Conversion attempts in the time of grief

[varun]

http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/jan/24shoba.htm

Shobha Warrier in Nagapattinam | January 24, 2005 15:45 IST
Last Updated: January 24, 2005 16:17 IST


When I entered one of the rows of temporary shelters built for tsunami victims in Pattancherry village in Nagapattinam, I witnessed a minor scuffle in a corner.

Some inmates had surrounded a Christian priest and two nuns, and a war of words was going on. "We are Hindus and we want to live as Hindus. Why do you want to convert us?" some young men shouted at the missionaries. The priest said, "We are not here to convert people. We were only offering prayers for your peace of mind."

But flashing some pamphlets distributed among them by the three, the inmates snorted, "What does this mean?" The priest had no answer. "Why do you enter our houses and pray?," they asked. "Your nuns do this when our women are alone at home. We know how to pray."..

[zcbta]

1. Christians?

I would love to see the part in the Bible where Jesus said you could only show mercy to other Christians. I've been hearing about this a lot recently, and I'm disgusted.

[Solon]

2. Spiritual assault, plain and simple...

to try to convert someone, or to pray in their home to your Gods for them without asking their permission is spiritual assault. Why they try to further victimize people by pushing their particular brand of Christianity I do not understand. It shows a callous disregard for their religion and culture, and insults, not only their intelligence, but their faith.

[itzamirakul]

3. "Spiritual Assault" is a good way to put it...

This has been the history of the Christian Church. "You MUST do it OUR way. It is OUR job to save your soul...whether you want it or not!"

[Why Syzygy]

4. exactly

I'm not even Hindu (or any religion) and I won't allow one of them to 'pray for me' in my presence.
Can't stop them from doing what they will with their own time, but not OUT LOUD to/for ME.
It's too damn scary!

Why can't they just leave the rest of us alone?

[frictionlessO]

5. doesn't most of the proselytizing come from Jesus saying

You had to be a fisherman of men? Or were there other quotes that definitely say that you should take advantage of every little betrayal, pain and horror in order to convert?

Geeze and people wonder why people hate us so. This is intolerable in this day and age, true compassion does not come with caveats and small print. True compassion does not dry up and blow away when someone is of differing faith.

True compassion is a never ending well of deepest empathy, that will save your soul of its own accord, irregardless of who you do or do not worship!