August 31, 2007
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Christians in Afghanistan
I was just reading an article about how the Taliban released 21 Korean Christians that were held hostage in Afghanistan.
The Christians were there to reach people in Afghanistan. Here is the link: Link
Do you think it is wise to send missionaries to a country that is so openly hostile to Christianity?
Comments (113)
No.
I cannot believe I was first! I am never, ever, ever first!
wise? no. but i guess that’s what missionaries do.
I think it’s up to the missionaries and God.
Not really, but it is really the missionary’s choices to go in there to do charity or God’s work..
oh, lord. honestly. leave people to their own religious/ spiritual convictions, for crying out loud.
maybe it’s not wise by all accounts of human wisdom, but if it were within His perfect wisdom that missionaries continue to do so, then who are we to judge?
I think it’s fine for people to go there if it’s in their belief and conviction to do so.
But don’t expect your government to bail you out if you’re captured! Those missionaries certaintly set back the military big time on that one and that’s just not cool!
I say let them go as long as they know that’s a HUGE risk and the government won’t intervene if they get in trouble.
nah… unless they want to die, of course.
of course not. but we are told to do it anyway.
maybe they wont be soo hostile after this
just maybe
*hey anything is possible innit?
Do you think it is wise to send missionaries…
Yes, regardless of the conditions.
Seeing as Christianity was born in a hostile environment I’d say it really doesn’t matter.
I think it’s not wise for missionaries (or any other foreign civilians) to go into countries that are at war, regardless of the religious tolerance or intolerance.
People will find religion if they want to, I don’t see the point of pressuring it on to people, especially people so openly hostile against it.
By the standards of Christian thought, yes. In that line of thinking eternal gains outweigh earthly loss.
its not wise, but it is good.
As though Christians have NEVER been hostile towards anyone else before. The Crusades, inquisition, witch hunts, persecution of heretics, anti-semitism are all things in which Christianity is very guilty of being. It’s well known that throughout history Christianity has been extremely hostile towards those who are not in line with their beliefs. Even into modern times here in America a modern day Pagan or Witch is often persecuted, granted nowhere near as harsh as it would have been in the past, but still is often persecuted for their beliefs because they are not in line with Christianity which so many in this nation believe is the only religion that should be practiced in this nation.
No, but it’s their choice if they want to go.
no…and yet almost every single one of my friends has either gone to the middle east or places in mexico that are considered dangerous…i mean i love to spread the word of God, but i wouldn’t want to go to these places when i’m 15, ya know
No, and it’s kind of stupid to do that. Some people, really just don’t want that Jesus in their lives. It’s offensive to presume that they do, too.
Haha it’s about as wise as entering the lion cages at the zoo for feeding time after taking a bath in blood.
Maybe it’s not so wise. But I think it’s important to tell people of his love. How else will they find out? The missionaries may feel they are called to go there. It’s not something I’d be very willing to do. But I’m not going to question the people who do it. The people who do these things are very selfless. More power to them, I say.
Do you think it is wise to send missionaries to a country that is so openly hostile to Christianity?
The more decrepit a region is, the more it would be in need to change. I really do admire the resolve and risks taken by Missionaries. On the other hand, I’m an atheist, so I don’t support the theological core of the Christian message. It seems really going up against the grain to try to supplant a region’s long-established religious dogma.
The really “bad” countries also ought to be left alone. If a religious group were to try for a field trip to North Korea, I would admire their courage (stupidity?), but really chid them for being hopelessly and ineffectively reckless.
I don’t think it is wise for missionaries to speak…
Is there even any country in the world that DOESN’T have people that are openly hostile to Christianity? I can’t really think of one (other than maybe the Vatican but then open hostility would be there for all non-Catholic forms of Christianity). Going where people don’t already believe is the whole idea of missionaries.
do you think it was wise for God to become man to die for humanity? “no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (or anyone)
Most people don’t understand that it is a Christian’s duty to follow the commands that Jesus laid out for us. “Go ye into all the world…” is not taken lightly. Some see it as helping their neighbor. Some actually go to the ends of the earth (wherever that may be) trying to bring the gospel (good news) to each and every person.
