April 21, 2009
-
Why Do Christians Evangelize?
For whatever reason, I find that quite a few people still get confused as to why Christianity and other religions evangelize. I define "evangelize" as sharing about Christianity with someone. I thought I'd give my opinion on it quickly. Now, I admit that many people evangelize poorly--how people evangelize could often use work. But I think there's absolutely no reason for people to be offended about the "Why" Christians evangelize. Let me try to explain.
First, we evangelize because we are happy to be Christians! Just as others talk about what makes them happy--their favorite band, sport, or a new girlfriend--so we talk about what has made us happy. I don't know why it's seen as so odd for someone to randomly say "Last weekend, I went to the BEST church service ever. You should come with me too!" If I substitute "concert" for "church service", would you have any problem with that statement? We want to share our joy.
Second, we evangelize because it is hypocritical NOT to evangelize and be a Christian. I have a confession to make, and I hate to do this. But a lot of times, I can sense that a reader is headed for trouble and making bad choices. I've been reading blogs for 5 years. There isn't much, say, a college student has been through that I haven't heard of. I know how the stories end by now, and quite honestly, people aren't as different from each other as they think.
Yet, I often say nothing. I shut my mouth, because I don't want to ruin things and have a fight. Then they have their divorce or go to jail or what not, cry about it on their blog, and I am not surprised. Does that make me a good person for keeping my mouth shut? Wouldn't that cause you to lose respect for me? It does make me less proud of myself.
As Christians, we believe that a life without God is a life that leaves one at the mercy of evil, both in this life and the life to come. Given that belief, is it not cruel for me to withold the knowledge of God from a friend, if I truly think it would make his/her life better?
Third, we evangelize because it makes God happy. Last night, I grudgingly prayed for an unsaved Xangan I don't particularly care for. I immediately felt the presence of God. It felt like the top half of my body was on fire, and no, I hadn't been eating Mexican, ha. I actually had to excuse myself and go to the bathroom because I was feeling so emotional. I'd say more, but it'd freak you out a bit, so I'll leave it at that. Over and over again, when I pray for people I don't like who aren't saved, I feel a voice in my head saying "I love them more than you can guess." Quite frankly, I don't care a lot about some people; but when the God I claim to serve is so adamant that he does, and that I should, how can I say no?
Fourth, we evangelize to comfort. What do you say to someone whose grandmother died? Whose heart is broken? "Go see a counselor?" "I hope things get better?" Those words are full of empty hope that tomorrow will be better than today, and that is not at all a guarantee. The only hope I have that tomorrow is better than today is that there is a God who loves me and will accept me when I die. Otherwise, I have no guarantee that tomorrow will not be worse than today. So when we mention God's name to you, we are admitting our own inability to help you and trying to give you what we think will help.
Now, why don't we evangelize?
No, I don't evangelize to make you feel bad. Do you think I enjoy thinking that some of my friends may be headed to hell? Or that your lifestyle, if continued, puts you at serious risk for death and heartbreak? Come on, I'm no sadist.
No, I don't evangelize to make myself feel better. Why would I brag about being a Christian? I'd rather brag about something tangible, like my amazing good looks, brillliant intellect, or absolute honesty (err, ok, maybe a few of those aren't true). What sense does it make to brag about something the other person doesn't understand?
No, I don't evangelize to get a bounty from the church. I don't get $10 for every visitor I bring with me to church, ha.
No, I don't evangelize to control you. Yes, I want you to stop doing some things that are not profitable. But the Christian life isn't just about "stop smoking and sexing, then fold your hands and do nothing until you die." The first step is indeed to reject those habits that cause self-injury; but for many of us, we'll always have some weaknesses. I'd rather have you a Christian and drinking than a non-Christian with no bad habits whatsoever. Many a Christian struggles with some bad habits; but I would rather struggle with God's help than be alone and be enslaved. Christianity isn't "self-control 101"; it's about goodness, peace, and joy through God's spirit, as Paul said.
Comments (47)
Clap clap clap clap . . . .
great post
Very good. We just want to share the happiness we have.
Those are a few good reasons to start off with..
Yes & Amen! Clap clap clap clap . . . .
