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SPark: No Subject (7/11/08)

Ron: No Subject (7/12/08)

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Ron: No Subject (7/12/08)
SPark: No Subject (7/11/08)

A knock on the door, and you open the door and greeted by two smiling faces. After breif introductions, you open up your home to thses two stangers. They have come to share the values of their faith, and their religion. After some time passes, everyone says their heart-felt "good-byes" and you close the door, and they go on to the next house.

What are your thoughts and opinions of these people? What are your thoughts of their religion, and of their faith? Why did you NOT accept their invitation to learn more about their religion, and their faith (two distinct things)? How did your first impressions of the individuals, contrast,conflict and reflect with the religion that they talked to you about? And last, but most important, did they turn you off of learning more about the religion?

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From: SPark
Date: Fri Jul 11 00:45:40 EDT 2008
Subject:

I have talked to these "door-to-door evangelists" a few times. I have invited them in and heard what they wanted to say. I have even asked a few questions, like "What do you believe about Jesus and who he is?" and "how is what you believe different from the church I go to now?" They have always been very nice people and very sincere. But honestly, the biggest reason I have let them in is so that I can say that I have. Now when one of them come to the door, I say I have already talked to one of their missionaries about their religion, and have found that I do not agree with it. Perhaps this is misleading. The reason I don't believe in their religion is not because of any discussion that I had with them, but because of independent research I have done about the religion, as well as my background (or bias) towards Christianity. I do sometimes wonder now if the people I see doing this sort of thing are aware of the arguments against what they believe, but I don't feel it is up to be to try to make them aware of it.
I admire these people insofar as I admire a faith that is strong enough to cause people to be willing to walk door to door and talk to strangers. Of course, I assume that not all of them are really doing those actions out of faith, but perhaps out of fear of shame or duty, but I think that at least some of them are acting out of faith.

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From: Ron
Date: Sat Jul 12 17:46:24 EDT 2008
Subject:

What do you think that "door-to-door Evangelist" would do if you gave them an honest answer, but also gave them an opportunity to "share their faith" with you. If you said, "no I am a Christian, and I am not interested, but I would be very interested in hearing you tell me why you choose your religion, and how it has changed and impacted your life." ...or something to that effect.
It is my opinion, and in my obervation, that most people are unaware of most arguments that can be made against their specific religion. It is a matter of faith, and that is something that is both tangible as well as intangible. Our monetary system is built upon 100% faith, that the Federal Government will honor it value and worth, yet very few people understand even basic economic principles. We just take it for granted.
I am a Christian. I believe that the Christian Faith is the only true Faith that exists, or could exist. This is partially based upon birth and nurturing, as well as my "independently biased research." I am able to come to a defense of my faith, through scripture, reason, life experence, and faith. There are many questions that I can only answer through intangible faith, and struggle to accept it. There are also many questions that I have yet to ask, that can potentially distroy my faith.
What is effective Evangelism? Trying to understand prejudices, pre-conceptions, cultural and circumstantial events, are all inclusive with Evangelism. How people react to being evangelized is a key factor. "Street Evangelism" virsus "Relationship Evangelism", versus "Revival".
I also think that another key factor is the use of manipulation rather than persuasion. We are human, and have a natural bent to manipulate, and when necessary just plain lie, either in words or intent and actions. I think that this is the hardest to overcome.

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