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Having been a church going person all of my life, and having attended religion classes for at least 20 years, I like to think I know a lot about my particular church. I was blessed to be surrounding by a lot of people who not only knew information and history, but who could impart that knowledge in a way that made sense. They also tried hard to live what they preached (although many failed, many times). So, even though I am aware of the foibles and flaws in the human being that make up my church home, I am comfortable and happy enough that I do not intend to leave it. It helps me be a better happier person. Because
it makes me happy and a better person, I stay. But I do not presume that it would make everyone a better or happier person.I am aware that some people of my faith (including its leader) and those who belong to other faiths have alienated others by claiming that we are the “one true faith” or writing books about how much better we understand “The Truth” or have stayed on the true path.

There are others who, at the mere mention of a particular religion (no matter what it is) either start attacking it or act like they have smelled something real bad. And then they wonder why people think they are judgmental or worse!

I am not going to attack or defend people (of my faith or any other) who do or think such things. Nor am I going to try to figure out why they feel compelled to make such statements (but I am pretty sure it has something to do with the need to compete and/or feelings of inferiority). Rather, I am going to frankly give my opinion on the chances of influencing anyone by assuming or asserting that you or your church are superior.

First and foremost, I want to just say that Faith is a gift that is offered to everyone, but does not have to be accepted! Those who do not accept the gift, or believe what I do, have their own reasons. Just as I have mine. I might not agree with or understand their reasons, but if I want other people to respect my choices, and me, I must do the same for all people. Otherwise, I am a hypocrite.

Secondly, I fail to comprehend how anyone who purports to believe in Jesus the Christ, whose grand commandment was to Love and serve others, would then in turn think it is perfectly fine to act or speak in an unloving manner towards anyone else. Including and in particular towards those who do not share their belief in Jesus.

The quickest way to prove to people that the words and life of Jesus have no real meaning is to behave in an unloving manner towards other people. And by speaking or acting unloving I mean being judgmental, unkind, snobby, or cliquish.

While it is fine to privately pray for someone’s conversion, to do so in front of them (as a way of showing off or influencing them, I guess) smacks of patronizing superiority. Very few people find that kind of treatment appealing and I highly doubt that anyone’s mind or heart is every changed by someone treating them as if they were some kind of mental midget! If you want them to believe as you do, fine – but realize they may feel the same way towards you. How would you want them to approach you with the possibility of changing to their way of thinking/acting/believing? Attacking them, even in a passive aggressive way, is surely the wrong approach to influencing a change.
We may be able to force a lot of things to change. But not people’s souls. That is a choice only they can make.

Third, if someone wants to debate religion with me, I ask that they have their facts straight. It is not an effective or particularly
endearing approach to attack my faith (or anyone else’s) armed with falsehoods or half-truths! Assuming you know “the truth” does not carry much weight if your comments about someone else’s choices reveals your ignorance! If you are going to attack someone’s beliefs, first know what they are! There are a lot of classes given, in all kinds of religions. Why not take one before you decide you know all you need to know about a specific religion. To say with certainty that something is true, when you actually know little to nothing about the matter (except what you have been told by someone who is equally opposed or ignorant) is a little like deciding you don’t like the taste of a food you have never touched, let alone put in your mouth!

Finally, why not let your life be the lesson? If you want to change someone’s mind, do it with your actions. Your conduct says all that anyone needs to really know about you. And whatever church you belong to!

“History does not record anywhere at any time a religion that has any rational basis. Religion is a crutch for people not strong enough to stand up to the unknown without help. But, like dandruff, most people do have a religion and spend time and money on it and seem to derive considerable pleasure from fiddling with it.”

Robert Heinline.