Why do Christians preach?

[saxy_jag]

I am an atheist. I do not spend my entire life telling everyone how wonderful it is to be an atheist (even though it is). I do not tell religious people that they should stop worshipping their god and come with me to see 'Jerry Springer, The Opera' (or whatever show is the current 'must not see'). I do not condemn them for not believing what I believe. Neither do I spend my days hoping fervantly that they will see the error of their ways before too long and 'come into my fold'. If they want to be christians then fine - that's their business.

So why do they constantly tell me that my life is wrong, that I would be happier joining them, that their god loves me, and that I will be damned to an eternal hell if I don't 'let him in'. Why do they expect me to live my life and make my decisions according to their values?

I leave them alone (unless they ask me for an opinion), so why don't they leave me alone?

[Theland]

The temptation to become, "worldly" and "get even" by issuing threats to influence others to change from their planned course of action.

[naomi24]

saxy_jag, I'll go along with you there. I think the Salvation Army do a wonderful job. I've worked with them many times in my professional life, and they've always done their best to help. That's really what Christianity ought to be all about.

I've seen Jerry Springer, but it's always the way with many so-called Christians. They wouldn't dream of going to see a show like this, no more than they would dream of reading Harry Potter, but they're quick to condemn even though in reality they know absolutely nothing about the things they are condemning. If they would only do their homework before forming an opinion, they could put forward a reasoned argument and their views might be taken more seriously. As for those who issue death threats - that just proves how religion can screw with the human mind and turn a rational person into a completely irrational one.

[naomi24]

Theland, can you please answer my question. Are children brought up in your church, or attending its services, never exposed to damaging and frightening tales of the wickedness of the devil, of the evils of sin, and of the threat of eternal damnation?

[brionon]

Most Xtians had they been born into a Muslim family would be Muslim,Ditto Buddhist and Animism. Until they learn to think for themselves.

[saxy_jag]

Naomi, have you seen Vagina Monologues too, by any chance.? Only the venue received a similar reaction to that production. Filth, porn, everyone called it. Immoral. Ungodly. Encouraging our daughters to be promiscuous.

Of course, it's nothing of the sort. It's one of the most moving, thought-provoking shows I've been to, and every woman - Atheist, Christian, Muslim or other - should be encouraged to see it. But of course, if they believe what they're told, they'll never know, will they?

[naomi24]

saxy_jag, no I haven't seen that, although I have read reviews. I can't comment on it though, because never having seen it for myself, I wouldn't dream of forming an opinion.

I see or read most controversial stuff, even if I think I won't like it, because I want to know what all the fuss is about - and whether fuss is, in my opinion, warranted. How otherwise would I know?

You're right - if people only believe what they're told, they never know.

[chakka35]

Theland, it has been pointed out many years ago that your God cannot be both omniscient and omnipotent. If he is omniscient then he knows exactly what he is going to do between now and eternity. Which means that he can't change his mind in the future, otherwise his present omniscience would be flawed.
But if he can't change his mind then he is not omnipotent.

Logic not being your strong-point, I don't suppose you understand a word of that, but I thought I'd put it in for the record. Others might.