Why try to change people’s religion if they already have a belief system that works for them?

Question

In church today, we were discussing the importance of praying for the nations that don’t know Jesus. My boyfriend was wondering why we should pray for people when they already have their own religion, saying that is trying to change them seems like a way of saying our religion is better than theirs.

Obvious answer is that the Bible states that the only way to the Father in heaven is through Jesus Chiat but is there another reason as well?

Answer 1

Tamera952 | 378 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Yoda

Bigger question is how ones validates objectively what they 'believe' to be true. All the worlds religions are arrogant in the sense that they all think they're 'right' and everyone else is 'wrong' -- I would examine what role geography and culture play in ones religion. For example, if you were born into a different community or culture, would you still be the religion you are? Chances are, probably not.
Are you a Christian because god came down, did some tricks to convince you that he was the bomb, and that you should 'follow' him, instead of other religions? -- Probably not. You are probably Christian because either your parents were, and were raised with that religion, and didn't evaluate that one religion nor compare it with other alternatives, right?
One of the most annoying and self-defeating things about religions are their inherent 'certainty' about their 'correctness' -- the whole thing seems rather silly when you look t it like that.

Answer 2

Anonymous

Don’t forget, everybody is convinced that their religion is the only real one, and everybody who has a different belief is misinformed, or purposely confused by their gods nemesis.
I think their hearts are in the right place. Unfortunately their heads are not.

Answer 3

Anonymous

The Bible states that the word of God offends and that the reason is because the truth is hard to be received when you are comfortable in darkness. If You tell someone that what they been told and been living like for their entire life is wrong; what sane person will take the news lightly or even accept that. You will seem to them to be arrogant. However if I tell you the crayon your using is red but you believe it’s blue, truth has no favorites and doesn’t care what you think. If it’s red then it’s red. Prayer is good but you will get no where if you can’t show your faith as well. Do it.

Asker

17 d
This!!! This is the answer I was waiting for, wish I would’ve waited to give out most helpful’s
Asker

17 d
Thank you for the concise well thought out reply!

Answer 4

Asker

This!!! This is the answer I was waiting for, wish I would’ve waited to give out most helpful’s

Answer 5

Asker

Thank you for the concise well thought out reply!

Answer 6

jshm2 | 357 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Yoda

You're confused.

You're praying for them, not changing them. Like hoping your neighbourhood stays safe. It doesn't mean you're hoping a vigilante appears and makes it safe.

Asker

17 d
Good point

Answer 7

Asker

Good point

Answer 8

CountessSarah | 914 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Guru

I mean... If you genuinely believe that your religion is true, and let's be honest - most religions set themselves up as mutually exclusive with other ones, then I don't see why you wouldn't expect people to push their religions. I would argue thinking 'My religion is better than yours' is not only common amongst believers, but mandatory - otherwise you'd just change your belief every time someone challenged you.

Answer 9

Anonymous

Because of arrogance obviously!
You believe others beliefs are wrong and what you believe in is the only real religion and that's wrong on many levels. You should respect others beliefs and keep your beliefs to yourself instead of forcing others to believe what you believe in!

Asker

17 d
It’s not forcing, it’s prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly— which happens! It’s not saying that my lifestyle is better than anyone else’s, it’s about what happens when you die. I am full of love and light and just want that for others who find themselves stuck in the darkness and misperception. To be fair, what I believe is different than my Christian upbringing, I think the way Christianity has painted God to be human like is wrong. I view God as the source of energy in which everything derives. I have strong spiritual and science ties, but it seems like most people are very quick to separate both when neither one can truly make sense without the other. It’s a lot easier to explain God in a simple way for humans brains to understand and then have them discover truth on their own.
Opinion Owner

17 d
This is exactly what's wrong with you. You think what you believe in is the "truth". "It's about what happens when you die"? Well, noone ever came back after death, so please don't be so sure that what you believe in is the "truth". There are many religions in the world and you have no right to tell others what they believe in isn't the truth. Why do you think non Christians are stuck in darkness and misperception? They aren't. I'm not Christian and I'm not stuck in any sort of darkness or misperception nor am I trying to tell others what I believe in is the "truth"/what you believe in is wrong!
Asker