No, shoving it down someone’s throat is not scriptural. Persecution, no, but it was used to spread the gospel. If the Bible was read through the eyes of Jesus, people would understand what “The Plan” was and why all the things happen the way they do.
If people realistically know the dangers and know that is were God is calling them, then I think it is more than appropriate. However, there should be cultural/language training as much as possible. This was short-medical missions group from what I could tell. This isn’t the type of group in such a hostile country that should have been riding around in a bus in hostile areas of the country. All Christians are called to be willing to give their life for their faith. It isn’t an easy thing, but we are called to give our lives to Him daily.
“For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” –Acts 4:20 (NIV)
By the wisdom that the rest of the world understands, no, it’s not wise. But Christians don’t (or shouldn’t) operate under worldly logic. We are called to make disciples of all nations, and hostile places like Afghanistan and China are no exception.
Still, I wonder about some of the responses here. Is it truly preferable for a person’s religious beliefs to be determined by the Taliban (which, lest you’ve forgotten recent history, is not the government of Afghanistan any more) at gunpoint, rather than have that person hear the gospel and decide for himself or herself what he or she wants to believe?
Someone has to do it. Christians are commanded by Yeshua Himself to go and make disciples among the nations. Basically, we’re told to convert as many people as possible. Couple that with the belief that all non christians are damned, and any compassionate christian would support those going to hostile nations to help save souls
ryc: I have no sympathy for suicidals, especially rich celebrities. Suicide is like quitting, and I am not fond of quitters.
Do I think it’s a good idea? NO. But I have to admire those dedicated and brave enough to try.
Would I do it? NO.
For me personally no. But if God calls them, then they should go. Paul hardly went were he was welcomed with open arms.
Yeah, that’s not wise. At least, I don’t consider it wise. But then I ask you, is suicidal bombing wise? How would you measure the wisdom of something like that? This is religion, after all, it’s beyond the question of what’s best for their health and welfare.
Some people simply care more about their religion and its message than they do about their lives.
-David
It may not be “wise” according the world’s standards, but if they are called by God, then by all means they need to go!
I am reminded of the thriving underground Christian church in China, a country that is very openly hostile toward Christianity. If it can be done there, I say it can be done in Afghanistan.
Not wise at all, but hey, that’s what missionaries do.
Not sure why they would want to though…they hardly seemed to be welcomed with open arms.
Happy weekend, dearie.
The wisdom of God seems like foolishness to men. Of course we need to go to Afghanistan.
missionaries go on their own behalf, they know the risks, and they’re willing to do it for what they believe in.
Off topic: Do you think xanga’s new featured question is kinda taking your thunder?!
No. Why couldn’t those Koreans reach out to people domestically? Why Afghanistan? People there already have their own set believes. It’s not cool to try to convert someone.
It’s also not wise to send a missionary to my house
If we only did things that were easy, what would be the point of doing them? I know I can talk to the people around me about the Christ that has redeemed me and made me whole, because Americans are tolerant of each belief. But can I go to a place where everyone hates who I am and what I believe… and do the same thing? That takes courage only God can Give…
The wisdom of God makes the wisdom of this world seem like foolishness
whose wisdom are we inquiring of? according to the natural man’s standards, of course not. but obviously that’s not God’s wisdom- his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts than our thoughts, furthermore, he has chosen the foolish things to confound the things that are wise. Simply put, it’s not going to make sense to the nonbeliever until God reveals it to their hearts through the Holy Spirit. However, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God and how will the nations know unless His people GO!?! They won’t, generally. Granted, there have been rare occurances where individuals have come to a saving knowledge exclusively through God revealing Himself to them (Paul’s conversion, for one), however that is not God’s standard method as the New Testament clearly states.