While I am not Christian, and probably never will be again, I find it sad when Christians do not try to evangalize to me, as long as they do it respectfully. I'm on first name basises (basisai?... I don't know) with the Jehovah's Witnesses who come to my neighborhood because they are spending their days in the cold and blazing hot and all sort of weather to give to me something they think is the best gift in the universe. Even if I don't agree with the principles of the gift, that as to be appreciated on some level.
Excellant post. It puzzles me that some people think of evangelizing as a chore to be endured rather than just sharing a joy that you have.
Lol, it just gets irritating when Christians who do evangelize don't understand the meaning of, "I don't want to be Christian!" and/or "Please stop."
You make some interesting points. Although I'm not Christian, I do enjoy talking about religion with believers. I'm one of the peole who walk towards the people who give out Bibles, etc. on the sidewalk and speak politely with people who come door to door.
- J. M. 713
This is great. And it's true, when we talk about our faith, it is often because it's brought us joy, not to slam others. We cross the line when we don't realize we are "casting our pearls to swine".
what about...
Fifth, we evangelize to create a stronger following for our religion, which therefore strengthens our beliefs (i suppose i should explain this part. if you were part of 10 people voicing an opinion in a room of 100, would you feel more or less confident than if you were part of 90 people in a room of 100 voicing an opinion)
I saw the part about substituting church service for concert. Ok, let's try that. In the music industry, it's all about spreading awareness about hot new bands that are forming and rising from the ranks, because the bands want to make the big time. Therefore, bands get their hardcore fans to go out and advertise (assuming the fans do this out of the loyalty and love for the band, and usually this is the case). Now, there are a LOT of singers and groups out there, as we all know, just like there are a lot of sects of religions. Bands that do not garner enough support eventually disband and disappear into the woodwork. Likewise, it is of the utmost benefit for a church to spread the word, which would ultimately lead to its survival.
However, this is merely for discussion's sake
@AibellFaeire - Yes, it feels like you're somehow not worth it, right? It's like hearing a handsome person of opposite gender talk about everyone else but you, haha.
@SerenaDante - You'll notice I didn't try to defend the "how" of some would-be evangelists, ha. There definitely is a time where one should stop evangelizing because we are wasting our time on an unwilling, uninterested person. No one likes a deaf cheerleader.I was in an awkward position the other day b/c I was trying to get a Christian in a chat room to shut up (?!); problem was, he was doing more harm than good in his enthusiasm.
But on the other hand, what I don't like is when Christianity is singled out as the only item that evangelizes--I mean, every cause "advertises" in some way. Atheists try to convince others that their way is best, hedonists try to make converts to party/sleep with them, businesses vie to convince us that their way is best--I feel like Christians unfairly get a bad rap.
@ladydamsel - I love that verse. Saved me many a time--I waste a lot less time than I used to. It's almost a life verse to me by now, ha.
@Chinese_Sait0u - There's a great conversation to be had about network externalities and how more people agreeing with your idea increases the value of that idea. I certainly won't argue that it happens! But I am very much a quality vs. quantity kind of guy, which is sadly why I don't witness more. I'm a spiritual snob
trying to stop that.
I like your band analogy, because here's another fundamental truth related to that. If the band really does suck, all the advertising in the world can't save it. Sooner or later, its fans will start realizing the truth, and all newbies will spread the word on how awful it is. That's why I think concerns over evangelism as some sort of unfair brainwashing plan are overblown. If Christianity really does suck, then after a while, it'll cease to be relevant. Our society is founded on freedom of speech...but also on a hidden assumption that the good ideas will win out. Now that doesn't always happen! sadly.
@GreekPhysique - The thing is, though, that Christianity seems to be the only religion that REALLY goes all out about it... for example, my friend told me the other day that when she was coming to see me from the Metro, there was this dude hanging around there with a sign that was like, "Embrace Jesus and be saved!" or something of the sort, and trying to get people to listen to him talking about Christianity... you don't really see Muslims or Hindus or Buddhists going around doing the same thing. Scientologists, a bit. Atheists are more formal about things - speaking at conferences and so on... but you don't exactly see an atheist hanging around with a sign that says, "Embrace Darwin and evolve!" or whatever, lol...
@GreekPhysique - Exactly! Haha. It's like saying, "Well... you're just not important enough for me to want you in Heaven."
