unforum

[Saevitia]

Puzzles for the wicked

[helper]

Well, I certainly won't "flame" you - isn't that the whole point of the pamphlet, to save you from flames?

But since you seem sincerely puzzled, I'll offer a sincere explanation... and hope I don't get flamed either.

There are many possible reasons why people might be giving you pamphlets. Maybe they are trying to control you. Maybe someone is controlling them, telling them to pass them out. Or maybe the have some psychological problem that compels them.

But their behavior doesn't have to include any of those. They may simply, sincerely believe that faith in Jesus is necessary to save one's soul; that anyone who does not will spend an eternity in agony.

You say you don't pass out literature about Loki. But does belief in Loki benefit a person in any way? Most likely you don't think so. However, if you do, why wouldn't you want to share that good news?

You asked "Do I honestly look THAT evil?" But your looks (or your level of evil) may have nothing to do it. Some Christians believe that all people are sinners from birth, some believe that there is grace for children until they reach an age when they can hear and understand the Gospel, but all (AFAIK) believe that all capable adults are sinners, Christian or not. But they also believe that, no matter what evil a person may have done in the past, a sincere faith in Jesus will either save their soul, or put them on the path to salvation. Conversely, no matter how little evil one does, or even how much good one may do, without Jesus one's soul is still lost.

So, given what they believe are the stakes, and given any fellow-feeling whatsoever, you can see why a sincere Christian might be willing to risk reaching across the little interpersonal barriers of modern life and dare to share their beliefs with a stranger.

Of course, you may still be annoyed even if you accept that their motives are sincere and intended to help you. Certainly, I sometimes feel that way when people try to shove ideas down my throat. But even then, all that those "crazy old hard core christain ladies" are doing is exercising free speech, just like everybody else. We pretty much have to put up with such things. After all, you and I both do believe in diversity and tolerance, don't we?

It does sound as though you have behaved quite respectful to these pamphleteers so far, and I admire you for it. Not to get all religion-y about it, but I tend to think that the Golden Rule really is, well, golden, and well worth following whenever possible.

Well, I hope this made some sense, and was also not too annoying. Trust me, my motives at least really are sincere.

[Phaedra]

[HUMOR]Generally I try to convert them to Discordianism, despite not being Discordian.[/HUMOR]

/me casts gaze heavenward and hopes G-d has a sense of humor, too.

Okay, now, in all seriousness:

I have Christian relatives. They've done things that are probably borderline abusive or cruel in order to attempt to "save" me.

But they did it because they genuinely believed that it was the right thing to do. Not because they were cruel or sadistic, but because they thought it was necessary. Most of the time they're just annoying, but usually they're not malicious.

So, smile and nod, shrug it off, and find a way to laugh about it.

In the end I usually judge by actions and not assumptions of intent, but intent still has to be a mitigating factor when no harm was meant.

[oliverkeers13]

[rant] I find it fun to argue back and point out impossibilities in their beliefs i.e.

[FLmutant]

[Phaedra]

[oliverkeers13]

Just do the Scientologists. They're too stupid to know you're making fun of them. FOR GOD'S SAKE PEOPLE, YOUR RELIGION IS BASED ON GIVING MONEY TO THE CULT FOUNDER!!! FOOLS!!!

[Frankie]

Let us sing an Erisian hymn:

[MageSteff]