So yah, go ahead and tell Christians they are foolish, go ahead and laugh, we’re born for the persecution. It only makes us stronger in the faith and if we are martyred it usually causes an explosion of conversions. Just look at China- Christians there have been severely persecuted for decades now. The Chinese government has even begun expelling missionaries to “clean up” China’s image for the Olympics next year, but I guarantee you that expelling the missionaries will give them their desired effect. The more Christians are persecuted, the faster our faith spreads. Hence the death of the Roman Empire…
Depends who’s sending them.
Lots of missionaries go into places that are unsafe. Did you ever see “End of the Spear?” And look what came of that, in the long run.
Thanks for the encouragement. (:
“The more Christians are persecuted, the faster our faith spreads. Hence the death of the Roman Empire…”
I don’t see how the death of the Roman Empire anything to do with Christian persecution. Especially considering the late emperors such as Constantine, and later, Theodosius, who outlawed all religions EXCEPT Christianity in 391 AD.
This China Christian thing doesn’t sound positive. I hear Christians are disappearing faster and faster over there. There is no glorious martyrdom, there is just people disappearing and less and less Christians around to hold the religion together.
-David
No.
that is why they call them missionaries…
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? -Matthew 16:25-26
Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. -Mark 16:15
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. -Phillipians 1:20-21
I think its unwise, reckless, and stupid. It is quite literally the “I am holier than thou” message that they are spreading, and people normally don’t take well to this type of message to begin with. When a region is openly hostile to Christians, it would seem borderline suicidal to try to convert people in said region.
Having said that, if people wish to do so – more power to them, its admirable and couragous (in addition to what i said above). Just don’t wonder why something like the above would happen to you.
Oh yeah! I love the Bachelor. Although, in the “real world” I would NEVER want to see one guy date many girls at once (ick)!
“Is there even any country in the world that DOESN’T have people that are openly hostile to Christianity? I can’t really think of one (other than maybe the Vatican but then open hostility would be there for all non-Catholic forms of Christianity). Going where people don’t already believe is the whole idea of missionaries. ”
Most countries aren’t openly hostile to Christianity. US, Canada, England, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Vatican, Swizterland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Hungary, Austria, Australlia, New Zealand, South Africa…(could go on all day)
There are nations where Christianity is not the norm (Middle-East, Northern Africa, China, Japan, Korea…) but only in probably 10-20 countries in the world would someone be shot or kidnapped on the sole premise of being a Christian. It does happen some places, and is tragic, but it is not the norm, certainly.
The kids in high school making fun of you doesn’t count as being openly hostile. Our government is highly biased towards Christianity (December 25th National Holiday?). So no. The above quote doesn’t apply.
Missionaries should be shot on sight by ANY country, they only fuck things up. Look at Latin america.
Mental Slap and note to self “Never go on a vacation to a foreign country with determined Christians on a mission”.
No – but when were missionaries ever called smart? Brave – yes. Live and let live I say. LIVE being the key word.
I greatly respect missionaries who do this. However, I think they need to very careful and make sure they are willing to die for what they believe.
While I understand that Christians feel compelled to spread their faith, I, personally, find it insulting at a certain point. (But not nearly as insulting as I find those “jews” for jesus or the “masonic jews”, i could rant about those lying creeps for days). I was born a Jew, I will die a Jew.
Now, if the hostages were there to bring stuff like medical care, food, relief, that sort of thing.. and at the same time said.. “we are christians, we believe in helping you”.. then i think that what they were doing was a brave and noble thing. But if they were just going around trying to sell jesus, then, i think its wrong.
The wisdom of God seems like foolishness to men. Of course we need to go to Afghanistan.
<LI class=itemtimestamp>8/31/2007 11:27 AM
<LI class=itemsubmitter>FKIProfessor (message)
Very well said!!
RyC: Yeah, anytime anyone mentions diners, hiking, or even just good food it makes me homesick too.
As for your question: Is it wise? Yes. history has proven this point.
As to the comments about Christianity being hostile. You’re right, they were (and sometimes still are) But this is (I believe) because of the people, not the belief system. Considering that nearly every religion (and even the non-religious) has a history of being hostile to anyone not of their own, I highly doubt that anyone can point to the beliefs and blaim them outright. Humanity is ALWAYS hostile to things it considers alien, be it faith, economics, or just traditions.
