Converting other christians

[Leah]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Actually... I see alot of Christians converting Christians into "their denomination". I may have changed my thinking of "theology" but denominations were never an issue for me.

 

[Sabra]

Gods Revenger

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

LOL! I thought the thread had something to do with non-Christians being converted. He, he, he. I'm going crazy...

I think it's pointless. If you're saved, you know Jesus and have a relationship with Him, then good on you. Continue doing what you're doing. It isn't going to church that will save you - or being apart of a specific denomination, that's just something that you want to do - not even as a religious duty.

I personally like the Army because it isn't overly "religious" like the Catholics, Anglicans, etc, etc, and I enjoy fellowship there. I also like the doctrines and the aims and history of the Army. Whatever denomination people go to is their choice and I don't really care...

Why waste time trying to convert the saved while there are millions who perish everyday most likely in unbelief?

 

[A. believer]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

I would imagine you don't understand it because you don't hold to the presuppositions of the ones who think it worthwhile. Those presuppositions are varied, but if one doesn't hold any of them, then one will not see the point in trying to "convert" Christians.

 

[stumpjumper]

I find it utterly pointless as the converter is only trying to convert the convertee into his or her version of Christianity.

I think it makes Jesus laugh and we all know God has a sense of humour and I will admit the duck-billed Platypus as evidence...

 

[stray bullet]

I find it utterly pointless as the converter is only trying to convert the convertee into his or her version of Christianity.

I think it makes Jesus laugh and we all know God has a sense of humour and I will admit the duck-billed Platypus as evidence...

That supposes Jesus doesn't care what Church you are a part of or how much truth you have access to.

Would Jesus find humor in people leaving his apostles and founding their own churches, formulating doctrines that serve their interests? I don't think so.

 

[stray bullet]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

I don't understand why people make an obsession about converting Christians to their dogma or feel the need to attack the Churches or beliefs of other Christians.

I'm all for defending the faith, spreading the truth and answering questions- about Christianity to non-Christians or Catholicism to non-Catholics.

 

[Maximus]

Is there more than one acceptable "version" of Christianity?

What does this mean?

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

 

[HisKid1973]

Not all "christians" truely KNOW Christ..We are known by our fruits and belive it or not fruit can show up in posts..pax..kim..It's an outward sign of and inner change

 

[stray bullet]

Is there more than one acceptable "version" of Christianity?

This is the product of the defeatist attitude found in parts of Christianity. Christians were the ones that died and suffered for their faith for centuries. Now the idea among many of them is "we're all a little wrong, what does it matter how wrong or right we are"?

The truth is a precious gift from God- one clearly taken for granted by many, if not all of us. An occassional attitude is, "I disagree with my church on a lot of things, but I really like the choir/preacher/music/building". That seems dangerously close to picking a faith for asthetics, "Well, I still believe in God, I just disagree with them about considering Jesus a prophet".

 

[Willtor]

Frankly, I think my doctrines are correct. Needless to say, I'm going to try to convince other people. Seriously, if people didn't try to convince me of what they thought, I'd think they didn't care about me. This goes for Christians who hold opposing doctrines from me as much as it goes for non-Christians.

 

[stumpjumper]

That supposes Jesus doesn't care what Church you are a part of or how much truth you have access to.

Would Jesus find humor in people leaving his apostles and founding their own churches, formulating doctrines that serve their interests? I don't think so.

The Church is the body of Christ. As long as you accept and live within the body of Christ then you have access to the "truth".

Who is talking about forming Churches to serve their own interests, anyway? We are talking about different denominations within Christianity. Don't make me go Webster on you and define denomination...

 

[stumpjumper]

This is the product of the defeatist attitude found in parts of Christianity. Christians were the ones that died and suffered for their faith for centuries. Now the idea among many of them is "we're all a little wrong, what does it matter how wrong or right we are"?

The truth is a precious gift from God- one clearly taken for granted by many, if not all of us. An occassional attitude is, "I disagree with my church on a lot of things, but I really like the choir/preacher/music/building". That seems dangerously close to picking a faith for asthetics, "Well, I still believe in God, I just disagree with them about considering Jesus a prophet".

Shall we start back up the inquisition?

Perhaps, you could show all of the Protestants the error of their ways, and if not, well.... We know what happens then.

 

[Willtor]

Shall we start back up the inquisition?

Perhaps, you could show all of the Protestants the error of their ways, and if not, well.... We know what happens then.

Whoa, now. I don't think anybody is saying that except for you. I don't even think anybody was thinking it. I certainly didn't infer that from his post.

 

[stumpjumper]

Whoa, now. I don't think anybody is saying that except for you. I don't even think anybody was thinking it. I certainly didn't infer that from his post.

Well, I get a little snippy at times but no that is where his reply ends up... If one witnesses "Christianity to non-Christians and Catholocism to Christians" we certainly should be aware of how many wars and deaths this mindset has caused. Sure, it's now simply cries of false or not "True Christians" that is made but it's damaging nonetheless.

I was Catholic for a while too and I am sympathetic to Catholicism just not crusading Catholocism or anyone who claims to represent the "True Church"...

 

[hoser]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

The point of this is many Christians have some truth. But most outside of the Church that Jesus founded do NOT have the fullness of faith that ONLY His Church can provide. It is important because we are then rejecting part of Jesus if we reject His Church.

 

[NPH]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

If someone does not believe that their Church holds the complete truth and isn't desirous of spreading that complete truth to others then what the heck are they bothering with going to that Church for?

If you think your Church is wrong about anything, then go find a Church you think is right. And if you think your Church holds the complete truth, then there is absolutely no reason whatsoever not to share that truth with others. To do any less is to say you could care less about what God wills, so long as people get "the basics". Bleh.

What could be more important or more desirable than knowing the Will of God as completely as possible?

 

[stumpjumper]

Those answering in the affirmative seem to think that someone or a specific Church can have the "complete truth" in regards to the Christian message. However, religious experience is subjective not objective and no Church or religious statement holds the "complete truth". I'm sure that some are closer than others but as long as your Church holds orthodox doctrines and is based upon scripture, saying that one Church or pov can hold the complete truth is just way off the mark. I think God is much bigger than any of systematic theologies and transcends religious bickering.

 

[Celticflower]

What are your thoughts about christians trying to convert other christians? This is something I have never understood the point in doing.

Unfortunately there are some churches/Christians who can not accept that they are not the only ones, that some other branch of Christianity is just as valid as theirs. Some seem to think it is easier to "preach to the choir" in order to get new members to increase the church coffers.

Due to circumstances, I am a Methodist attending a non-denominational Christian church. They have often tried to convert me, using that exact word, but since we have a major difference of opinion regarding baptism I am still not a member. And some still do not view me as a "real Christian".

As for me--I think we who confess Christ as savior are all Christians. We just sit in different pews.

 

[Asinner]

Those answering in the affirmative seem to think that someone or a specific Church can have the "complete truth" in regards to the Christian message. However, religious experience is subjective not objective and no Church or religious statement holds the "complete truth". I'm sure that some are closer than others but as long as your Church holds orthodox doctrines and is based upon scripture, saying that one Church or pov can hold the complete truth is just way off the mark. I think God is much bigger than any of systematic theologies and transcends religious bickering.

There may be bits and pieces of the truth scattered throughout the world; however, the Orthodox Church, holds the FULLNESS of the truth.

God Bless