Is it possible to be Christian and not be evangelist?

[BurtWorm]

If you believe belief in Christianity saves souls (or, in any case, that only through Christ can a soul be saved), then wouldn't it be irresponsible not to try to save souls of non-Christians? Or is it possible to be a Christian who believes that Christian salvation is metaphorical, and that non-Christians don't need Christ to be saved?

Are there any Christians who think the idea of salvation is antequated?

[papau]

1. Third option is that Christ works through other religions - It is not that

evangelism is reguired - One should be proud to be a Christian and show that pride and the good that comes into your life by being a Christian to all - but it is an option to go out and proclaim the word of god at every moment - and that is all for any Christian.

Those that feel you must do more than do your good works do so.

The two "rules" are simply love your God and Love each other.

One can look at other religions as inspired by the Word of God - and indeed Christian - if they love your God and Love each other - they just don't know they are Christian!

the idea of salvation is not antiquated - and indeed is the only goal worth worrying about.

[The Magistrate]

2. The Problem With That 'Third Way', Sir

Is that it is explicitly rejected in the founding documents of the sect. The exclusionary nature of the proposition is quite clear there. That it has come to make many uncomfortable, and even to ring hollow on their ears, does not alter that.

[BurtWorm]

3. How would anyone know which god someone else loves?

Even if it is named "God," as your god is, how would you know it's the same object of adoration?

Even among the three religions of the Book, there seem to me to be differences in the personality of the deity. Many Christians believe Allah is not the same as God, and many Jews and Muslims view the Trinity as a form of polytheism afraid to speak its name. How can we say these religions are worshipping the same deity?

As for salvation being the only goal worth worrying about, I don't believe in an afterlife (besides decomposition), and, therefore, I don't believe in salvation. Why should I worry about it?

[Az]

4. A tremendous burden

It seems to me this is a critical issue. If you believe in an immortal soul that is endangered if a particular set of beliefs is not held to, then it would seem that the notion of letting another believe whatever silly bit of nonsense they come around to is the height of asocial behaviour. I do not think it can fairly be said that you demonstrate love for another by letting them procede into the bowels of hell without making an effort to stop them.

This is the very problem that the concept of a soul establishes. It splits our identity in twain. Our body/brain on one side and the soul on another. By seperating our identity in this way several paradoxes are created. It becomes eminently easy to justify all manner of cruelty to the body to save an immortal soul. It becomes easy to claim to be doing good to a person by rejecting the person they seem to be and embracing the soul.

This duality shifts the focus of who you are concerned about from the actual person to an imagined concept of the person. Their soul becomes the focus. And whatever defines the soul controls the nature of the interaction.

Thus the charge of salvation finds itself concerned with souls. This imagined thing has more value than body/brain. They are temporary while the soul is eternal.

Salvation carries with it an implicit threat. A threat against this concept of the soul. Because belief has created a higher consideration for the soul this threat carries greater concern for some than anything else.

I imagine how a true believer looking out upon the world must see it as the highest duty to try to save as many as they can. To do anything less would be to deny their humanity. But it is that sense of humanity that is hijacked by this concept of the soul. It is not humanity that they struggle for. It is a belief system that is dependent on being propogated by humans to humans. And by usurping the drives and motivations of humans to help other humans it replaces the focus with one of it's own design.

[More Than A Feeling]

5. I don't think the idea of salvation is antiquated, BUT...

St. Francis once said, "Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary." Just talking to someone is not going to do anything more than annoy them. I came to faith through my experiences, and I imagine it is that way for others too. People need to learn it for themselves, otherwise, how strong a commitment can they make, based on nothing but words?

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. Yes there are many nonevangelical Christians. I am pushing myself to be

more eveangelical, even though it is anathema to someone who holds pluralism and live-and-let-live dear. Not that I am trying to convert anyone.. just want to let people know that there is another way of being a Christian.

As for salvation, you might read up a bit on that. Here is what many liberal believers think about Salvation: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/2961/universal.htm

[CornField]

7. I was taught that the best way to bring others to Christ

was to try and emulate Christ in your own life. That is, I was never pushed to go out and convert others through my words, but I was always pushed to make my deeds (both within and without) as Christ-like as possible.

So, in answer to your question, no I don't think you can be a Christian without being an evangelist. The thing is, I've never minded women dressing modestly, or bowing their heads at a group lunch/dinner, or asking for prayers for their children or family... I've never found any of that, which can also be seen as being evangelical, a tad offensive.

[JerseygirlCT]

8. I guess it depends on your definition of both

evangelism and salvation...

I agree with those who say that evangelism does not have to equal words. Acts, including just behaving in a loving way toward those around you, can be far more effective.

I do not believe that God requires a particular set of creeds be adhered to... I do not believe that salvation is only available to a select few. I do believe a loving God will do everything to bring us to God. Many paths, if you will. I also believe that everyone who wants it, will eventually be reunited with God (salvation, in my definition).

I am a Christian, but I do not believe that Christianity is the only answer. Just the one that fits for me.

[lovelaureng]

9. I believe that it is

completely possible. To me, being evangelical is being fanatical. It is quite an extreme view. It just doesn't work for me personally.