Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[Miss Jasmine]

My thoughts...that was one strange encounter. I guess Joe wasn't his intended audience, and I agree he could have picked a better spot. Gee what were the chances that a gay man would be in Greenwich Village?

Seriously though, I do believe he had some intended audience and did not want to have an intelligent conversation with someone on the other side. Pretty sad.

 

[RickinNYC]

My thoughts...that was one strange encounter. I guess Joe wasn't his intended audience, and I agree he could have picked a better spot. Gee what were the chances that a gay man would be in Greenwich Village?

Seriously though, I do believe he had some intended audience and did not want to have an intelligent conversation with someone on the other side. Pretty sad.

Actually, I think that in order to "save" someone, the guy was standing in the perfect neighborhood. What better place to be than in the den of the sinner, right? Plus, he was being offered the ability to witness openly by someone who wasn't even remotely hostile. What better opportunity?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Actually, I think that in order to "save" someone, the guy was standing in the perfect neighborhood. What better place to be than in the den of the sinner, right? Plus, he was being offered the ability to witness openly by someone who wasn't even remotely hostile. What better opportunity?

I agree. Obviously this guy had other intentions though.

 

[Aidensmom]

Actually, I think that in order to "save" someone, the guy was standing in the perfect neighborhood. What better place to be than in the den of the sinner, right? Plus, he was being offered the ability to witness openly by someone who wasn't even remotely hostile. What better opportunity?

He may not have completely agreed with everything in his pamphlet, and felt he was obviously getting himself in a position where he would have to defend all it said, that is the feeling I get.

 

[live4christp1]

Actually, I think that in order to "save" someone, the guy was standing in the perfect neighborhood. What better place to be than in the den of the sinner, right? Plus, he was being offered the ability to witness openly by someone who wasn't even remotely hostile. What better opportunity?

Some people are only comfortable talking with people who agree with them. My guess would be that he wasn't very experienced in witnessing to someone. It is hard to do face to face, it's easier for me to type here. Our church does do door to door ministry but we mostly visit people who have visited the church (kind of a follow up glad you came type deal). We did go through the community once knocking on doors and inviting people to an old fashioned prayer meeting........that was my first door to door experience and it was scary to me. To witness effectively like this person was attempting......one really needs to be grounded in their faith and know what they believe and why and have the scripture to back it up. If you aren't prepared it can be intimidating to speak to someone who doesn't have the same views.

I have been here at the warehouse since 1992 (left from 1998-2000) but here I am back again. We have and have had very rough individuals as employees, when DH & I recommitted our lives.....I wasn't really grounded in the scripture and didn't have answers to lots of questions. My witness was my example....how I treated people, reacted, etc. I have never preached to them, but if someone has a question I will find the answer in scripture and share it with them. Have seen 3 co-workers come to know Christ since I have been here and all the others are respectful enough of me and my faith, as I have treated each of them with respect, that they refrain from bad language etc......and will usually mention it to someone from the plant next door if they come up here using foul language, one of our guys will say, "hey, you can't disrespect Ms. Cristy like that" Makes me feel like I'm their Sunday school teacher.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Rick, I immediately have to come back to my thoughts about the couple you mentioned earlier, who were trying to create opportunities to 'witness' and to 'save souls'.

This person seems to have had the best of intentions, but also seems to be very misguided and ill equipped. I mean, just what is it that these people walking the streets think they are going to say???

As I had said once before, it is the Word of God, not the words of men that saves men souls.

It really is almost quite funny if you think about it!!!! I can see this guy standing there, all flustered, and just what is he supposed to say....
"Ummm, well you know, God says that Homosexuality is a sin... so you had better go right away and leave your sinful life, and leave your SO, pack your bags!!! Go forth, and sin no more!!!

Yeah-right!!! LOL!!!


Seriously, there are all these visions and images of Jesus 'preaching' in the streets.. and there are a few people who think that this is the thing to do... But, if you look at it, people 'came' to Jesus... People 'followed' Jesus... Jesus did not try to force anything on anyone.


Off to watch the Space Shuttle launch!!!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Ahhh that launch was awesome. It was so nice to look out my office window and see Discovery going off into space! I missed that the last two years.

May the crew remain safe in space and be safe on Discovery's return.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Wow, a beautiful and flawless launch!!!!!

Must be something to actually be there!!!

 

[RickinNYC]

Thanks for the thoughts folks.

For those that are unaware, what this guy was doing is pretty common in NYC. There are folks all over the place that are witnessing and proselytizing on the streets and on the subway platforms. Plus, there are a HUGE number that will break out their Bible on the subway car itself, and when the doors close, they will start a.) reading VERY loudly at the top of their lungs to everyone or b.) will starting preaching sans Bible VERY, VERY loudly. These folks aren't wearing placards stating the end is near. For the most part, they are self identified as born again and not just ask if you are, some will demand you should be.

This guy was the soft sell approach with Joe but didn't go beyond the initial question after Joe told him he was gay. Perhaps Joe scared the bejeebers out of the little dude.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I wonder just how bold these people would be if others actually confronted them????

