If you’re a Christian driven to evangelize, beware of the devilishly smooth transition between glorifying God and glorifying yourself.
It’s a seamless slide from “God is good! Let him save you!” to “God and I are good! Let us save you!”
The moment you begin to proselytize to a person, you will likely catch a very heady buzz. And though it might feel like it, that buzz will not be coming from the joy of sharing God’s love. Its source will instead be the dizzying one-two punch of knowing that you’ve made yourself the focus of that person’s attention, and that you’re deeply meddling in that person’s life.
You’re the star. You’ve got the answers. You’re wise. You’re all-knowing. You have what that person needs. You can solve all their problems. You’re the person they need to listen to.
Good for you! You’ve got the power!
Bad for God. You’re acting like he doesn’t.
Just out: UNFAIR: Why the “Christian” View of Gays Doesn’t Work (softcover edition; Kindle edition; NookBook edition). Find me here and on my Facebook page.
![John Shore on The Huffington Post](http://johnshore.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/huffpost.jpg?w=120 "John Shore on The Huffington Post\")
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@John,
Damn that’s good!
My grandmother always said… “Actions speak louder than words”. Evangelizing Preachers seem to me to usually be talking AT me… rarely listening… and doing even less. (And often driving very nice cars, living in very large houses and using their churches as platforms to promote very profitable secondary sources of income… like Erwin McManus of Mosaic. He is now selling bags for $799.00 at http://www.mcmanus.la/ and uses his flock to get the word out via social media.) I prefer honest actions… not public relations.
One can be evangelical about any belief system or political cause. As for me, I’m now a devout hypocrite. “Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves for we shall never cease to be amused.” -Anon. I found recent reactionary behavior at a certain progressive siite dismaying and am now tired of those preaching to the choir. Let’s hear it for those who acknowledge imperfection and model growth through healthy dialogue.
What is the best way to prothlesize? By speaking of it not at all. By becoming that which you have faith in, by becoming strong and joyous. By becoming one who is obviously at peace with self and God. By becoming such a pillar of strength and confidence, and very relaxed in peace and security, that they will wonder what manner of powers created this. If you are such an example, you don’t need words. Just be who you are, and do not try to convince them.
Do not try to convince them. Do not argue. Be.
What they see, they will inquire about. Answer only as much as they are prepared to receive. Do not preach. Do not argue. Do not be concerned with their fears for you.
You are not conformed to this world, when you have chosen a different set of values. Understand this, as written, “Be not conformed to this world. Be not like they are. Be different. As you are not conformed, yet be you transformed by renewing of your mind that you may prove what is the good and perfect will of God.” It is written in the Epistles of Paul. “Be ye not conformed to this world, to their religion, but be ye transformed.” And how? By changing your mind—by proving the good, the perfect mind and will of your God.
As they see, so will they as well change the mind. Renewal of the mind. But do not struggle. Do not fight. Allow it to happen.
Very well said, SOX.
Cheryel, the opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s fear. As God is pure love those who use fear to sell a religious point of view are actually driving a wedge between their converts and God. Not something I would personally want to be responsible for.
Have you seen THE BIG KAHUNA?
Not that you need to, because you get it. But in case somebody doesn’t get it and you need to make them see what’s wrong with marketing of God.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0189584/
I don’t think the online description gets into the religion part of it but it’s very very clever.
it’s not about YOU – it’s about GOD
Thought provoking…Or, am I acting like She doesn’t?
John, I love this. Thank you.
Ow. I keep having to remind myself that it’s all about love. That’s it.
You and I both.
<3
Me three.
Unfortunately, these people don’t realize they’re doing more harm to Christianity than good. It’s just one of the reasons I feel that is causing church attendance to decline.
John, I’ve known literally hundreds of people who are committed, driven evangelizers (since I grew up in a VERY fundamentalist church). I know of maybe four who fit your description above. You probably have run across more in your experience. Many truly fear hell for their potential converts. Many fear the disapproval of the God who is going to send these potential converts to hell. But many are just doing what they are told by a controlling (ok, say “influential”) pastor or spiritual leader. I personally think this last category fits most. Guilt and fear are by far the main motivators in Christian fundamentalism.
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
It is revoltingly self centered and uncaring towards others. The fact that you dont see this is astounding to the rest of us who have to hear your self centered, self important, egomanical blatherings. Did you even read the piece?
Who are you talking to Connie?
Motive, motive, motive!
Why do we want to evangelise? Because we are commanded? Because we care about ‘sinners’ and their ‘lack’ or because His heart beats in ours and there is no such thought of ‘get out of God’s way’ because He is The Way we live, it is as natural as breathing…
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