@GreekPhysique - but the thing is, Christianity DOESN'T "suck." I mean, seriously, believe in god and you will go to heaven. don't believe and you're going to hell? Well, most people, reasonable and rational people who don't know death (I'm not saying that I do) or fear what comes after this life is over would MOST LIKELY choose a religion that promised something positive. Maybe I'm making too much of a stretch in assuming that.
In the end, I'm not saying it's a brainwashing plan, but I believe that what I brought up is an important factor/question regarding evangelism that I was very surprised you did not bring up.
You're probably wondering "Why does this kid reject Christianity? Darwin worship? Too much Discovery Channel?"
I've tried going to church several times. I've watched the televanglism stuff, attended those meetings in peoples' homes, listened to sermons, and every time, I've had an urge to stand up and speak out against what I hear. Maybe in my old age, I'll start to fear dying and hell and all that. Maybe then, I'll "find Jesus."
@Chinese_Sait0u - Eh, most American people in their 20's seem to reject Christianity, for whatever reason. It is what it is. I've actually started studying it lately, and trying to figure out why that is.
Partly, that's why I did not think to bring it up. I usually have been a part of very small churches or groups, and focused on tight bonds with people in the church. So numbers have at times not been on my radar.
I think you and I may be rather similar in some ways. I tend to be an extreme contrarian; I'm the guy who listens to speeches, parsing every word, just waiting for wrong things to be said.Is that a fair characterization of some of your perspective as well? For such individuals, being a part of a non-interactive church service is awful; it's a terrible fit. Individual exploration of faith is the only way they'll ever believe.
I am in awe... very well said
Very well done my friend! Right on!
@GreekPhysique - Haha, nah. My mind can't keep up with speeches like that. I understand that people make mistakes and slip up and stuff, but major issues really grind my gears. In church, I usually fall into a half asleep half awake state, but if something was said that was blatantly wrong, I'd snap awake and just...feel angry about it. You can't stand up and contradict the pastor, right? the pastor preaches, it's not an open discussion forum.
That's where the household meetings come in. I dunno, the one I visited, those people...I'd call them a little TOO into christianity.
"Dear heavenly father, we thank you for allowing us to be here today, sharing food with our visitor, AMEN, and helping us in spreading the gospel and love. AMEN. getting to know you better..AMEN...and overall, strengthing our love for you. AMEN." Throw in a few "OHHH JESUS" and "OOOH GOD. WE LOVE YOU"s in there, and then you get me with a face that looked like this -----> o_____________x;
these smaller interactive groups are even more intimidating, especially because i had friends in there. like i said before, it's hard for one person to discuss with 30 other people of a totally different opinion.
furthermore, while my dad was growing up in taiwan, he joined one of those christian groups. not attending meetings for a week would get you phone calls. "hello, we missed you last thursday night, how are you doing?" needless to say, i think that nagging persistance is what pressed him to join up with the bigger church.
in the end, individual exploration of faith is what I've been doing my whole life. i've come to the conclusion that ok, maybe there is some crazy badass god out there and whatever, but i haven't gotten a sign or anything. however, what i should do, and know to do, is to be the best person i can be, and be kind to others, spreading a love that does not need to be based in any such religion. why spread the gospel and word of god and love because of christianity when one can just spread kindness to others as a human being.
but then, that gets into the discussion of what humans actually perceive as right and wrong, and whether or not children are inherently able to distinguish between the two. that's a conversation best saved for another day. i've been home for 2 hours and i haven't started homework...
Perfect!!
You are right on with this.Why folks who don't believe don't get it is beyond me.
I agree wholeheartedly, thank you for sharing
In Christs Love
Michelle~
Interesting take on the subject.
@JadedJanissary - Ah, you're not getting away with that, ha. As a former grad student, I'm well-aware of the possible uses and misuses of the word "interesting." Care to elaborate?
@GreekPhysique - Hmm, in a few days. I'm actually finishing up a major term paper on evangelism. I'll get back to it when i have more time on the subject.
For what it's worth, this sounds like an interesting set of motivations, and i was assuming that you intentionally avoided overtly biblical language. It's a good place to start from.
I wish that the term "love" had not been so perverted in such a way that it was difficult to use.
@JadedJanissary - Ooh, ok, please return. I know that you actually study in a seminary and probably have a more well-rounded viewpoint than I; so I wanted you to share as well and not feel like you might be stealing my thunder or something, ha.