Do you think it is wise to send missionaries to a country that is so openly hostile to Christianity?
============
Wise? At first I think people see it as unwise, but if you believe in something then it might be worth your life. I mean, seriously, we have troops dying in another country to help “this” world… these christians here are helping out, trying to save peoples eternal souls. Many of those persecuted or killed are sometimes not even forcing anything.. they are leading churches, helping with medical/food/supply needs, or simply walking down the street.
no one should ever be persecuted for thier beliefs… and anyone trying to bring peace and love into another country should have our respect and not our ridicule.
For more info:
http://www.persecution.com/
Daniel (doubledb)
I think it’s stupid to send missionaries, period.
If you want Jesus in your life, you’ll find him.
I personally get offended when people are all “OMG YOU HAVE TO BE CHRISTIAN! IF YOU’RE NOT YOU’RE GONNA BURN IN HELLLLL!!!” because I’m like…that’s the most idiotic, asinine, moronic, thing I’ve ever heard. I’m going to hell because I don’t believe what a book tells me to and I don’t go to a building once a week to sing some songs and eat a cracker? I don’t believe that “Harry Potter” is a true account of history either, and it’s a book, so what’s the difference?
I’ve never been quiiiiite that hostile towards people who try to convert me, but I’ve come really close to losing my temper. I’m just as hostile to Jehovah’s witnesses and Mormons and etc who try to convert people as well, btw.
By the way, to all you who believe missionary has anything to do with heaven- I saw a comment up there that said something along the lines of “eternal gain outweighs earthly loss”. You don’t get to heaven based upon how many people you recruit. It says that nowhere in the bible. What are you working towards, a new toaster oven once you hit a target number? Seriously. It’s ridiculous.
RYC: I tried, but I didn’t get anywhere except “Let me put you through to my supervisor.” Which meant, “Stay on hold like an idiot until you hang up.” -_-
Just because the quote is so apropos:
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
–Jim Elliott, Oct 28, 1949
all you need is faith right?
…
right?
…
(you’d think koreans would know better, jeez)
then again, apparently my girlfriend is hating on the new generation of koreans; and she’s actually korean, so it’s okay
If I hear the Holy Eucharist being referred to as a “cracker” one more time, I’m going to start smacking someone. Please have some respect for the Eucharist.
Is it wise from an earthly standpoint? Probably not. But if you look at it like this world doesn’t matter nearly as much as the next one then it makes perfect sense. Christians are commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel, not just the safe ones, it also says that if one is doing His work then they will be persecuted
squeakysoul: There is not a whole lot of respect on this site.
It is a cracker. It’s a thin, crispy, baked piece of bread. It just doesn’t have yeast in it.
I’m sorry I’m insulting you by presenting it as what it is.
Besides. If it’s the body of Christ, eating it is cannibalism, which is illegal in the states.
I don’t see how the death of the Roman Empire anything to do with Christian persecution. Especially considering the late emperors such as Constantine, and later, Theodosius, who outlawed all religions EXCEPT Christianity in 391 AD.
This China Christian thing doesn’t sound positive. I hear Christians are disappearing faster and faster over there. There is no glorious martyrdom, there is just people disappearing and less and less Christians around to hold the religion together.
-David
For this one you’ll definately need to look into the works of Francis Schaeffer, who by far could explain this better than I. The gist is that the reckless immorality of the people of the Roman Empire led to the apathy that destroyed as Christianity gained more and more converts (through some of the worst spells of persecution EVER). So by the time people like Constantine rolled around Christians were a strong number, though heavily persecuted still, and the Roman Empire was in shards.
As to the persecutions in China and elsewhere in the world, yes,many people “disappear” or die but their numbers are quickly multiplied as their witness in martyrdom affects the people around them. Christianity has always spread her best under harsh persecution- China happens to be very harsh toward Christians and currently their numbers of converts are growing inspite of the losses. Someone on here left the link to persecution.com. Go check it out if you want more info.
The wisdom of God is the foolishness of men.
