You know, frankly, I get offended when my Christian friends don’t at least attempt to give the the Gospel. Why?
Because, according to their beliefs, I’m going to Hell. If I knew that my friend was going to go to Hell, I would try to keep that from happening. I think that Christians–at least those who believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to avoid burning in a firey pit for all of eternity–are under a moral obligation to witness.
However, I will say that the tactics that they sometimes use are grossly ineffective. For example, quoting the Bible to a random stranger probably isn’t going to do much good. And anyone who knocks on my door for any reason at 8 AM on a Saturday morning is going to get a closed mind (and probably a sarcastic comment to boot) whether or not they are selling magazines, vacuums, or God. And there is a point where backing off is a good idea, especially when you’re dealing with a friend. But not even trying is kind of…I dunno. Crappy.
I’m not Christian. I am not anti-Christian, however. I admire those people who try to save me. I get offended when my friends let me go to Hell.
Well I like to gently venture in here to suggest that gaining conversions has never been the duty ascribed to Christians. To preach the gospel and pray for unbelievers both alive and dead are clearly spelled out in the New Testament. And many other passages allude to the fact that God is the author and finisher of our faith. “there but for the grace of God go I” So when Christians exhibit frustration with their failure to convert you, they should take it up with God, not you.
It is my belief SisterCoyotethat you will some day unequivocally accept Jesus at the time of God’s choosing whether in this life or afterwards. That is my take on what I’ve read in the New Testament and other sources related to early Christianity.
But rather than feel that these Christians are not respecting you, can’t you take comfort in their concern for you? Speaking as someone who has had his intelligence gratuitously insulted many times here :), the negative reaction I get from Christian proselytizers when I indicate disinterest is extremely mild.