Why Proselytize?

Why Proselytize?

“For freedom Christ has set us free.”  (Galatians 5:1)

I was listening to the radio the other day, and there happened to be a short interview in which they were talking about the idea of mutually embracing freedom and religion.  I really only caught a minute of it, but the crux of it seemed to be that it should be possible in this age to hold fast to your spiritual beliefs without compromising your own freedom, or anyone else’s.

It got me thinking about some undertones that are present in our society.  Our generation seems to be very concerned about our ‘freedom’.  To the extent that it is highly offensive, or even considered wrong to share your beliefs with others or try to convert them to your belief system – because this somehow infringes on someone else’s freedom.   I have several problems with this. 

First of all, I’m not convinced that those advocating for ‘freedom’ always understand what it is.  In a lecture last year, (by Ms. Rachael Harder), I heard how our generation defines freedom.  Something along the lines of - being able to do what I want to do.   It was soon pointed out that this is dangerously close to the definition of narcissism – but that’s probably another discussion.  Surely, even freedom must have limits.  Most of us would agree that we believe in freedom of speech.  Most of us would also agree that a person should not be allowed to continually utter death threats; campaign for racial discrimination; or scream profanities from a street corner.  So where do we cross the line?  When does it become ok to take away a person’s right to free speech?  Is talking about religious beliefs really on par with screaming profanity or uttering death threats? 

It seems possible to me that this push for ‘freedom’, is actually placing more limitations on us.  Not only am I ‘limited’ to not screaming profanity from the street corner, but now I am limited to speaking only of things which do not offend, or potentially even challenge others.  As soon as things start to get a little bit uncomfortable, people feel like they can hide under this banner of ‘freedom’, and accuse you of infringing on theirs.  But isn’t it good to be challenged in our beliefs from time to time?  I would be tempted to suggest that those who run from being challenged in their beliefs are doing so because at a heart level, they fear that their beliefs won’t stand up to scrutiny.  But they’ve all stopped reading by now, so I won’t. 

There are, of course, many Biblical reasons why I should be sharing my faith: the Great Commission, (Mt. 28:18-20); the watchmen analogy, (Eze. 3:17-21); the example of Christ and the Apostle’s; and of course the promise that “whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (Jas 5:20) – among many others.

But here’s where the rubber really hits the road for me.  The gospel is Good News!  The best news ever, if you ask me.  I cannot force anyone to convert to my belief system, and I wouldn’t want to – but I do want to tell them about the good news of Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because it’s Good News!!  I don’t do it because I have to - it brings me joy to share it!  And I know that it has the potential to not only change their life, but to impact their eternal state.  The message of Christianity is not one that can just be received and stored away.  It requires action.  It requires a response; a change in lifestyle; and a commitment to share with others the incredible story of grace.  It is not my intent to ‘infringe on your freedom’, but rather to help you find your way into the light so you can see what it is you really need to be free of.  But that, again, is probably another discussion...