I pray for those who are called and actually go. Oh, that the Lord would cast out workers into His harvest! Praise God for those faithful unto death and persecution.
My church has had people go to Afhghanistan.
ryc: definitely not. That is why I (and many others in my area and elsewhere) find the admin’s actions so horrifying.
I would take it further and say I don’t think anyone should lack for healthcare. Basic healthcare is a right.
hmmm… i would answer the question with a question, would it be wise to not do what you felt God calling you to do?
as i hear it though they werent there to witness, but merely to help people. so, the “spreading religion” point is a moot one. im glad they got out ok… well, the ones who did.
“Besides. If it’s the body of Christ, eating it is cannibalism, which is illegal in the states.”
Wow, captain_jaq. Eucharist = cannibalism: that’s original…
Would you like to share some doodles of Muhammed while you’re at it?
A lot of times missionaries don’t care how wise about the places they do. They’re main focus is just to spread the Gospel.
Actually, to respond to a few other comments, their are many people who want to find Christ out there. Some are just more qualified to be missionaries than others, though. Some are there to love people and spread the word of God, and there are a few who just want forced conversion on others so they feel like they are doing the “Good” thing.
Naw…I don’t have a way to upload the doodles to my computer.
I had some reasoning in the cannibalism thing. When you take the Eucharist, they say “This is my body, I gave it up for you.” So if the Eucharist is Jesus’ body, eating it is cannibalism. Right?
Right.
Oh, to answer your question- if a person truly believes what they are doing can help people, then I say yes. A bit martyr like- yes.
“oh, lord. honestly. leave people to their own religious/ spiritual convictions, for crying out loud.”
Are you trying to change my convictions on this issue? Can’t you just let me believe what I want for crying out loud?
It can be wise. It can also be not-so-wise, even if done with good intentions. I respect the determination and purpose though.
I dont think there should be missonaries period. I applaud those who do great work for God in poverty filled countries, but those who go to “covert” people are just terrible. Why can we not accept that just because you practice one religion, your neighbor’s isnt equally as important/right/valueable to them.
i hate missionaries.
they knew the risk it was, but they went anyway. all christians are called by the great commission to “go and make disciples of ALL nations.” who are we to discriminate because of danger?
captain_jaq,
ever heard of symbolism??? Its not actually the body and blood, its symbol to remember Christ and his sacrifice for our sins. The reason the other comment said “so original” is because the Roman goverment and the Jews in the first century said the same thing about the Christians then being “cannibals” to try to get people to dislike them. I find is sad when people cannot respect others, even is they do not believe the same. I would never make fun of other religions even though i disagree (or even claim i know stuff when i do not), yet there always seem to be people who like to ridicule things and people they do not understand… Its just sad.
Daniel (doubledb)
First off, missionaries aren’t “sent”, usually. Depends on the organization. But, it comes down to their own choice. Any citizen should be free to go where he wants, but be responsible for his own choices.
Second, “wise”. Probably not. It’s not wise, not now, in a warzone.
You didn’t ask about missionary ideology, or whether missionaries should be in existence, but since a lot of commenters have chosen that tack, I’ll point out a few things: there are two kinds of missionaries- the sheer evangelist (we’re all familiar with this type and have seen them spoofed countless times) and the social worker (who chooses to aid the living/health/political situations primarily before attempting to spread his message). The social worker may not even attempt to spread his message at all, but trust in a sort of ”relational evangelism”.
My parents are missionaries. I’m not religious. But, while I may not agree with some things that they do and believe, I support what they have done, since missionaries have done some of the largest and most prolonged social work throughout history. You cannot deny that. The nomadic Indian tribe my grandparents helped bring out of the jungle were being slaughtered by the national army. The missionaries were the ones who brought them out, set up a community, brought in education and medicines, and have stood by them for over 50 years. Sure, some people may subscribe to a “noble savage” (Rousseau) theory, but the fact remains that this Indian tribe would have had to be brought into the modern world, one way or another. Contact is inevitable in our shrinking world. At least it was some kindhearted zealots who did so, not like the anthropologists in that region who have turned them against each other in order to exploit their timber rights and use the area for cocaine running (I’m not exaggerating).
