No, that’s not what you said. Your exact words were “It’s arrogant to assume the truth as you percieve it is the truth for everyone else as well.” That’s an entirely different claim.
Besides which, even your re-phrased statement is self-refuting. You’re saying “People should not impose their perception of truth on others.” That is your perception of truth, and you are (with all due respect) imposing it on the proselytizers.
Again, why? At best, these people are mistaken. Believing themselves to be right doesn’t make them arrogant; after all, do you not believe yourself to be right in your criticism of their actions?
Similarly, what is so arrogant about rejecting conclusions that do not jibe with your own beliefs? You yourself believe that people should not proselytize. In order to be non-arrogant, should you not open yourself to the notion that proselytizing is not inherently arrogant?
Granted. However we are talking about a specific subject. Let’s assume that my statements refer to the subject of the thread. {I know thats not always the case in GD} Those who proselytize feel that their view of god is the view everyone should have i.e. how we are “saved” and what God thinks about certain issues.
Do you mean self refuting or hypocritical? The difference is I know my opinion is only my opinion. I don’t give it any more weight than that. I’m also in a debate forum where people can offer their opinion and possibly alter mine. I’m not presenting my opinion as the will of God. Significant difference wouldn’t you say?
Yes, but I don’t believe my opinion is the will of God for all mankind…{Well there was that one week when I didn’t take my meds, but I digress}
nothing, thats not the arrogant part, although you might strech arrogance to include those who won’t even give consideration to a view other than their own.
You’re taking my statements out of the context of the thread and subject matter.
You may see arrogance differently. It can be subtle and even hidden.
Well no, I’m saying it’s immoral to prostelyze because it only has negative effects, i.e. it doesn’t actually spiritually save anyone regardless of what you believe in.
Proselytization is the furtherance of a religion. All religions are scams and lies. Therefore, if you proselytize, you are lying. And lying is not moral.
Then we’d have to discuss what constitures salvation and thats another thread.
I don’t believe it only has negative effects. Telling someone to turn to God might be a very positive thing for the right person. It might be the first step on a spiritual quest that takes them far.
Well, what I was trying to say is that most religions are pretty much the same if you don’t understand them. In the understanding, reflection and study lies the difference and true salvation. What I also was trying to say is that most proselytizers preach to people who already have a religion, insisting that their religion is better (and not atheists).
I see, I agree to some extent. It is an ongoing process.
Here I don’t agree. Much of the preaching is done to people who have some religous background but no religous affiliation as well as atheists. They’ll preach to anyone who will give them a few minutes of their time.