Pitfalls of Evangelism (2)

ABOUT PERSONAL EVANGELISM

Sometimes when we engage in conversations with our friends, we wander (unintentionally or intentionally) into discussions of faith and religion. When we see our friends showing no sign of rejection towards such discussions, we get excited (without showing it) because we know that it is a precious opportunity for us to bring the person into our faith. However, when we engage in such discussions, it becomes clear that we do not have any interest in the faiths of our friends, and we are only interested in spitting out all that we know about Christianity in order that our friends might understand and believe. The discussion inevitably evolves into an imperialistic monologue.

Such an outcome is perhaps the result of our view of our friends. We often overlook the fact that they are just like us, adherents of a specific faith. We simply view them as non-Christians who are lost and are in dire need for salvation lest they face the fiery flames of hell. Furthermore, we think that since our faith is the only true faith that can bring others to heaven, there is no need for us to know anything about their faiths, which are rendered false and truth-less.

Our lack of interest in the faiths of our friends inevitably cause many to feel that we are arrogant, assuming that only we have something to offer to others to learn, and not vice versa. (Sounds imperialistic?) Perhaps Justin Martyr’s logos spermatikos can enlighten us in our view of other faiths, for what if there are truths to be found in other faiths as well, which can further refine or reinforce our understanding of the Christian faith? In my journey in exploring other faiths, I often find this to be true.

If we are so consumed by the mission to bring the person to Christ, we may eventually treat the person not as a friend, not as an equal; but simply as an object for conversion. Inevitably, our friends will no longer be willing to discuss faith or religion with us anymore, for they have come to realize that it will never be a discussion, but a monologue. Are we so naïve to think that others will want to continue to listen to us when we ourselves are not willing to listen to them?

Perhaps if we treat other faiths and religions with more respect, perhaps if we are willing to learn from their faiths through dialogues, perhaps if we treat our friends as mutual subjects in our journeys to God; our friends might then be able to see Christ in us.

Street evangelism! You are next!

To be continued…