If you haven't heard by now, Brit Hume has really upset the liberal media by suggesting that Buddhism (the apparent religion of Tiger Woods) offers no forgiveness of sins and that Tiger should become a Christian. What evil! How wrong! That someone would have a belief and express it ... what is this world coming to? Of course, the truth of the statement isn't in question. Buddhism offers no forgiveness of sins. It's just not in there. And the core of Christianity is forgiveness of sins. So it's hard to support the claim that Mr. Hume "dissed" Buddhism by rightly representing it.
Still, the primary complaint is simply the fact that Mr. Hume was proselytizing on the air. He shouldn't be suggesting Christianity for anyone. They certainly believe that no one in the media should use that platform for that purpose. But to be fair, any proselytizing is considered "extremist" and suggests something similar to the radical fundamentalist Moslems who want to kill you. (See the parallel? Neither do I.) No one is objecting to (nor, it seems, recognizing) Brit's apparent genuine concern for Tiger (unlike so many others who seem to only wish to condemn him). No, no, it's just wrong to suggest that Christianity is true and others ought to try it. Thus the firestorm.
I got to thinking about this. I have to say that in my entire life I've never had a Buddhist come to my door and suggest I switch over. I ran into Hare Krishna folk in the airport before, but they were asking for donations, not conversions. No missionaries from Islam have ever sat down with me to explain to me why I should convert or die. I've never met a missionary from Judaism. Isn't that ... odd?
Here's what I'm thinking. I believe that what I believe is right. If that's a stunning statement, you're likely not paying attention. Everyone believes that what they believe is right or they wouldn't believe it. So most followers of most religions believe that their religion is true and the rest are (by logical necessity) not. So ... why is it that other people of other religions are not spending time encouraging people to join their religion? Why is it that proselytizing is considered bad? If all (or nearly all) religions claim exclusivity, only those within the one true religion will end up in good standing in the final analysis. Why is it that those who believe theirs is the one true religion should not say so and should not encourage others to agree? I'm trying to figure out why it is so "wrong" in today's world to proselytize. It seems the most natural, caring thing to do given the idea that my religion is the true one and you need to be part of it. I understand that the idea of relative truth is rampant, but it is not possible for everyone to be right. Have we lost our minds?
5 comments:
Well, here's my 2 cents, probably too-quickly written because I need to head out the door in a couple minutes. I think at least some of the reasons most people really detest the thought of someone possibly trying to convert them are insecurity/fear, pride, and misconceptions.
They may already possess a set of religious beliefs but fear they could not defend them very well if they were put on the spot by someone who might be trying to convince them that they are wrong, thus insecurity. Most people don't want to find out they have been wrong or foolish enough to have bought into a set of lies.
They may not have had much at all to do with their god or religion in years but, when these things are challenged, suddenly they become important to them! They are proud of their beliefs or heritage. They will often defend the very things about which previously they haven't much cared.
And they may have seen, heard, and experienced enough negative things about some religions that they have closed off their minds to what their followers might have to say, no matter HOW good it might be.
On the flip side, people may not proselytize because of fear of being challenged, then not being able to adequately defend their beliefs as the one and only truth. Some may feel that it is the responibility of each individual to seek out the truth for himself and, if people are too lazy to do that, they will get what they deserve. Some religions seem to think just getting information out there for inquiring minds is all that is required of them and, if people don't take it, that's their loss. They don't feel it is their duty to meddle in such a personal issue (especially with complete strangers on their doorsteps) or to try to "force" their beliefs upon anyone. Laziness, busyness, and apathy play into it.
There's a whole lot of FEAR involved in both the hearing and the sharing of religious beliefs though, don't you think? Fear of confrontations, fear of appearing stupid (which I must admit often keeps me from commenting on your blog), of being closeminded and judgmental, and fear of change which could cause loss of family, friends, jobs, reputation, and in some cases even a person's earthly life.
All that and perhaps what the Bible talks about how the world will hate us?
At issue it truth. A member of any other religion could have said something similar and it would have simply wafted into history moments later. Not so when truth is spoken.
What you don't mention is the fact that Christians are commanded to share the Good News of Christ's coming. It's not an option to "opt out" because we don't feel comfortable. As you say, we are probably going to be made uncomfortable (at the very least) by the world's reaction.
I certainly find myself clamming up at times when I should be speaking up. The supposed reaction of my audience is a large part of it. At the end of the day, though, it is sin because I CHOSE to be quiet. In fact I believe there is a passage of Scripture that addresses this very thing: Matthew 10:32. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven." We have to remember Whom we serve, and that we are called to obedience, even if in our flesh we are uncomfortable in the process!
Sure, there is that, but when did we start letting commands from God run our lives? (Oh, not good.)
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