Why

[Oni]

Why should I follow your religion over my own?

What makes your religion the right one?

These questions are not ment to be asked in a rude way, but in a way to inspire thinking and conversation.

[Rachael]

I think the reason people attempt to convert others is for two main reasons:

1. The most common reason...at least, I think most people have this reason.  The people truly believe that the potential convert's soul is in peril.  Their annoying persistence in trying to convert the other person is not out of rudeness or snobbery; they love that person and want to see them in Heaven.  When I put myself in the proselytizer's shoes, it helps me to deal with them patiently.

2. Another very common reason, I think.  These people worry that they have the wrong belief, so every time they gain a convert, they obtain the affirmation that their religion is "right."

[Goman Fox]

Adding on to what Rachael said, I'd like to point out one reason that may be less common (but I've still seen it).

3.  People may try to convert others to <insert religion here> in the belief that doing so makes them a "good person" and will get them into <insert afterlife paradise here>.  As if it is their "duty" to "spread the word of <insert deity/deities here>" and only by doing so will they be a "good person."   I guess this is somewhat related to Rachael's second reason, since it deals with the idea that converting people will secure their beliefs a bit more or something, but it's still pretty different too...

[Oni]

So how does everyone feel about the idea of going Door to Door and trying to sell your religion. How does that make you feel? WHat do you think about those people? How do you treat them? And why? Do you think it is something that you should do? Or that people of your faith should do?

[chuckhart]

Johnathan may or may not like this approach, but the way I would respectfully answer the first two questions would be like this:

Why should I follow your religion over my own? Because you've tried them both and found mine fits your philosophy better.  If it doesn't stay with yours.

What makes your religion the right one?  Praticing it gives me a spiritual calm and answers to many of my questions about how to live my life in a ethical, and caring way.

On converting, I think Rachel and Gomon Fox were right on the money.

Going door to door just isn't something I could do, and I feel it puts people who answer the door in an uncomfortable position.

[Oni]

OH hehe. I was not even suggesting that as something we should do. LOL. It was mearly a topic of discussion.

I could never do that to people. *shakes head* no never. Not the way. There are better ways to bring people to church that is not one of them.

[Rachael]

On converting, I think Rachel and Gomon Fox were right on the money.

That's "Rachael." D;

I don't have a problem with the door-to-door people...they're doing what they believe is right.  I just wish they'd come later in the day when I'm not sleepy and don't have to answer the door in my pajamas.  I mean, knocking on someone's door at 10 AM on a Friday?  Who do they think will be home?  Most people have school or work!

[chuckhart]

Gomen nasai!  I am sorry Rachael!  I didn't mean to misspell your name.

[Oni]

You shouldn't feel to bad there Chuck. I mis spelled her name for the longest time, and she mentioned it to me every time. hehe.

[Kritter]

So how does everyone feel about the idea of going Door to Door and trying to sell your religion. How does that make you feel? WHat do you think about those people? How do you treat them? And why? Do you think it is something that you should do? Or that people of your faith should do?

When it comes to the whole door-to-door thing, I don't like it. Why, because I had to do time to time throughout my life. I think it's just flat out annoying and rude going into someones' personally property/space and try to conince him/her why your religion is the correct/best one. I generally treat them nice and be respectful because 1. they are people like me and 2. I had to do it so I can understand why they are doing it. Course I can treat them all nice and not listen to what they are saying (^_^). I only get somewhat rude to them once I asked them nicely that I am not interested and not getting the picture and/or when they are becoming a bit of a force that have the correct religion. All in all, I don't think door-to-door should be done.

[Oni]

Do you think it is right of people to go Door to Door? Or even call up people?

[Eternimus]

No. Door to Door and calling are presumptuous, rude and not to mention foolish. Doing such indicates you are trying to drag someone to God. If they don't want to go, they'll go kicking and screaming and not really believe. That's showing them you think they need your help, when in actuality alot of Christians I know don't go to church, but they have bibles and hold their own little family sessions. God doesn't frequent just one building. God is supposed to be everywhere. So it doesn't matter if you go to church or not. It shows the attitude of "I am better than you, and because of which I know what's best for you." Which is blatantly wrong. No one can know what is right for every person. What if that religion doesn't work for them? Or they're already members? In that case you'd just look like a fool. Or what if you run into a dangerous person? I can personally assure you no matter how strong your faith is, you aren't fending off a violent serial killer with a chainsaw holding up the "Sword of the Lord" aka the Holy Bible. Mormons are the worst when it comes to Door to Door. Me, I've dealt with them a number of ways. And it depends how they act. In one instance, these same two men showed up over and over, every day for a week trying to convert me. So I put black garbage bags up everywhere, had the room lit with naught but candles and oil lamps, drew a pentagram on the floor, had one woman in naught but a white silk sheet lay on the pentagram, and another in a black leather top and lace panties collared and chained to the chair I designed to look like a demonic throne that I was sitting upon. And had yet a third woman answer the door with a nasty looking dagger, wearing a chainmail bikini. They never showed up again. Another group simply asked if I would talk to them about mormonism, and we sat down over lunch and I explained why the religion didn't work for me, and wished them the best of luck. It's all about how you approach it. Personally, I think it's wrong. If you overhear someone talking about lack of faith, or questioning theirs, then offer to guide. If you just show up and start talking about how wonderful your god is, you deserve the door slammed in your face. No one asked you, so don't offer your opinion. On forums it's one thing, cause forums are open to people, not one person. But homes are sacred. I will be hospitable, but I will not like it and scare them off soon as I can.

[Rachael]

Gomen nasai!  I am sorry Rachael!  I didn't mean to misspell your name.

No problem. When I use an emoticon like D: or D;, it means I'm not seriously angry.  But like Oni said, I always correct people every time they spell my name right. :p You can mutilate my last name all you want, but I love my first name so much, I correct anyone who gets it wrong.

[Oni]

Ah yesh the evil side comes out. But is it evil to show people a piece of your mind, when they want to show you a piece of there?