Why do people feel they have to push religion on others?

Question

I went to the library the other day and this lady greeted me as I got out of the car. She was really sweet and asked me how I was. I smiled back and said I was ok. She proceeded to talk to me and handed me a booklet the size of a thin magazine and said something like "I think you would enjoy reading the Christian... blah blah blah..." Well, I didn't want to be rude but I was not interested and I handed it back to her LOL. And I said "No, thank you I have my own beliefs" You should have seen the look on her face!!
But it annoys me how people try to push religion on others.
Why? And what do you think of this situation?

Answer 1

Because if they hand out a certain number of tracts they win a microwave.

Answer 2

Look I am by now means religious, I just have an open mind to people. So indulge me and think about this scenario....



You like a movie so you suggest it to people you see. Why, simply because you want others to share in the happiness, joy it brought you.



That is all these people are doing, mind you sometimes they go too far or come off as too strong. But wouldn`t you be if you suggested something that you liked a lot and another person said no. So in the end they are not trying to convert you for some higher purpose, they just want others to feel the happiness they have, they don`t realize that others are happy with out certain religions.



I know this example may be a bit too basic, but the principles are sound. Trust me the more you give others the benefit of the doubt the happier you will be.

Answer 3

Well, if you took the time to understand that which you disagree with, you'd know they are ordered to spread "the good news."



True, some may think the more people they convert the better standing with God they have (a belief which is cast down in the very book they follow). I would hesitate to say that's why the majority share (notice not forcing) their beliefs.



I would hardly say this woman was pushing her beliefs on you. Perhaps she thought you were a fellow christian and would enjoy this particular book?



"These jesus cult people should be arrested right away for that" - What a load. Arrested for what?

Answer 4

The bible DOES indeed tell people to "spread the word." And I guess people get so much fulfillment out of their religion that they want to share it with others.



However, most people do feel harassed by people approaching them trying to convince them of their beliefs.



I believe that people have the right to believe whatever they want and should not have it shoved down their throats. I can't imagine that it is an effective way to "spread the word" in most cases. I also think that the people that try to convert others are weak minded and struggle with identity issues. But that is my own personal observation.

Answer 5

If I knew someone was dying from a disease and I had the cure, shame on me for not giving that cure. We all have sinned, the result of that sin is eternal punishment. The cure is Jesus. Because He died and rose again, anyone who believes in Him, will not suffer the punishment of their sins.

I don't like pushy people either. But how do you know when to push a little... it is your life we are talking about.

God gives us a free will. It is our choice to follow Him or not. There are some that may get over zealous.

Answer 6

Because a part of them want to believe that they have an "edge" over other people. Especially people that they know nothing about and most likely never will because they're on the fast track to heaven already.

Answer 7

I don't believe that would be classified as 'pushing'.....



As for the reason people try to evangelize, they're trying to save your soul.



If it's still not easy to see from their perspective, let's look at it this way:



You know everyone has inhaled a deadly spore. The majority of them are not aware of it and it only manifests itself when it is nearly too late. You know the antidote, most of them do not. Wouldn't you try to give them the antidote?

Answer 8

I get approached all the time by different religions and I don't get angry. I tell them I am not interested and keep it moving. After you told her you had your own beliefs, did she follow you and sling words and scriptures to you? If not, then she didn't push anything on you. You told her you have your own beliefs and that was that.

Answer 9

GOD is a product. He can be sold, marketed and rejected. Do they accept a refund too. Surely that is a bad feeling. I have been through that many times. My first time...............i unknowingly was led on to recite a verse which was meant to receive Jesus into my life from some campus crusader. Recruitment is equal to salvation. More u recruit, less will go to hell. I rather believe in the void............where i fear no god, no devil, no sins and no hell. That's where i hail from before it all began. I have been dead for a million years before i came to be. Before that, what god do i fear? What devil do i know? What sins do i bear. What fear do i have?

Answer 10

I do agree that some can be quite pushy, however in the case you have its seems she simply offered you a magazine. You could have just as easily said thank you and threw it away.

Answer 11

People push their religion on others because of their insecurity.

Most religions require "Faith" ie; believing in something that cannot be shown or demonstrated.

If one REALLY believed, then one wouldn't care if others did or didn't believe with you, because REALLY believing is KNOWING, and NONE of these religion pushers KNOW anything.

Bunch of con-men leading hordes of people incapable of thinking for themselves.

Answer 12

Because people who are passionate about their religious beliefs want to share them with others.

Answer 13

People push it because they think you're going to Hell if you don't accept it.



That's the general motivation, anyway. There are lots of people who simply can't be wrong about anything, especially religion.

Answer 14

Well, many believe they are trying to save you from a doomed existence, which to them is very real. They also may be unable to understand why and how people just can't believe it's real.

Answer 15

I am Not religious, however I am a believer and i don't like it either. they do it because they are concerned about your soul. But I feel my soul is just fine without their religion, as do you.

Answer 16

well out of the 50 other people they push their booklet at......... if just one responds and is comforted then they think its worth it to be pushy

Answer 17

It has been my experience that when people are unsure about their positions on issues, they try to get as many people as possible to agree with them. It's a matter of security in numbers.

Answer 18

I agree. Most Christians want to save you from burning in hell. Which is one thing that annoys me about them.



Here's a video to back up your proof of them pushing their religion on others a little too hard. Christians denying the fact that some do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Aq00yJSxo

Answer 19

The library is public property. She has free speech. You also asserted your rights. I don't see the problem.

Answer 20

I have had jesus freaks follow me and stalk me, etc. They are sick. I really hate the ones who put their cult crap on my car.