It is just so lame for them to go out and look for a captive audience....

This kind of aggressive, self-rightious behavior is off-base for sure! (This, coming from a Christian)

 

[JennyMominRI]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to say a couple things..yes,I lurk here .. I lurk because as I've said in other places,I find religion fascinating and because even though our religions are different,I worship the same G-d you do..That's the thing though, you know how exicted you get about Christianity? Do you remember how excited you were the first few years, How you could barely keep your mouth shut? Well that's how I am about Judaism. It's not that I want to convert,Judaism really doesn't seek converts and in fact turns away potential converts 3 times .It's the fact that I have abig mouth and love to talk about what Jews believe.It's also a good way to learn about my faith.
The thing Is I can have a tendancy to turn what should be your place to talk about Christianity into my place to talk about Judaism and that's not right. I don't feel unwelcome. No one is making me feel unwelcome,I just know I'm not good at shutting my mouth..That said I'll be lurking and have no problem answering questions,but I'm going to do my best to respect the idea of this thread

 

[Wishing on a star]

Welcome back Jennymom!

Rick, thanks so much for clarifying your observations of some of the BAC's that you see all the time! This might be a kind of a 'cultural' type thing that needed to be clarified.

You see, I am a Christian, from smaller cities and towns in the South (the Bible Belt) and, I personally, have not seen this type of thing at the level that you are seeing it? As a matter of fact, here where I live, it is few and far between.

I am wondering, for many where you live, this could be their major exposure to so called 'born again Christianity'???? If so, no wonder the stereotypes!!!

If I remember correctly, you had mentioned that the one couple in your ealier post were kind of 'missionary'. I think that places like where you live are a kind of 'draw' for those types who feel like they should go out into the masses, and the dens of depravity, and save souls. Hhhhhmmmm?????

 

[ead79]

Thanks for the thoughts folks.

For those that are unaware, what this guy was doing is pretty common in NYC. There are folks all over the place that are witnessing and proselytizing on the streets and on the subway platforms. Plus, there are a HUGE number that will break out their Bible on the subway car itself, and when the doors close, they will start a.) reading VERY loudly at the top of their lungs to everyone or b.) will starting preaching sans Bible VERY, VERY loudly. These folks aren't wearing placards stating the end is near. For the most part, they are self identified as born again and not just ask if you are, some will demand you should be.

This guy was the soft sell approach with Joe but didn't go beyond the initial question after Joe told him he was gay. Perhaps Joe scared the bejeebers out of the little dude.

Wow, you certainly don’t see that very often around here either (and I also live in the so-called “Bible Belt”). I just don’t see how this ever helps a non-believer see a believer’s point of view. Screaming at people, especially those that are a captive audience, just doesn’t seem like an appropriate way to share your faith. If this is what most people in NYC have as a frame of reference for BAC’s, then I can see where the hostility some people feel comes from. No one likes being screamed at. The only place I’ve seen this “technique” was at my college. Near the student union, these guys would scream at everyone that passed by that they were going to hell. Now I wonder just how they know about every single person’s eternal destination, LOL!

 

[caitycaity]

You see, I am a Christian, from smaller cities and towns in the South (the Bible Belt) and, I personally, have not seen this type of thing at the level that you are seeing it? As a matter of fact, here where I live, it is few and far between.

I am wondering, for many where you live, this could be their major exposure to so called 'born again Christianity'???? If so, no wonder the stereotypes!!!

that kind of thing is VERY common in dc. i do think that the fringe contributes to a lot of the stereotypes out there. another reason why i think this thread is such a good thing (even if it has deviated slightly from the op's purpose). i really do feel that witnessing by example is the most effective way. no one is going to take someone shouting a corner very seriously.

 

[hyerpraise]

Another great website about Genesis and the beginning of time is
www.answersingenesis.org
This is a very interesting website from a christian perspective on all sorts of things ranging from adam and eve to dinosaurs to the great flood.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Thanks for the thoughts folks.

For those that are unaware, what this guy was doing is pretty common in NYC. There are folks all over the place that are witnessing and proselytizing on the streets and on the subway platforms. Plus, there are a HUGE number that will break out their Bible on the subway car itself, and when the doors close, they will start a.) reading VERY loudly at the top of their lungs to everyone or b.) will starting preaching sans Bible VERY, VERY loudly. These folks aren't wearing placards stating the end is near. For the most part, they are self identified as born again and not just ask if you are, some will demand you should be.

We had people like that on campus at UF. Although you weren't trapped, it was still very disturbing. And no these weren't college students, they were certain individuals who traveled from college campus to college campus throughtout the semester. They were always back at the same time each semester.

 

[RickinNYC]

Yep, it happens all the time here. Frankly, it's really, really annoying when you're on the subway and trying to get home and someone is shouting that you're going to Hell. I keep thinking, "Now how does he/she know that? That's kinda rude." But everyone just tunes them out.

