believe their religion, belief or philosophy. This doesn't apply to only religion, it can apply to almost anything. Take for example a well-debated (and still in debate) subject of evolution. Is it correct? Is it wrong? Certainly there is evidence but does that make it right? My take on this is to me, it's believable. Does that make it right? No. Does it make it wrong? No. If we venture into the world of religion, we can ask the same question. Why not just let others believe? Now, before anyone comments on how I'm targetting only one group, I would like to say I'm not. This question is directed at pretty much everyone, regardless of age, gender, belief, etc... . I know many people do allow others to have different beliefs, and some don't.

Faith isn't something that can be scientifically measured. Does that mean it doesn't exist? Of course not. Other things that do exist cant be scientifically measured, such as one's affection for something or someone. You can put it on a scale but that can be meaningless as it's something that cannot be quantified.

So, whether you believe or not, it doesn't matter, why not let others believe? I have a belief of my own that everyone is intolerant of something or someone in some way. It doesn't have to be religion, it can be a food, a genre of music, a brand of shoes, a TV show, the list is endless. Asking why don't people allow others to believe Family Guy is an amazing/horrible animated cartoon may be an interesting conversation but this isn't the forum to discuss it in. As this is a religion forum (and an open-minded one at that), why not just let others believe in something you may not agree on?

We can debate about religion, evolution, whatever else and that can be fine. It is when someone becomes intolerant or wants others to believe/disbelieve. Why is that? For the most part, most of us want a world of peace, happiness, etc... (although aggressiveness is still needed in moderation), so wouldn't trying to make others believe just make this world less peaceful? If someone is already willing to believe and you're helping them, that's perfectly fine. It's if someone has their mind made up on their belief yet others want to change it. Why do we do this?

I'm not sure where this originated from, however, it's a fairly popular quote or idea: "with every light, there comes a dark". Suppose that we did make everyone believe in a certain belief. Some may say that would be great, however, I think otherwise. It'd be an off-balance. There's no opposite to it. Consider if the whole world became all Christians or became all Atheists. In either case, I think it would be a rather horrible world. You would have everyone enforcing that belief so everyone complies, restricting some freedom. Do we really want a world like this? I don't.

Of course, this is very unlikely to happen (and impossible, as a baby is born quite often, it wouldn't have a religion right there and then), however, just bear with me on this idea. Suppose all males couldn't produce sperm or all females couldn't bear children, then if this world were to exist, wouldn't it be rather horrible?

Even if this hadn't come to mind, why not just allow one to have their own beliefs? (you don't need to comment on the unusual world I talked about. looking back at it before I press post new topic, I see just how silly it sounds )

Are you saying we're forcing others to believe what we believe? I say "we" because you are addressing a Christian forum. Our duty to Christ is to inform others who Christ is and why they should look into what He offers. Nobody can force somebody to believe in Him. Do you know who Jesus is? I think if you did, you wouldn't be telling us we should let others believe.

You go ahead and believe whatever you want.

[warnerfranklin]

As the title suggests, why not just let others believe? I've never been able to fully understand why someone can be so determined to make someone else believe their religion, belief or philosophy. This doesn't apply to only religion, it can apply to almost anything. Take for example a well-debated (and still in debate) subject of evolution. Is it correct? Is it wrong? Certainly there is evidence but does that make it right? My take on this is to me, it's believable. Does that make it right? No. Does it make it wrong? No. If we venture into the world of religion, we can ask the same question. Why not just let others believe? Now, before anyone comments on how I'm targetting only one group, I would like to say I'm not. This question is directed at pretty much everyone, regardless of age, gender, belief, etc... . I know many people do allow others to have different beliefs, and some don't.

Faith isn't something that can be scientifically measured. Does that mean it doesn't exist? Of course not. Other things that do exist cant be scientifically measured, such as one's affection for something or someone. You can put it on a scale but that can be meaningless as it's something that cannot be quantified.

So, whether you believe or not, it doesn't matter, why not let others believe? I have a belief of my own that everyone is intolerant of something or someone in some way. It doesn't have to be religion, it can be a food, a genre of music, a brand of shoes, a TV show, the list is endless. Asking why don't people allow others to believe Family Guy is an amazing/horrible animated cartoon may be an interesting conversation but this isn't the forum to discuss it in. As this is a religion forum (and an open-minded one at that), why not just let others believe in something you may not agree on?

We can debate about religion, evolution, whatever else and that can be fine. It is when someone becomes intolerant or wants others to believe/disbelieve. Why is that? For the most part, most of us want a world of peace, happiness, etc... (although aggressiveness is still needed in moderation), so wouldn't trying to make others believe just make this world less peaceful? If someone is already willing to believe and you're helping them, that's perfectly fine. It's if someone has their mind made up on their belief yet others want to change it. Why do we do this?

I'm not sure where this originated from, however, it's a fairly popular quote or idea: "with every light, there comes a dark". Suppose that we did make everyone believe in a certain belief. Some may say that would be great, however, I think otherwise. It'd be an off-balance. There's no opposite to it. Consider if the whole world became all Christians or became all Atheists. In either case, I think it would be a rather horrible world. You would have everyone enforcing that belief so everyone complies, restricting some freedom. Do we really want a world like this? I don't.

