7.14.2008
Christians Offended by Proselytizing?
The always-excellent Bartholomew's Notes on Religion reports on a Christian community that is offended and "fearful" about having another faith's beliefs "imposed" on them!
"An English translation of the Quran began appearing two weeks ago on the doorsteps of hundred of homes in the BraesTimbers neighborhood. The books came in plastic bags with a note attached from the ‘Book of Signs Foundation’ asking recipients to accept the Quran as a gift from the Muslim community. But some residents, like Greg and Sue Ann Pieri, said they feared the group is imposing its beliefs on non-Muslims and found the gesture offensive."
Of course when Christians want to distribute Bibles and religious materials at a public school, shout through megaphones at passing Pagans, or mention "Jesus" at the beginning of government meetings, we non-Christians are supposed to acknowledge that these are "loving" actions in step with the rich, wholesome, Judeo-Christian tradition of America. It only becomes an "offensive" imposition or causes fear when it is done in turn to Christians.
I would love to think that this experience has opened their eyes to how proselytizing feels to those on the receiving end, but I'm not the optimist I once was. They most likely don't see the connection between what this Muslim organization did, and what groups like The Gideons do every day.
Labels: Christianity, conversions, Islam, proselytizing, Religion, Religious Freedom