17 d
People have come back from death, lol. Also you’re literally telling me that my truth isn’t valid so you contradicted yourself. I’m not saying Christianity is the “truth,” if you read what I wrote I was explaining that I don’t think Christians have it completely right. I’m speaking from a science standpoint of what happens to your energy after death. I don’t think any religion that does not have a clear understanding of the afterlife is correct and I haven’t found one that works with what I believe. Christianity seems the closest but I definitely don’t think that we’re going to be walking on streets of gold. I would not have understood what I know now if I hadn’t been exposed to Christianity or a similar religion. Your own arrogance is blinding you in denying me of my own faith. You’re spreading bad energy, so I cannot relate with you. I think you probably have darkness if you’re so quick to spread this type of energy. Unless you decide to speak without being condescending then I will no longer be partaking in this conversation.
Show All Show Less
Opinion Owner

17 d
I didn't tell anywhere that whatever you believe in is invalid. You said that and you're wrong. You're pretty much the one who is arrogant enough to tell others that their beliefs are wrong. I'm not the one who asked this question. Lmao, you know who is being condescending? You and only you! You're the one who is condescending towards others by telling them what they believe in is wrong. About "bad energy"... Why don't you just look into yourself instead of judging others?
Asker

17 d
No where in my question did I state that what we discussed is the truth, but that my boyfriend made a point that made me think as well, which is why I posted it here. I’m not the one overusing exclamation points to prove my point. I avoid bad energy where I can, but I’m an imperfect human attempting to better myself. I have not stated that what people believe is wrong, you are misunderstanding me. All religions are arrogant sure, but I do not confine myself to a single one because they don’t logically make sense. Each one has valuable lessons, but without understanding the science of what goes down after you die, none are going to be completely right.
Asker

17 d
No religion has everything right but that does not make them completely wrong.
Opinion Owner

17 d
"it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly"... You did state that non Christian beliefs are wrong ofc.
Every religion has their own beliefs and truth. So this sentence of yours "it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly" doesn't make any sense unless you're talking about atheists... But atheists have their own beliefs as well eg..., It's their choice to not believe in God and it's their belief that God doesn't exist.
Asker

17 d
Lmao you aren’t getting what I’m saying and that’s fine. Have a good day.
Opinion Owner

17 d
Ofcourse arrogance won't let you take responsibility of what you said nor will you accept what you're doing is wrong. Yes, have a good day!
Asker

17 d
Lol so backhanded and condescending, there’s no point in explaining to you what I’m trying to say again if you aren’t getting it.
Opinion Owner

17 d
And that's exactly what's wrong, you wouldn't accept what you said is wrong, instead you think I'm condescending when I'm trying to point out that it's wrong to tell others that their beliefs are wrong, ofc you would never understand it.
Asker

17 d
Thats literally what you were doing to me 😂💀
Opinion Owner

17 d
I didn't tell anywhere that your belief is wrong. You are the one who used this sentence "it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled" as if all others are fools. at least take responsibility of what you said!
Asker

17 d
I explained what I meant by truth. You keep ignoring that fact and this conversation just keeps going around in circles. I’ve been respectful in what I’ve been saying.
Opinion Owner

17 d
"I explained what I meant by truth", yes and that's exactly what I'm talking about here from the beginning. You refuse to accept it. You think whatever you believe in is right and whatever others believe in is wrong. And you can't be anymore wrong!
Asker

17 d
I’m literally talking about physics. Science is factual. And here you are again, telling me that I’m wrong when you were the one who said not to tell others they’re wrong 🥴 seems hypocritical to me. If people are unaware of how science works then it’s not that they’re wrong, but uninformed. I suggest you look up CIA docs on gateway and hologram, they’ll explain it. It’s a bit of a read but definitely worth it
Opinion Owner

17 d
I thought you would be able to comprehend simple sentences, but I'm wrong there. "And here you are again, telling me that I’m wrong"? Yes, I said you're wrong because you think others beliefs and religions are wrong. How will you justify it? Honestly, what's wrong with you, mate? Just remind yourself time to time that others (non Christians) aren't fools. You think they're fools because they don't believe in what you believe in, by thinking they're fools, you're only making a fool out of yourself because it shows how narrow your mind and thoughts are. Good luck... I hope you'll find peace and I hope you'll be able to digest the fact that whatever others believe in isn't wrong for you to "pray for *your truth to be unveiled to them".