Yes, on Xanga I often avoid using actual biblical language. It seems to be a turn-off to quote Scripture verbatim, so I use other methods to try to widen my audience. There's concern for me that I may weaken the message short-term, but I think the trade-off works.
I hear you on love.
Evangelise...cool by me. I like a good conversation or debate.
Now taking it a step farther and making it all political...I don't care for that too much.
@GreekPhysique - Yeah, I use my gift of discernment so much, it's crazy. I however do let loose on Xanga. It's a choice to read and if talking about the Lord bothers someone, they can always click away
Evangelization in the manner that you describe sounds most practical and wise. It is every bit as important as you say to speak up when you discern that a person is needing what you have .
Some of your detractors (or opponents) are "protesting too much," if you know what I mean. Sometimes the very ones you consider not interested or violently opposed may be the ones who are closest to yielding. That's the way it was with me....
A) Because were bored with church and we want others to be bored with church B) We want others to come to the saving knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ. C) To show the world that we are not all hypocrites and Pharisees.
Good Job!
I enjoyed this.
One addition....In my opinion, the No. 1 reason we evangelize is because God tells us to. Jesus' final commandment to the disciples - as He ascended into the clouds - was to go and make disciples of all the nations. That's settles it.
What a great post.
I would rather not be evangelized again. People have "shared" Christ with me on more than SEVEN occasions and I'm quite done hearing about it. I've chosen to be agnostic and I just want to be left alone. That's why we hate it when people evangelize or ask why you're doing it.
As well, MOST OF THE TIME it comes across as pushing your religion on us. So be a good Christian, and not tick people off.
good stuff bro. good stuff.
I love what you said, it's so true! I agree with the whole thing where we evangelize not to force people into a relationship with Christ, but merely it's to spread the word of God to people who need it! Go you!
"I'd rather have you a Christian and drinking than a non-Christian with no bad habits whatsoever."
That's asinine.
Also, we evangelize to our friends because we want to see them one day in heaven. But most of my friends don't like it when I evangelize, so I've stopped pretty much.
Haha...you only got a bounty if you were in AWANA. And even then it wasn't really a bounty--just another check off a list...
Good points. Thank you.
1Corinthians 1: 18-19 : "For the messege of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, the intellegence of the intellegent I will frustrate.' "
Good Post
As always, you did a pretty thorough job here.
@Chinese_Sait0u -
I feel bad that you have had to endure TV envangelists and lots of super religious people that seem phony and over the top in their religious expressions. Trust me, this stuff made Jesus vomit too. Try reading the gospels, if you haven't. I prefer an easy to understand version such as the New Living Translation or the Message. Jesus did not conform to what the religious people of that day practiced or believed. He hung out with the the prostitutes, tax collectors, sinners, outcasts. He peformed healings on the sabbath... did everything to frustrate and irritate the religious and to deconstruct what everyone thought was right and religious. There is no words, no acts, no performance that will ever get us in right standing with God or get us to heaven. It is simply by God's grace - his unmerited favor - and through our faith that we procure this. There is a God out there that wants to reveal himself to you and I assure you that he will if you look, listen and are open. God usually moves in a quiet, subtle way as opposed to a booming voice. Like all good relationships, God is not in your face "HERE I AM, YOU MUST BELIEVE IN ME." He respects our decisions and our boundaries. We don't want to see, hear, contemplate God? Well, he does not force himself on you. He is a gentleman. If you want to find him and know him and walk toward that goal, I assure you that you will encounter an awesome God. You may want to check out http://www.freebelievers.com I think you will find a group of people that buck the traditional religious norm and like to discuss and challenge traditional ideas.
GreekPhysique - Awesome, excellent post! Very well written. I couldn't have said anything better. This sums up everything that is in my heart. I was excited to read your brief mention of your awesome supernatural Holy Spirit encounter. Tell me more... I won't freak out. I have had a few really crazy experiences similar to what you briefly mentioned. I find it is always when I am praying for and meditating on God's love of others. When we are so entwined and at one with his heart we can do and experience amazing God things! It has never worked when I have said, "Oh God bless me, touch me, I want to feel you, experience you." No, it is when I am dying to myself and focusing on others that I encounter God in amazing, amazing ways. God bless you! So glad there are people like you out there with the Father's heart and the ability to articulate in such an awesome manner.
Comments are closed.