So. Don’t knock missionaries without knowing their history, whether or not you agree with what they believe.
no one should ever be persecuted for thier beliefs… and anyone trying to bring peace and love into another country should have our respect and not our ridicule. Doubledb (message)
Yet, shoving religion down someone else’s throats is perfectly acceptable?
“The more Christians are persecuted, the faster our faith spreads. Hence the death of the Roman Empire…”
The persecution of Christians didn’t have that much to do with the death of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire mainly died because the capital was moved to Byzantium (Constantinople). And Constantine, whom many claim as the father of a sort of Christianity in the failing Roman Empire, was a staunch pagan until his death. He merely took on the guise of Christianity to stop the warring factions in his Empire- all of whom were committing atrocities in the name of their beliefs.
DoubleD: I am a respectful person, but what we’re talking about here isn’t respectful at all. Conversions and missionaries aren’t respectful. I’m sick of it.
innerblondness and captain_jaq,
“Yet, shoving religion down someone else’s throats is perfectly acceptable?”
HA HA – wow. since when is sharing the gospel and shoving it down peoples throat the same thing. I have had mormons come by my house to chat with me and I thought it was far from “being shoved down my throat.” There is a difference between the gospel actually being shoved down ones throat and your perception for anyone ever in any way sharing the gospel as the message being shoved down someones throat. I think the both of you need some thicker skin and need to learn to respect others. Why do some people act as if anything they do not agree with is stupid or even wrong/evil? Why do people ridicule something just because they diagree with it? I will never understand peple like that.
If something good happens to you dont you share it? If something in your life changes for the better arent you going to share it? If you win a million dollars are you not going to be joyful and share it? then why cant people who have (or who believe) they have gained eternity and heaven share it with others? I do feel sorry, sad, and angry; that some shove the gospel and only try to use the fear of hell to gain converts. The reality is that we should seek to exmphasize heaven and being with God for eternity. Besides, focusing on hell does not get commited christians.. so much as ones that just want “fire insurance”.
I also wonder why people seem to indignant and bitter towards a religion that is about God saving humanity from hell and sin, who did not have to offer grace.. yet did. A son who died for the sins of humanity and rose, providing a way for a sinful humanity to finally have a relationship with a holy, loving, and just God (and live with him to eternity). It seems odd that a religion that brings hope, joy, love, and truth can be met with such bitterness, anger, and sometimes hatred when it is preached (sometimes even when it is only mentioned).
Daniel (doubledb)
I think it’s wise to get the Word of God to those who are open to hearing it, so yes.
It’s always wise to follow God. Always.
Yes and no.
Yes, because as Christians we must share with others the wonders of our God. No one should be depraived of that information.
However, I’m referring to remote places that have never heard of God. A country, such as Afghanistan, which is dominantly Islamic, isn’t exactly wise, but I really admire their courage to do so. That’s what Christianity is all about; the courage to stand up for our faith, and they’ve done that, and I applaud them.
“Do you think it is wise to send missionaries to a country that is so openly hostile to Christianity?”
That is not the point of missions.
Try as i might, i cant find d passage in d Bible dat says souls must b saved at all costs, includin a missionary’s life. Spreadin d word is fine, but phamplets r as effective n theres no lives lost. Now if ur zealotry is such u must risk ur life to feel u earned a soul, by all means.
No… sounds like a new version of the crusades that will end in remarkably similar results.
I think its unwise to send Christian missionaries ANYWHERE! Such as in the 19th century when they sent them to Africa to capture slaves and convert them from paganism to Christianity. Its like sure, send them over to a life of pain and also change them in all ways possible.
Oy.
It is always wise to go when and where Gods says to.
No, it’s quite stupid!
Hahah, no. I mean seriously. Sometimes it’s as if they are requesting to go speak to savage cannibals. Doubt it’s going to work.