*Your - whatever you think/believe is the truth.
Asker

17 d
Lmao bet 👍🏼
Opinion Owner

17 d
You should def pray for yourself, because you're filled with arrogance. All the best! Hope it'll help you to not be so condescending to others since you think all others beliefs except yours are wrong.
Asker

17 d
If you haven’t noticed, other people also stated arrogance but yours was the only one that was straight up attacking and your assumptions definitely made me laugh pretty much all day. Like I said, I do hope you had a good day, this little debate, although a bit harsh, was helpful. I cannot help but be biased to my beliefs, as are you, so I can respect that.
Opinion Owner

17 d
"I cannot help but be biased to my beliefs", yes, you can be biased but you are not supposed to tell others what they believe in is wrong.
Asker

17 d
Okay you’re right
Opinion Owner

17 d
Noone in this world is so perfect that he/she can "pray for their truth to be unveiled to others"... Pray for yourself!
Asker

17 d
Yeah you said that
Opinion Owner

17 d
And you understood?
I think not! Anyway, good luck!
Asker

17 d
Lol you too

Answer 10

Asker

It’s not forcing, it’s prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly— which happens! It’s not saying that my lifestyle is better than anyone else’s, it’s about what happens when you die. I am full of love and light and just want that for others who find themselves stuck in the darkness and misperception. To be fair, what I believe is different than my Christian upbringing, I think the way Christianity has painted God to be human like is wrong. I view God as the source of energy in which everything derives. I have strong spiritual and science ties, but it seems like most people are very quick to separate both when neither one can truly make sense without the other. It’s a lot easier to explain God in a simple way for humans brains to understand and then have them discover truth on their own.

Answer 11

Opinion Owner

This is exactly what's wrong with you. You think what you believe in is the "truth". "It's about what happens when you die"? Well, noone ever came back after death, so please don't be so sure that what you believe in is the "truth". There are many religions in the world and you have no right to tell others what they believe in isn't the truth. Why do you think non Christians are stuck in darkness and misperception? They aren't. I'm not Christian and I'm not stuck in any sort of darkness or misperception nor am I trying to tell others what I believe in is the "truth"/what you believe in is wrong!

Answer 12

Asker

People have come back from death, lol. Also you’re literally telling me that my truth isn’t valid so you contradicted yourself. I’m not saying Christianity is the “truth,” if you read what I wrote I was explaining that I don’t think Christians have it completely right. I’m speaking from a science standpoint of what happens to your energy after death. I don’t think any religion that does not have a clear understanding of the afterlife is correct and I haven’t found one that works with what I believe. Christianity seems the closest but I definitely don’t think that we’re going to be walking on streets of gold. I would not have understood what I know now if I hadn’t been exposed to Christianity or a similar religion. Your own arrogance is blinding you in denying me of my own faith. You’re spreading bad energy, so I cannot relate with you. I think you probably have darkness if you’re so quick to spread this type of energy. Unless you decide to speak without being condescending then I will no longer be partaking in this conversation.

Answer 13

Opinion Owner

I didn't tell anywhere that whatever you believe in is invalid. You said that and you're wrong. You're pretty much the one who is arrogant enough to tell others that their beliefs are wrong. I'm not the one who asked this question. Lmao, you know who is being condescending? You and only you! You're the one who is condescending towards others by telling them what they believe in is wrong. About "bad energy"... Why don't you just look into yourself instead of judging others?

Answer 14

Asker

No where in my question did I state that what we discussed is the truth, but that my boyfriend made a point that made me think as well, which is why I posted it here. I’m not the one overusing exclamation points to prove my point. I avoid bad energy where I can, but I’m an imperfect human attempting to better myself. I have not stated that what people believe is wrong, you are misunderstanding me. All religions are arrogant sure, but I do not confine myself to a single one because they don’t logically make sense. Each one has valuable lessons, but without understanding the science of what goes down after you die, none are going to be completely right.

Answer 15

Asker

No religion has everything right but that does not make them completely wrong.

Answer 16

Opinion Owner

"it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly"... You did state that non Christian beliefs are wrong ofc.
Every religion has their own beliefs and truth. So this sentence of yours "it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled indirectly" doesn't make any sense unless you're talking about atheists... But atheists have their own beliefs as well eg..., It's their choice to not believe in God and it's their belief that God doesn't exist.

