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In dealing with people of different religions

Discussion in 'Evangelism, Missions & Witnessing' started by Speedpass, Nov 22, 2002.

?
  1. Evangelize them

    100.0%
  2. Tolerate them, without evangelizing

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. Speedpass

    Speedpass Active Member
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    Should we evangelize them, or tolerate them?
     
  2. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    Evangelize. It is commanded. Those who do not submit to Christ willfully and joyfully in this lifetime are condemned. Salvation is found only in Christ.
     
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Shouldn't we do both?
     
  4. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    The 'responses' were:
    1) Evangelize them.
    2) Tolerate them, without evangelizing.

    Impossible to do both. [​IMG] We should "tolerate" them in the "old-fashioned" sense (I don't agree with you but I will still treat you with dignity, respect, etc.). However, I think the poll poser was using "tolerance" in the "PC" sense.

    Poll poser - is this correct?
     
  5. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Is this really the choices we have? :confused:
     
  6. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    SW:

    What other choices do you think should be on here?

    Rev. G
     
  7. Bible-boy

    Bible-boy Active Member

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    I agree with Rev. G. on this issue. We are commanded by Christ to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We should, as Rev. G. said, respectfully disagree with them and respect them as fellow human beings. However, to "tolerate" them to the point of saying "live and let live" is in direct disobedience to Christ's Great Commission. We must tell them about the truth of the Gospel. Because we disagree with them does that mean that we hate or disrespect them? Not at all. I maintain that if we do not share the Gospel with them then we really show just how little love we have for them. I say that because failing to share the Gospel with them shows that we do not care for their lost souls enough to even try and lead them to Christ and eternal life. In effect, failing to share the Gospel with them is actually the most hateful thing we could do to them.
     
  8. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Our responsibility is to glorify God. Probably the single word that comes to my mind in the process of "glorifying" is FAITHFULNESS.

    Sharing the Gospel with every one is one aspect of faithfulness to the Lord. That is HIS CALL, not mine.

    But I am so thankful that God saved a wretch like me that I don't want ANYONE to go to hell. I want them ALL to receive God's grace. So I try to lay aside my prejudice and share the Gospel with everyone I can . . . even those in religions I cannot stomach.
     
  9. Speedpass

    Speedpass Active Member
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    Rev G, yes I was. BTW, what led me to post this poll was an article I saw in a recent edition of the CBF's monthly magazine featuring an Atlanta church which works together with other faith groups on a Habitat project. The focus on this article was the fact that they were working together, not that the Christians were leading any people from the other faith groups to salvation in Christ. Another motivation for me posting this poll was the fact that a Methodist congregation in Jackson sent their children to a camp in North Carolina where they camped with Jewish children and Muslim children--another example of tolerance over evangelism.
     
  10. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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  11. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    Of course that doesn't mean that evangelization was not taking place.

    Certainly, working together with other faith groups in areas of common concern is a wonderful way to build bridges, open communication and present a living testimony of Christ to those who may not have been open to it before because of pre-conceived notions against Baptists.
     
  12. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

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    Neither, actually. We should befriend them. Walk alongside. We are told to give answers for the hope that we have. We cannot give answers if no questions are asked. No questions will be asked if 1) they don't trust us enough to ask and 2) we are not different from others.

    Philip was told simply to walk alongside the Ethiopian. All he did was ask about what the Ethiopian was reading. The response told him where to begin.

    "Being there" for a neighbor or anyone we come in contact with is the opening step. Our first evangelical approach should be without words, but showing Christ in our lives. People who are usually the most ready for the Word are those with "plowed up" lives, and they are really hurting inside. Friendship is the first thing they are going to want. It may not be the first thing they need, but it is the first thing they want, and if that need is filled, there will be a wide open door for what we have to say afterwards.

    If what is offered is not honest and open caring, though, it is best not to bother. People know.
     
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