Of course, this is very unlikely to happen (and impossible, as a baby is born quite often, it wouldn't have a religion right there and then), however, just bear with me on this idea. Suppose all males couldn't produce sperm or all females couldn't bear children, then if this world were to exist, wouldn't it be rather horrible?

Even if this hadn't come to mind, why not just allow one to have their own beliefs? (you don't need to comment on the unusual world I talked about. looking back at it before I press post new topic, I see just how silly it sounds )

Where in this country (aside from the PC crowd) do you see people saying you cannot believe what you want to believe? If what you are trying to get at is why don't people of faith keep their beliefs to themselves perhaps you should look at it this way.

If you knew that ahead on the road there was a bridge out and people driving that way would fall to their doom would you not try to warn them? Would you not stand in the middle of the road yelling, "Hey, turn around! If you continue down that road you will most certainly die!" Or, would you perhaps, say nothing so as not to offend the drivers in the other cars. If you are a reasonable person, of course you would jump up and down and shout warnings to others.

Likewise, when Christians share their faith they are saying pretty much the same thing. "If you don't turn around and go the other way (by embracing Christ)" you are doomed!"

Christ was very explicit about this. He stated, "I am the way, the truth, and the light, no man cometh unto the Father EXCEPT BY ME." (emphasis mine)

Concerning behavior, Christ was also very explicit about people who engage in certain sins (or lifestyle choices as people like to call them today - including lying, idoltry and the like) will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.

Others do have the right to choose whatever life they may. I am not saying that Christians should condemn people outside the Church (Christ says we are only to judge those inside the church and leave the world to be judged by him). Quite frankly, I feel that we need to spend more time letting the world know what we stand for and less on what we are against. We need to love both God and people more.

But as far as keeping our faith to ourselves that goes against what our Lord told us: "Go yea into all the world and preach the gospel"; "be my witnesses here in Judea and then unto all the corners of the world." And more simply put, if heaven and hell are real, and if what Christ told us about him being the only way to heaven is true, then it would be most callous act imaginable for someone not to warn his brother about the doom that awaits if he does not change his way and embrace Christ.

Be good,

Franklin

[WayneB]

Even if this hadn't come to mind, why not just allow one to have their own beliefs?

It isn't up to me (or any of us) to allow or disallow you to believe anything. What's up with that?

You have come to a Christian forum as Gerioke pointed out. What do you expect to find here?

I will offer this though. The frame of mind of every true believer is like the researcher who discovers the cure for cancer. He should want to share his research with everyone who will listen so that they too can benefit from his research. We have discovered the Way, Truth and Life and want everyone to experience what we have. It is a cure for spiritual leprosy...ane even our Lord told His children that he doesn't want to see one perish.

So that's how we look at it buddy.

[EricH]

I guess my question would be if you don't want to be bothered with other's beliefs, why did you come to a forum that is designed around those beliefs?

[Guest Zer0]

EricH, my reason(s) for being here are irrelevant to the question I asked.

I tried to make it fairly clear that I'm not targetting only Christians. Yes, this is a Christian board but I was hoping that one could simply put aside whatever they believe in and answer the question. I have to say the person who answered it the best and understood it, was warnerfranklin. A few others also appeared to understand it, however, I would like to thank most to warnerfranklin. A few others questioned what I expect to find here. Well, that's not important to this question. Back on track, I'm commending warnerfranklin since he gave an analogy that I understood fairly well. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll get this question fully answered. Yes, I know it is your belief that non-believers are "lost" and need to be directed to your belief, however, I simply don't understand why some people want others to believe. I've found that if some of us are indeed doomed, why not just let us be doomed? I'm asking this because I've talked to various Christians outside of here and most said what most of you all said then left it. That's fine. It's part of your belief to make the "lost" ones "found". First step I presume would to tell us we are indeed lost. I have little problem with that. The problem that I have is when it is clear that one won't change their belief yet some people still persist. If some of us are "doomed" and we know it, accept it or embrace it, why not just let us be? I guess this is the more important question I was trying to address. Or, as warnerfranklin said: "why don't people of faith keep their beliefs to themselves".

As a note, please don't ask why I'm here or any other person questions such as that. Debate the topic, not the person.

Edit: While I was giving this post, I think mommyof284 also posted and she seems to have understood it very well. Here is the part I wish to highlight:

I do wish that some Christians weren't pushy and condemning when they testify/witness to non-christians. I hear too often (from non-believers) how they want nothing to do with Christianity because of an experience they had with a pushy condeming Christian and it really sadens me .. as God is not like that. Sometimes I don't even know if we realize we come off like that .. idk.

This seems to be exactly what I was trying to get at (although I used a silly made-up world in mine >.<). I don't mean to say ALL Christians are pushy and condemning. I have a few Christian friends and they aren't. I guess some feel like they are helping, however, to the other person, it seems pushy. I don't think some of them want to be pushy but rather helpful.

Edited May 29, 2008 by Zer0

[Gerioke]

Matthew5: 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his flavor, with which shall it be salted? it is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

[Guest Zer0]

Could you please explain the significance of your quotes? It's much better in a discussion if you give your quotes and explain them or their relevance.