There's a question that I want to ask on DU but I'm afraid it might start something...

[BlueStorm]

There's a burning question of a religious nature that I want to ask.

I want to ask what other DUers feel about missionaries and missionary work but I feel I might upset some people and get in trouble.

Has anybody ever gone through this?

Damn, I'm tired and I need to go to bed.

Blue

[XemaSab]

1. Depends on the nature of the mission

If it's helping the community and leading people to Christ by example, it's hard to be opposed.

Christians do a lot of great work in some of the poorest places on earth. It's unfortunate that such charity often has strings attached.

[Truthiness Inspector]

2. Not sure I understand what you're looking for

but for me, it's one thing for people to share their message and another entirely to try to cram it down other people's throats.

[WindRavenX]

3. I think it's horrible in most cases

One of my SO's friends went on a Mormon mission to India, and the way they view non-Mormons is just disgusting.

The idea that missionaries, of any faith, are "saving" people's souls is just bull.

[ComerPerro]

4. I'm not really a fan of religious-motivated, evangelical "charity" work

the whole, "we will help you and feed and clothe you, but only if you convert and join our church. But first we will ridicule away your foolish superstitious beliefs"

Some do good things, but I just don't approve of the quid pro quo aspect.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. Mainstream Christians no longer require conversion for recipients of aid

They gave that up years ago, in the nineteenth century, in some cases, in other cases, before World War II.

They learned that people would pretend to convert in order to get the aid, and they considered that spiritually dangerous, so they removed all requirements.

When Catholic Charities, Lutheran World Relief, Episcopal Relief and Development, and other mainstream denominations help to earthquake victims in Pakistan or set up medical clinics in refugee camps in Sudan, they do so without regard for the recipients' religious beliefs. These groups do NOT proselytize.

Some of the fundamentalist groups still practice "aid with strings attached," but it's far from the norm. (The Mormon missionaries don't do any charitable work, as far as I know, although in Japan, they use free English lessons as a lure, although not very successfully, by and large.)

[Dave Reynolds]

5. Well,

some folks do not tolerate religion at this forum. To answer your question regarding missionary work, I will tell a story.

My wife and in-laws are born-again Christians. They tell me quite frequently that I am going to hell because I do not believe as they do. But, knowing that they really believe that I am Hellbound due to their faith, I just smile and keep quiet. I know that they are concerned for my spiritual welfare, so I don't get upset about it.

I was raised to be polite. When Jehovah's Witnesses come to my door, I greet them with respect. I also decline their literature politely. I know that they are only doing what they believe to be the right thing according to their faith, and feel that to be an asshole to them would be wrong.

In summary, if someone feels that it is the right thing to do missionary work, more power to them. Most people are convinced enough of their own beliefs to be unswayed by someone else's.

[BlueStorm]

6. I am myself opposed to most missionary work...

I don't like the fact that they go around the world to "spread the good news" as I feel that alot of this missionary stuff eliminates or at least attempts to eliminate most cultural aspects of the world.

Blue

[Truthiness Inspector]

9. To play devil's advocate here

Do you feel the same way about spreading messages that are important to you? And as I mentioned upthread, sharing your message is different than cramming it.

[BlueStorm]

14. I don't mind if they do spread their message as long as they are passive about it

meaning that they are willing to spread their message without strings attached. I have seen some good missionary work but there are alot that are into cramming the message down others throat and trying to change an entire cultural structure.

Blue

[SoCalDem]

8. My son's best friend did his "mission" in Scotland

I guess scotland needs more Mormons.. :)

[guitar man]

12. I wonder if he ran into this guy

He kills me! :rofl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRmC0DaE6rE :D

[BlueStorm]

16. SoCalDem, I gotta say I love your sig line, lol n/t

[SoCalDem]

17. Thanks.. I love the bunnies too

[BlueStorm]

18. It just makes me laugh imagining that conversation...

My mom always loves to eat the ears of the chocolate bunny, much to my dismay as that is always my favorite part, lol.

Blue

[SoCalDem]

20. It a RULE.. You gotta eat the ears first

That way the poor bunny doesnt have to hear you chomping on him :)

[BlueStorm]

22. LOL!!! That's a rather intriquing way of putting it. n/t

[Lex]

10. I think they should put their energy into real help and not trying to convert people

to their religion. To me, the religious converting part just sucks.

[Skittles]

11. yes

my problem is the underlying feeling that their REAL motivation is conversion - and I don't know if that's true - it just feels that way to me and therefore I tend to distrust them

[BlueStorm]

19. I think that there is a large majority of people that feel that way...

But I have also read that there are some Christian groups that are starting to fight that image and really follow the Christ-like example of helping the poor and needy without asking for a favor in return.

Blue

[Skittles]

21. well, gee, that would mean they'd be following MY example

and I've never been to church

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. I don't have a problem with people wanting to help others who are suffering

from illness, malnutrition, and ignorance.

But I firmly believe they should not attempt to convert people to their religion.

[Reverend_Smitty]

15. There are some religious groups that do great charity works...

Groups like Catholic Charities did more to help people after the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina than the US government and I can't knock them for that. The groups that go out and try to convert the "heathen savages" DO bother me. If you want to help people, great, knock yourself out but dammit don't force your beliefs down people's throats especially poor people. They want food, clean water, shelter and basic medical care, not a bible lesson...it just comes off a bit sleazy to me.