I mean sure, it’s cool trying to spread a message. But at least be realistic about it.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s “wise” according to the world or not. We (as Christians) have been called to minister and spread the Gospel all over the world…. not just in those places where it is “safe and smart” for us to do so. Jesus Christ, the Son, the Creator of the world, didn’t think of his life as worth more than the message He had to bring – salvation. If He was willing to die (though He was raised to life) so that the world could hear His Message, then we should be willing as well. (Matthew 28:20)
There are two things that struck me as odd in this conversation. First is, as someone else pointed out, the fact that missionaries aren’t sent out so much as supported. And yes, I do believe we should support missionaries to difficult countries.
Secondly, to Captain_joc:
How many missionaries do you know?
How interested are you in convincing the people on here that missionaries are bad people intent on imposing their own thoughts on others (Quite like you are doing.)
Why won’t you let whoever has offended you in the past go? Your ideas about God seem to be based more on what you DON’T believe than what you do. Just an observation here.
From forever_llamas: “…Such as in the 19th century when they sent them to Africa to capture slaves and convert them from paganism to Christianity. Its like sure, send them over to a life of pain and also change them in all ways possible.”
I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time! What muddled account of history did you get that out of? I even searched the net and could find no reference. The slavers didn’t even bother with trying to convert the slaves. Most of them had already given up any pretense of faith before they took up the slave trade. To them, a slave was a slave. And don’t forget, slavery was a fact of life in the WHOLE world from ancient times up until the european countries started, one by one, to outlaw slavery. America followed and that’s how we are were we are today. If you want to argue, do so with Piero Scaruffi. http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/slavetra.html
Great idea. I sure as hell dont want the missionaries here. They’re happy, I’m happy, heck Jesus might even be happy- we’re all happy.
the bigotry, oh the bigotry…
No.
Read the whole story about this before you comment. Read the Korean newspapers on-line that are in English.
There has always been hostility towards Christians since the very beginning. To be a missionary is to risk it all, even one’s life, for spreading the Gospel. I’m glad they were released.
Christian missionaries don’t force religion on anyone- they simply offer to share the good news they have found- and usually their presence brings help and prosperity because Christian missionaries usually bring some skill to the area that was needed- their goal is still to share the Bible with whoever will listen, but theynever force it on anyone. really that whole argument about “forcing” and “shoving” religion down people’s throats is unfounded…
Christians know that “salvation is of the Lord” meaning that God must do a work in the heart of the nonbeliever in order for them to receive the Gospel as truth… therefore forcing it is useless
if you wanna see TRUE forced conversions, look no further than the history of Islam… pretty much every country that is now prodominantly Muslim was forced to become that way by the SWORD… they still force people to “convert” at gunpoint.. i even just read an article about it the other day…
the thing is, they went as an aid group. I really don’t get why everybody is giving them rap for being missionaries. There were 2 missionaries among the whole group, who were acting as their guides.
I don’t believe in trying to “convert” people to ANY spiritual path. I beleive people should be left to their own beliefs… whatever they are. Everyone’s TRUTH is SACRED, and should not be tread upon. I beleive that my spirituality/path is mine and mine alone and not to be forced upon anyone. I’d appreciate the same respect from others. I do not welcome people knocking on my door spewing their beliefs in my face. There was a time when I was more tolerant of this kind of thing, however… I am finding myself less tolerant of this kind of thing the older I get. It gets old… really, really old.
Personally, I think if they go over there and they wind up in trouble… then it’s a result of their CHOICE to go over to a country that is clearly HOSTILE towards Christians.
Not the smartest choice they could have made IMO.
I’m glad they are free… and hopefully have learned something from this.
~Namaste
No. Remember in the 1950s when the Amazon Cannibals ate the Xtian missionaries?
if you want to spread the word of god
It’s definitely not wise, but is it courageous or stupid?
that’s the question.
The basic question has nothing to do with religion at all, really. The question is simply: Is it wise to knowingly put yourself in danger of physical harm/death/persecution?
No, but people still do it.
God knows how much they can handle. It’s awesome that they were willing to go to a country that is so openly hostile to Christianity