Scare tactics

[NailsII]

Is it morally right that Christians should spread their message?
Should there be rules about how this message should be spread (like a sticker on a book, perhaps).

Should videos like this be shown to children?


http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=1b5bd6e3e034d00b4f73

Discuss.

 

[stan1980]

That video is a disgrace. I've said it before, but if hell is real, that makes God worse than all the evil dictators put together. So the people who made that video worship a God that makes Hitler look like Mother Teresa in comparison. I think that tells you a lot about the character of the people who believe in hell.

And, no, that video shouldn't be shown to any young children, doing so is, as Dawkins likes to say, child abuse.

 

[Sitswithamouse]

The narrator deserves an award for over acting.

Telling anyone they are going to Hell, adult or child, is a form of abuse which can cause psychological damage for a lifetime, regardless if it is done with love or out of fear mongering.

 

[cantata]

Is it morally right that Christians should spread their message?
Should there be rules about how this message should be spread (like a sticker on a book, perhaps).

Should videos like this be shown to children?


http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=1b5bd6e3e034d00b4f73

Discuss.

I found that video absolutely appalling; it's completely morally reprehensible to try to guilt and scare people into converting people. I also think the kind of God who would perpetrate that kind of act against human beings would not be worthy of worship.

Christians are of course welcome to spread their message, but I think that, especially for children, the message should not be one of fear but of love. Children can be really terrified by medieval conceptions of Hell.

(This is very childish, but that website's logo just looks like 'GodLube' to me. I giggle every time I see it. Also, the idea of Jesus being your 'personal saviour' kind of tickles me too. Advertising speak!)

 

[Pogue]

The narrator deserves an award for over acting.

Telling anyone they are going to Hell, adult or child, is a form of abuse which can cause psychological damage for a lifetime, regardless if it is done with love or out of fear mongering.

I agree. If you believe something like state, at least state it calmly, without all the graphics and silly voices like something from Star Wars. I would have thought it does damage to their argument, as it distracts from the actual argument and makes it more open to ridicule.

 

[stan1980]

I would have thought it does damage to their argument, as it distracts from the actual argument and makes it more open to ridicule.

I think this video would be quite effective at scaring kids into Christianity.

I'd like to see the church or the pope publicly denounce these sort of scare tactics. Of course they wont, as it's in their interests for people to believe this sort of thing, so i expect them to quietly let the scaremongers carry on with what they are doing.

 

[Celticflower]

I have never believed that scare tactics work. This video was sickening and I don't think it was the work of loving Christians. The disclaimer said it was "for believers" -- trying to scare them into evangelizing I guess. But it winds up being a cruel guilt trip and nothing more.

 

[talkingmonkey]

aaaaahhh is this video saying that the Christian is a selfish person who thinks he is better than the rest - even his best friend? And that he has better things to do than to spread the word of Jesus?

I'm a bit confused... it seems to be a convoluted attempt at roping in morons. They use basic propoganda techniques and pathetic and somewhat embarassing quips to angle the viewer.

I feel sorry for the people who stooped this low to get attention.

Goebbels would be proud.

 

[feral]

I found the video disturbing, and I can't even imagine how it would have impacted me as a teen or younger. I can't imagine why anyone would use a tactic such as this to get a person to believe. For one thing, obeying because you are terrified of the consequences does not speak to love or respect. Someone who dutifully attends church and avoids sinning because he or she is so scared of burning for eternity isn't someone who loves God. It's someone who believes or at least doesn't completely doubt a penalty of torture, not someone who cares about Jesus or even likes how he or she is leading their religious life. That to me is a wasted Christian, a false Christian, and I can't imagine any Christian desiring that for another's life. Furthermore, the threat of hell drives many people away. It shows the lowest, most base, most disturbing part of the religion, and is not going to appeal to anyone aside from those who appreciate gore and violence. It doesn't suggest a God of love and mercy - the type of God I am interested in, or the type of religion that would appeal to me - it shows a monster. It shows a Dr Mengele in the sky, ready to punish and torture. It's not a good sales tactic. I suppose if you believe in hell it would be wrong to suggest you hde that part of your belief, but it doesn't make sense to use if for soul winning. Share it as one horrific aspect of the religion, not the reason for following the religion.

 

[NailsII]

My original take on the vid was one of horror, as most people I'm sure should.
But I think the scare tactic is used to bully christians into spreading their word - making it their duty to save everyone.

Just one question - would a good christian go to hell themselves for not trying to convert their best friend?

 

[KalithAlur]

no, nobody who has ever at any moment accepted Christ into their heart as lord and savior goes to hell.

hence, do so.

afterwards, perform (sincerely) similar religious rituals for various other religions which grant immunity from the hell they claim exists.

might as well play the odds. A .00000000000000000000000000000001% chance at eternal torment is a miniscule chance at something infinitly horrible, which is as bad as the odds can get. If you were given the option to play the lotto, and you had a 95% chance to make a 5% profit, those odds are so-so. But if you only had to spend $1 to stand a 1 in 1,00000000000 chance of winning $10000000000000000000000 why those odds are too good to be true.

 

[NailsII]

Even a bad christian goes to heaven?

Child rapist, murderer, tax evader, liar, pervert etc?

 

[Beanieboy]

I'm still back at: How did you mail a letter from Hell?

And do Christians actually believe that you have "eternal life" either way, but one is bubble gum and candy, and the other one is feeling excruciating pain forever?

Um, interesting brand of religion.

Is the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, and living forever in heaven just not bringing in the sheep, so instead, they are only told of the effects of what happens if they DON'T have Jesus.

It's like saying, "Eat healthy food so that you DON'T DIE!"
Isn't, "Eating healthy food gives you more energy, makes you feel better and is good for the body" far more convincing that the over the top scare tactic?

Is God such a dictator that it's hard to sell the positives, so instead, it is sold only by the negatives of hell?