2008 Woodie Awards
Witnessing often handled poorly
Cordelia Haecker
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
The act of conversion, bringing others closer to your own faith in the hope they will join, is an important part of the religious experience for many.
I don't think I can count the number of times I have been insulted, berated or verbally abused during what was supposed to be a conversion experience.
This will probably come as a shock to some people, but yelling at someone does not make them more likely to join your church or come to see your point of view. In fact, it usually has the opposite effect. If you are interested in educating someone about your beliefs, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
You should never tell someone else what they believe. This is important for two reasons. First, no one really needs to be told what they believe. If they don't know, who does? Second, many times the things we know about other religions is a mixture of mostly untrue rumors. For example, I have repeatedly been told because I am Mormon, I must not believe in the Bible. If these people had taken the time to check into my beliefs, they would have discovered this is untrue.
Be polite. Telling people they are devil worshippers and are going to hell doesn't exactly make you a hero in their eyes. This usually generates not-so-warm-and-fuzzy feelings which don't typically lead to a conversion experience. Also, this makes a person defensive. It is really hard to persuade someone who is too busy fighting off your verbal attacks to listen to you.
Be willing to listen. Most people like to think religious discussions should be a one-way thing, but this is flawed idea. It is insulting not to allow the other party to speak. Personally, I am less inclined to listen to someone who refuses to listen to me. Also, by listening to another's point of view, we expand our own view of the world.
Everyone has his or her own ideas about deity, the world and how we all came to be here. Though we may think our way is best, it is still no excuse to be rude and degrading to those who believe differently.
I don't think I can count the number of times I have been insulted, berated or verbally abused during what was supposed to be a conversion experience.
This will probably come as a shock to some people, but yelling at someone does not make them more likely to join your church or come to see your point of view. In fact, it usually has the opposite effect. If you are interested in educating someone about your beliefs, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
You should never tell someone else what they believe. This is important for two reasons. First, no one really needs to be told what they believe. If they don't know, who does? Second, many times the things we know about other religions is a mixture of mostly untrue rumors. For example, I have repeatedly been told because I am Mormon, I must not believe in the Bible. If these people had taken the time to check into my beliefs, they would have discovered this is untrue.
Be polite. Telling people they are devil worshippers and are going to hell doesn't exactly make you a hero in their eyes. This usually generates not-so-warm-and-fuzzy feelings which don't typically lead to a conversion experience. Also, this makes a person defensive. It is really hard to persuade someone who is too busy fighting off your verbal attacks to listen to you.
Be willing to listen. Most people like to think religious discussions should be a one-way thing, but this is flawed idea. It is insulting not to allow the other party to speak. Personally, I am less inclined to listen to someone who refuses to listen to me. Also, by listening to another's point of view, we expand our own view of the world.
Everyone has his or her own ideas about deity, the world and how we all came to be here. Though we may think our way is best, it is still no excuse to be rude and degrading to those who believe differently.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Lea
posted 4/12/07 @ 8:45 AM CST
Ms. Haecker
I have to say that I really appreciate this article. Too often when it comes to religious discussion, there are two sides that tend to stay on their own sides. (Continued…)
Cog05
posted 4/12/07 @ 5:06 PM CST
I'm sorry you were yelled at, but I just want to say that if you're witnessing to someone and they tell you "No thanks", please, PLEASE get the message and move on. (Continued…)
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