"Justin, that was single-handedly and by FAR the most mature and intellectual statement and pronouncement of beliefs on the issue of homosexuality (i am mainly referring to that 3rd paragraph, the one beginning with "however") that i have ever heard a strong Christian say in my life (and by strong Christian, i mean a true Christian, meaning one who actually tries to adhere to the Bible's teachings. As a former Christian myself, I know that there are few of you out there, and it's refreshing to see one with as open a mind as you do). I have a whole lot of respect for you, and am elated to see that there are Christians who can intellectually step back from the religion and think about why things are the way they are in that religion, sort of question it, if you will. that shows a great deal of maturity. Though i disagree with some of the things you said, you're stances were extremely well put and the that things i did agree with, i did so wholeheartedly."

~from a while back.

Observations/notes taken from evangelism.

Nonbelievers, when presented with the good news, with the truth of the Gospel, are reluctant for multiple reasons. I've tried to find the true root of it.

One is lifestyle. THe issue may or may not be the validity or truthfulness of the Gospel, but the reluctance to adopt the lifestyle Jesus calls us to live.

Another is they just disagree. The flesh is very much anti-gospel, and so people do not like being told they're sinners, they're going to hell. Nor do they enjoy people forcefully imposing or pushing their beliefs onto others when the Bible thumper is in no position to do so. Or they disagree with the fact that they don't believe that they are guilty of the offenses charged against them.

Another is the cost. If their belief is hinging on a fence, they won't give in because they are unwilling to give up the present for an unknown future. They are not fond of faith, they want to know more for security. However, no amount of knowledge or evidence can make anyone believe, because in the end, it boils down to faith. And it is a scary proposition to ask someone to give up their belief system, their values, their way of thinking, their way of life, on this itty bitty thing called "faith".

Skeptics can argue Christianity is based on human written text, and gained followers because ppl wanted something to believe and had no reason NOT to believe it. ANd today, kids are "brainwashed" into believing it.

However, in the end, there is always one thing that is common: they have no desire to become believers. It is our job to plant that seed, to spark of some interest, to instill that desire to become part of something bigger. Make them want to be Christian.

Hard part is...how?
posted by justin at 2:27 AM