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Paul
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« on: July 20, 2009, 07:22:55 PM » |
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Christine and I were talking and we came to a conclusion that we find interesting, yet terribly annoying.
That is most religions, or philosophies all seem to have an ulterior agenda of some kind of conversion in helping another person. Yet in almost all facets, there is an underlying truth of betterment of another person.
Could Christians give help to another without the agenda of conversion?
What would that look like?
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Michelle
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« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2009, 08:18:52 PM » |
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I don't know, I'd like to think that when I help someone, I do it to show them love. Is that the same thing? I don't know...
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« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2009, 08:32:23 PM » |
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Could Christians give help to another without the agenda of conversion?
What would that look like? It would look like a group of people who happened to believe in the tenants of Christianity helping people for the sake of helping them. Their intentions couldn't be known unless you were omniscient or you asked them and they answered truthfully. |
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Paul
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« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2009, 09:36:43 PM » |
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Good answers, now the hard part, the people you are helping are Hindus who are trying to set up a center for homeless people and have run into problems with the zoning department unjustly.
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« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2009, 10:02:14 PM » |
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I don't see the problem/hard part.
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Lee Encinosa
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« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2009, 08:33:30 AM » |
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I would like to think we would help someone because we care for them. Do people have ulterior motives sometimes...sure.
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I will rise,when He calls my name,no more sorrow,no more pain
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Paul
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« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2009, 05:07:31 PM » |
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I'm glad that everyone is agreeable. Now, The Hindu's are having a problem with the zoning department and they don't understand our society or customs. You have been asked to represent their views at the zoning department and in front of the council. The pushback from the authorities is that the powers to be are unfamiliar with the Hindu religion, customs, and frankly they think that this is all a ploy to get a foot into their community,religion and politics.
For this example the Hindus are perfectly legit, they only want to help homeless people as their custom dictates. They are setting up a shelter for anyone who wants to come. The authorities fear conversion tactics by the Hindus.
Can you justify in your own belief system, moral system the ability to stand up in front of the authorities and convince them to allow this center to be built.
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« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2009, 05:16:15 PM » |
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I believe in a hardened separation of church and state, so the officials who are concerned about a religious power struggle are going to have to be ousted. So long as the center isn't a public place where religion will be practiced then there is no legitimate reason to not let them operate their non-profit.
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Michelle
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« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2009, 08:07:02 PM » |
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Can you justify in your own belief system, moral system the ability to stand up in front of the authorities and convince them to allow this center to be built.
Yes, I could. |
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Paul
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« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2009, 10:05:55 PM » |
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What if the center is not public, but private and the Hindus do practice their religion there. There is no agenda to convert others, it is a dual purpose center. However, the people entering the grounds will be able to see, hear and participate if they so desire.
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« Reply #10 on: July 22, 2009, 01:55:55 AM » |
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If it's private then the zoning commission or whoever it is would definitely be discriminating unfairly, unethically, and unlawfully.
If they are using their temple grounds as a means to provide philanthropic endeavors, then I don't see any problem. However, the Hindus have a duty to let it be known that they do not expect anything in return for their charity.
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Paul
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« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2009, 05:14:18 AM » |
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Thanks for being so generous with your time on Hindus. How about if the center was of a different religion or philosohy? Would you have any qualms about helping them? If so, then why? Also why would you help these people in the first place?
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« Reply #12 on: July 22, 2009, 01:07:53 PM » |
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Thanks for being so generous with your time on Hindus. How about if the center was of a different religion or philosohy? Would you have any qualms about helping them? If so, then why? No. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a bias against Scientology who have a history of aggressively "converting" people in fake drug rehab programs. Also why would you help these people in the first place? Because it would be an injustice for a government to base their decisions of any case upon a particular group's beliefs. I'm reminded of McCarthyism and witch trials. |
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Michelle
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« Reply #13 on: July 22, 2009, 02:15:34 PM » |
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Thanks for being so generous with your time on Hindus. How about if the center was of a different religion or philosohy? Would you have any qualms about helping them? If so, then why? Also why would you help these people in the first place?
I think it's a great thing for a group of people to get together and help others who are less fortunate - homeless, orphans, widows, etc. As long as they are open about what faith they adhere to and don't try to hide any agenda (such as you can come here but you have to convert) I don't see a problem. |
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Paul
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« Reply #14 on: July 22, 2009, 07:39:48 PM » |
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Wonderful, the religions' leaders are so overwhelmed with your response of charity and love. They want you to meet their membership so they can announce to their congregation how you have agreed to help them. They have invited you to attend one of their services so that they can give you a blessing from their religion. Will you still go? Would you feel uneasy about attending their religious service? What if another member of your church found out that you were helping another religion, how would you explain your actions? Or would you back out?
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