Answer 17

Asker

Lmao you aren’t getting what I’m saying and that’s fine. Have a good day.

Answer 18

Opinion Owner

Ofcourse arrogance won't let you take responsibility of what you said nor will you accept what you're doing is wrong. Yes, have a good day!

Answer 19

Asker

Lol so backhanded and condescending, there’s no point in explaining to you what I’m trying to say again if you aren’t getting it.

Answer 20

Opinion Owner

And that's exactly what's wrong, you wouldn't accept what you said is wrong, instead you think I'm condescending when I'm trying to point out that it's wrong to tell others that their beliefs are wrong, ofc you would never understand it.

Answer 21

Asker

Thats literally what you were doing to me 😂💀

Answer 22

Opinion Owner

I didn't tell anywhere that your belief is wrong. You are the one who used this sentence "it's prayer for people to have truth be unveiled" as if all others are fools. at least take responsibility of what you said!

Answer 23

Asker

I explained what I meant by truth. You keep ignoring that fact and this conversation just keeps going around in circles. I’ve been respectful in what I’ve been saying.

Answer 24

Opinion Owner

"I explained what I meant by truth", yes and that's exactly what I'm talking about here from the beginning. You refuse to accept it. You think whatever you believe in is right and whatever others believe in is wrong. And you can't be anymore wrong!

Answer 25

Asker

I’m literally talking about physics. Science is factual. And here you are again, telling me that I’m wrong when you were the one who said not to tell others they’re wrong 🥴 seems hypocritical to me. If people are unaware of how science works then it’s not that they’re wrong, but uninformed. I suggest you look up CIA docs on gateway and hologram, they’ll explain it. It’s a bit of a read but definitely worth it

Answer 26

Opinion Owner

I thought you would be able to comprehend simple sentences, but I'm wrong there. "And here you are again, telling me that I’m wrong"? Yes, I said you're wrong because you think others beliefs and religions are wrong. How will you justify it? Honestly, what's wrong with you, mate? Just remind yourself time to time that others (non Christians) aren't fools. You think they're fools because they don't believe in what you believe in, by thinking they're fools, you're only making a fool out of yourself because it shows how narrow your mind and thoughts are. Good luck... I hope you'll find peace and I hope you'll be able to digest the fact that whatever others believe in isn't wrong for you to "pray for *your truth to be unveiled to them".

*Your - whatever you think/believe is the truth.

Answer 27

Asker

Lmao bet 👍🏼

Answer 28

Opinion Owner

You should def pray for yourself, because you're filled with arrogance. All the best! Hope it'll help you to not be so condescending to others since you think all others beliefs except yours are wrong.

Answer 29

Asker

If you haven’t noticed, other people also stated arrogance but yours was the only one that was straight up attacking and your assumptions definitely made me laugh pretty much all day. Like I said, I do hope you had a good day, this little debate, although a bit harsh, was helpful. I cannot help but be biased to my beliefs, as are you, so I can respect that.

Answer 30

Opinion Owner

"I cannot help but be biased to my beliefs", yes, you can be biased but you are not supposed to tell others what they believe in is wrong.

Answer 31

Asker

Okay you’re right

Answer 32

Opinion Owner

Noone in this world is so perfect that he/she can "pray for their truth to be unveiled to others"... Pray for yourself!

Answer 33

Asker

Yeah you said that

Answer 34

Opinion Owner

And you understood?
I think not! Anyway, good luck!

Answer 35

Asker

Lol you too

Answer 36

jasco | 74 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Yoda

Well yes our religion which is Christianity is better because its the only way to get to God however anyone who has a different system who has been trained to think a different way won't see it that way and without physical proof most people won't change so I don't know

Answer 37

ManHater | 55 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Xper 7

Well If I was a Muslim and my belief system says I can take little girls as sex slaves and rape them then I'm sure all the Muslims around the world would have no problems with raping non muslim girls, not like it does not happen. Non muslim women/girls in muslim countries are easy meat for muslim men.

