Reply #124: Atheism is somewhat the antithesis of evangelizing [View All]

The mission to evangelize is specifically Christian in origin, though other religions may have similar missions. It is in essence, to spread the good news and word of God by telling the stories of the gospel, particularly the existence of Jesus and the works of he and his followers to those who are receptive to hear them. It should have it's basis in one's own love of God and one's desire to spread the message that God loves all his children.

It's not really a fundamentalist thing, except for the fact that one of the fundamentals of any religion is the belief that there is truth in one's faith. However, that is also a fundamental tenet of atheism - what you believe, that there is no God, is the truth. Could it be otherwise?

Evangelizing can fill a very real need in Christians - the desire to follow Christ by not being afraid to profess our beliefs to those who may not understand them as well as to stand as an example and an open invitation to those who may wish to learn more about our faith. These are not in my opinion bad things for society. One of the best things about a faith community is being able to gather with members of your faith to learn and talk about it. And through evangelizing a lot of good gets done in the world.

In and of itself, evangelizing is not bad or wrong. When we express our opinions on DU, one could say that we are "evangelizing" about our political beliefs. When evangelizing oversteps it's bounds is when there is a cause for concern. Too many who believe that they are called to evangelize feel that they are locked in a battle for peoples souls. That characterization could be further from the truth. Success in evangelizing is immaterial, it is simply the act itself when practiced with faith and humility, that is the purpose.

So I for one will continue to evangelize in this way and if that means I send money to aid people who are in need but who are not of my faith, I see nothing wrong with that. If I give money to my church to help the homeless, I see nothing wrong with that. If I pray for those who are suffering to receive help and comfort through God's love, regardless of who they are and what is their faith, I see nothing wrong with that.

However, I will not evangelize by telling someone something that I do not know such as that they are going to hell. I will not evangelize by trying to get laws based passed solely on what my faith believes. And especially I will not evangelize by judging others. When I do those things then I have failed in my mission.