Proselytism is a dangerous religious idea

Anyone who has a problem with proselytizing should discuss it with Jesus.

"Freedom is a dangerous idea all by itself. When you combine freedom and religion, the result can be even more creative and destructive turmoil. "

Oh dear, religious freedom - the new Leftist Boogeyman.

Oh dear.

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The best proselytism is the life you lead, not the words you say.

Once again Thistlethwaite has shown just how far she has distanced herself from Christ's mandate to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19,20)

Yes, Susan, proselytizing is a dangerous business. I believe all the disciples, with the exception of John, were martyred. And John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos where he received the "Revelation".

In the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we read of the fate of many of these early Christians: "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

Ms. Thistlethwaite stated, "My own Christian denomination, the United Church of Christ, has given up proselytizing in favor of respect and partnership with other people of faith around the world." This is not surprising as many mainline denominations want to be politically correct and not offend anyone. They, themselves, are offended by the preaching of the cross. They are ashamed of Jesus and His message. They are not willing to take up their cross and follow Him. They love the praise of men more than the praise of God. One day they will hear, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."(Matthew 7:23)

Ms. Thistlethwaite, please admit that you are not a Christian. Accept the fact that you are just a theological philosopher who has never been "born again" and that you don't even begin to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Err...Jesus said to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28).

So... yeah.

PROSELYTIZATION is a manifestation of the SUPREMACIST foundation of Christianity & Islam.
No one else has this serious flaw that Christians and Muslims have in their "religions" or spiritual systems. Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Jews, Wiccans, Animists, etc.. are all trying to make themselves better, not trying to undermine others.

Conversion has caused some of the biggest problems in third world countries.
The "charity" and "kind deeds" are insincere and deceptive actions, and therefore, are acts of evil.

Muslims & Christians don't seem to get the basics of goodness and spirituality. Pretending to be good while having and ulterior motive fools no one and is an act of evil. This can lead to crusades and suicide terrorism.

REMEMBER: Almost all religious conflicts in the world involve Muslims or Christians on one side or both.
Sneakiness, deception, conversion, undermining other cultures, etc... is offensive and nonspiritual.

You really feel the urge to do charity? Go to the inner city in America and help those in need. Look in your own family and help those who are depressed or drunk or angry.
Stop going to 3rd world countries and causing problems & hurting others.

While I agree that proselytizing is not always safe for those who choose to participate, and not even always a good idea, I was intrigued by your reasoning about why it is such a "dangerously bad idea."

Many individuals in India, and other countries with anti-conversion legislation, would be confused to hear you say that proselytizing compromises religious freedom.

I would argue, along with many of them, that the right to proselytize and the subsequent right to convert is one of the strongest indicators of religious freedom abroad. To restrict the right of proselytization would be to deny the religious freedom of those who feel compelled by their faith to share it with others. It would also harm the religious freedom of those who may choose to convert as a consequence.

This goes without saying that a number of statistical connections have linked increased violence and civil unrest, in addition to likelihood of terrorism, to countries where the right to convert is restricted - proselytization is the other side of the same coin. If we want to set an example for the rest of the world about religious freedom and to ensure our own security from extremism and violence, we cannot be one of the countries that restricts such an important right.

Of course, a line must be drawn to prevent proselytization from becoming compulsion, and I am not suggesting it should be an activity funded by American tax dollars. Yet, to deny Americans (or anyone else for that matter) the right to share their faith and to attempt to convert others is more likely to have destabilizing effects than it is to provide security or stability in the world in which we live.

You obviously don't know what you are talking about.

And your church may not preach Christianity any more, but here in the Philippines they are busy pushing the leftist agenda...