Answer 38

Dazed0N0Confused

Xper 7

Your holy book has been changed and rewritten so many times it's a bunch of crap. If you want to be a christian, follow the dead Sea scrolls, as it is the oldest written text of your new age Bible.
The Bible says that women and non whites are to be subservient to white men. That women who are raped can be sold to their rapists. That women are just for breeding. Not much different on how other religions make women subservient & breeding tools to men.

Asker

17 d
I’m not talking about the Bible, that wasn’t the question

Answer 39

Asker

I’m not talking about the Bible, that wasn’t the question

Answer 40

Anonymous

It's normal for people to try to convert other people to their beliefs. I am a Republican living in a liberal area and a lot of my friends try to convert me to liberalism. In their minds, they are helping me (I disagree). It's the same with Christians. In their minds, they are helping people by converting them to their beliefs.

Are the right? Who knows?

Asker

17 d
I think the reasoning behind it is that Christianity taught today is about spreading love and light. The Old Testament is where things are weird, but in the New Testament it pretty much disregards everything from the Old Testament and replaces it with words of love and guidance rather than how messed up the world was and is. If everyone in the world believes that love is the way, then the world will be a better place. Buddhism teaches this as well, not just Christianity. I personally just want the world to be a safe loving place with compassion for all, but at this point in time, that’s wishful thinking.

Answer 41

Asker

I think the reasoning behind it is that Christianity taught today is about spreading love and light. The Old Testament is where things are weird, but in the New Testament it pretty much disregards everything from the Old Testament and replaces it with words of love and guidance rather than how messed up the world was and is. If everyone in the world believes that love is the way, then the world will be a better place. Buddhism teaches this as well, not just Christianity. I personally just want the world to be a safe loving place with compassion for all, but at this point in time, that’s wishful thinking.

Answer 42

worldscolide | 234 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Guru

You shouldn't. Sorry no christian. No person involved in any religion should be forcing it on others. Its very wrong to do that.

Asker

18 d
It wasn’t forcing, it was praying that they find God. It’s an indirect hopeful wishing.
worldscolide

18 d
maybe. But who is to say Christianity is right? The bible you read has been revised and rewritten so many times, its hard to tell if what it says is correct. Bottom line is, hoping people will some how follow your religion is arrogance at best.
Asker

17 d
Do not assume that what I believe is in accordance with the Bible. The universe is much greater than humans can even begin to understand. I’ve taken religion classes at university and am fully aware that the Bible was constructed using torn pieces of paper in which people filled in the blanks. I do not think praying for others to find their own truths is wrong however. God is not who Christians have painted him to be, but rather a source of energy in which we all derive from. Humans have mistakenly given something inhuman human traits.

Answer 43

Asker

It wasn’t forcing, it was praying that they find God. It’s an indirect hopeful wishing.

Answer 44

worldscolide

maybe. But who is to say Christianity is right? The bible you read has been revised and rewritten so many times, its hard to tell if what it says is correct. Bottom line is, hoping people will some how follow your religion is arrogance at best.

Answer 45

Asker

Do not assume that what I believe is in accordance with the Bible. The universe is much greater than humans can even begin to understand. I’ve taken religion classes at university and am fully aware that the Bible was constructed using torn pieces of paper in which people filled in the blanks. I do not think praying for others to find their own truths is wrong however. God is not who Christians have painted him to be, but rather a source of energy in which we all derive from. Humans have mistakenly given something inhuman human traits.

Answer 46

dreamstar72 | 701 opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Yoda

Religion has mostly good point but also lots of bad points. Religious people has a control issue as being the best, my way is the best your way is the sinful way

Answer 47

John_Doesnt | 2.5K opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Master

Religion cannot be changed, so sayeth the spider!

Why try to change people’s religion if they already have a belief system that works for them?

Answer 48

DavidFox

Yoda

Because everyone is children of God and you pray that they are blessed and that He protects them.

Answer 49

Anonymous

Just like Muslims are trying to change everyone into their religion thinking theirs is the only one and the right one

Answer 50

Lanabear119

Xper 4

Because their beliefs clash with theirs.

Answer 51

Agape93 | 1.5K opinions shared on Religion & Spirituality topic.

Master

Because of arrogance :/ it’s annoying

Answer 52

GAGSucksBalls1

Xper 6

Right?

Answer 53

Anonymous

because you dont want them going to hell

Why try to change people’s religion if they already have a belief system that works for them?

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