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Fri 23 Apr, 2004 01:23 pm
I remember in my younger days (early 20s), I used to be accosted almost daily by some born agains. In the student lounge when I was a graduate student, on the subway when I was commuting and almost any public place. They were always pleasant and friendly and I would talk nicely to them. I even remember a couple of them being surprised when I denied attending their church - I guess they are not used to people being polite or nice to them. As I ramble on - why don't they approach me any more? Since reaching my 30s or so (and I have always looked young for my age), they do not speak with me any more. Why do you think that is?
I've seen much less of the missionary types in recent years myself. I've just sort of assumed that since they've gone all political on us, they're now kickin' back, waitin' to enjoy the show on the day when Hey-Zeus comes back to send all of us godless heathens straight to hell, where we belong . . .
Jimmy Carter was a born-again Christian, and he never pushed his religion on other people. In fact, he was detested by conservative Baptists.
I think the new younger set is a less in the face group. And soon as I can dig the name for the group out of my memory banks I'll let you know.
When trolling for converts people usually target youth, they are looking for gullibility/an open mind depending on how you look at it.
I still get a lot of religious solicitations, you senior citizens are seen as a lost cause so you just get the hell-pity looks. ;-)
Re: Born Again Christians
Linkat wrote:I remember in my younger days (early 20s), I used to be accosted almost daily by some born agains. In the student lounge when I was a graduate student, on the subway when I was commuting and almost any public place. They were always pleasant and friendly and I would talk nicely to them. I even remember a couple of them being surprised when I denied attending their church – I guess they are not used to people being polite or nice to them. As I ramble on – why don’t they approach me any more? Since reaching my 30s or so (and I have always looked young for my age), they do not speak with me any more. Why do you think that is?
I think you aren't approached anymore because you are older. Cults and cult members (this is what I believe born again Christians are) approach, for the most part, people who are young (20's on down) because those are the ages when a person is most confused...still in the process of 'finding themselves'. Young skulls full of musch if you will.
Now that you are older (even though you look younger) you most likely have an air of confidence about you. You know your own mind and your beliefs have become more clear to you. The likelihood of you believing their bunk is greatly minimized and they know it.
In addition to youth, many groups which proselytize target vulnerable people, who are beset by major life difficulties. Examples of the kind of populations that these people court are prison inmates, the homeless, and psychiatric patients.
Very true. Youth are also targeted for petty crimes that rely on intimidation more often as well.
Bottom line, these groups know that they will get nowhere with happy, successful, fulfilled people.
Phoenix32890 wrote:In addition to youth, many groups which proselytize target vulnerable people, who are beset by major life difficulties. Examples of the kind of populations that these people court are prison inmates, the homeless, and psychiatric patients.
From the tone of that it sounds as if you believe these groups are targeted merely because they are easily susceptible to new ideas. Bear in mind, though, that it's these groups that probably would have the most to benefit from spiritual guidance. Born-again Christians hardly proselytise with the motive of ensnaring simple-minded souls as a means of getting more members to their church so as to increase their influence or anything. They simply want others to experience the same joy and love which they themselves have experienced.
Oooops. Sorry, I thought this was the cat thread.
Part of the Born Again belief is to be a witness of God. In being a witness to God, it is expected that they "win" others to Christ. Similar to what many Christian ministries do.
I was never offended whenever they approached me. They were always polite and friendly. I would chat with them for a while - hey it kept me entertained and they politely stated thanks, but no thanks. Now that I think back, most of those that approached me were of similar age, so it looked like they were after like minded. Also, they always started out just making small talk and then came in with the kill. I wonder if there are just more younger aged born agains.
Phoenix32890 wrote:Quote:I was never offended whenever they approached me. They were always polite and friendly. I would chat with them for a while - hey it kept me entertained and they politely stated thanks, but no thanks.
Well, I AM offended. I think that it is a gross invasion of my privacy. I also don't care for telemarketers, spam, junk mail and door to door salespeople. If I want to learn about something, or buy something, whether an item or an idea, I will seek it out myself, thank you!
I feel the same way. Having a "no soliciting" sign doesn't help either... they say they aren't a business, HA!
I just tell them I'm Catholic or Jewish. They don't say much after that.
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