I did have a great interraction with a woman and her family recently. I was on my home from work and I noticed a family (OBVIOUS tourists - you guys stick out like sore thumbs! LOL! Tourists I mean). They kept peering at the subway stations, clearly trying to determine if they needed to get off. I asked them where they were going, offered directions, one thing lead to another and we chatted. Turns out they were in NYC from Arkansas for vacation and were showing their kids around town for a birthday. Next thing you know, she tells me she's Christian and they also like to come to the city on missions.

Had a really nice conversation, and she asked me about my wife. I wear a ring on my left hand, keeps the single women and (ahem) gay guys away. I explained the ring, why I wore it and told her about Joe. I give her kudos 'cause she didn't even blink. I was impressed! She asked what I did and also told her Joe was in publishing but working hard, taking classes and certifications to become a teacher in NY state. I also told her that Joe was actually taking two big time exams the next morning and we were both pretty worried about them. They were tough!

She and her entire family offered to say a prayer. At first I thought they meant a prayer for me because I was a sinner, blah blah blah. She must have seen the look in my eye because she clarified that they would say a prayer for Joe due to his exams and that if he didn't pass for whatever reason, they'd also pray that he got the strength to continue with his dream. I thought it was pretty darn nice if you ask me!

We came to their stop and they hopped off. I couldn't help but think of them on their vacation during the rest of my ride home.

We got word yesterday that he passed with high flying colors!

 

[JimB.]

We had people like that on campus at UF.

Were you a student during the Jed Smoot era??

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Yep, it happens all the time here. Frankly, it's really, really annoying when you're on the subway and trying to get home and someone is shouting that you're going to Hell. I keep thinking, "Now how does he/she know that? That's kinda rude." But everyone just tunes them out.

I did have a great interraction with a woman and her family recently. I was on my home from work and I noticed a family (OBVIOUS tourists - you guys stick out like sore thumbs! LOL! Tourists I mean). They kept peering at the subway stations, clearly trying to determine if they needed to get off. I asked them where they were going, offered directions, one thing lead to another and we chatted. Turns out they were in NYC from Arkansas for vacation and were showing their kids around town for a birthday. Next thing you know, she tells me she's Christian and they also like to come to the city on missions.

Had a really nice conversation, and she asked me about my wife. I wear a ring on my left hand, keeps the single women and (ahem) gay guys away. I explained the ring, why I wore it and told her about Joe. I give her kudos 'cause she didn't even blink. I was impressed! She asked what I did and also told her Joe was in publishing but working hard, taking classes and certifications to become a teacher in NY state. I also told her that Joe was actually taking two big time exams the next morning and we were both pretty worried about them. They were tough!

She and her entire family offered to say a prayer. At first I thought they meant a prayer for me because I was a sinner, blah blah blah. She must have seen the look in my eye because she clarified that they would say a prayer for Joe due to his exams and that if he didn't pass for whatever reason, they'd also pray that he got the strength to continue with his dream. I thought it was pretty darn nice if you ask me!

We came to their stop and they hopped off. I couldn't help but think of them on their vacation during the rest of my ride home.

We got word yesterday that he passed with high flying colors!

That is such a sweet story. Thanks for sharing it. And please tell Joe I said CONGRATULATIONS. Of course he has no clue who I am, but tell him anyway.

 

[live4christp1]

I did have a great interraction with a woman and her family recently. I was on my home from work and I noticed a family (OBVIOUS tourists - you guys stick out like sore thumbs! LOL! Tourists I mean). They kept peering at the subway stations, clearly trying to determine if they needed to get off. I asked them where they were going, offered directions, one thing lead to another and we chatted. Turns out they were in NYC from Arkansas for vacation and were showing their kids around town for a birthday. Next thing you know, she tells me she's Christian and they also like to come to the city on missions.

Had a really nice conversation, and she asked me about my wife. I wear a ring on my left hand, keeps the single women and (ahem) gay guys away. I explained the ring, why I wore it and told her about Joe. I give her kudos 'cause she didn't even blink. I was impressed! She asked what I did and also told her Joe was in publishing but working hard, taking classes and certifications to become a teacher in NY state. I also told her that Joe was actually taking two big time exams the next morning and we were both pretty worried about them. They were tough!

She and her entire family offered to say a prayer. At first I thought they meant a prayer for me because I was a sinner, blah blah blah. She must have seen the look in my eye because she clarified that they would say a prayer for Joe due to his exams and that if he didn't pass for whatever reason, they'd also pray that he got the strength to continue with his dream. I thought it was pretty darn nice if you ask me!

We came to their stop and they hopped off. I couldn't help but think of them on their vacation during the rest of my ride home.

We got word yesterday that he passed with high flying colors!

Thanks for sharing that story Rick, it was a wonderful blessing. That's what really gets me when people catorgize us all in with those screaming on the street corner. While I don't think that we should ever water down the scripture, like other posters I agree that you aren't accomplishing much by screaming at people.

If we would all react in a similar manner as this lady, Christianity might not have such a bad rap by public opinion. There is a DC Talk song on one of their albums that starts out with a speaker saying that the greatest hinderance to Christianity is Christians themselves and I have to agree with that to an extent. Will have to go home and listen to that and get the exact wording.....would be a great addition to my signature.