‘Sheep Stealing’ Among Christians
Evangelical and Pentecostal representatives will be joining the August 2007 Vatican/World Council of Churches study group where the issue of what a common code of conduct on religious conversion should look like from a Christian viewpoint. The council will pick up where last years group left off where it was decided there was a need of healing from an “obsession of converting others“. The three-year study group jointly undertaken by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the WCC’s program on inter-religious dialogue in May 2006 with the hope of producing a code of conduct by 2010.
Although not quite Christian jihad or as big a problem as found in other parts of the world, one incident that sticks in my mind as an example of an obsession towards converting others, was a disguised trip for kids to a local water park actually being part of a planned evangelical baptismal altar call! Let’s get a head count on every soul who was saved today! It’s almost as though the idea of Christian conversions supposedly focused on the salvation of an individual soul has been hijacked by inflated soul number counts that go along with the hostile attitudes that live for proving, “why we’re right and you’re stupid” . I believe the root of the problem with the associated hostility and defensiveness during inter-religious discussion is that it often comes down to a personal goal of victory or “one more for our side“, like it’s somehow a validation of a superior faith or holiness. In reality, conversions are most likely to occur based on one’s openness, humility and most importantly - Grace.
.jpg)
I agree that it is important not to aim at manufacturing conversions, so to speak, in the way you describe. The focus in conversion must always remain on the other person as a person. I would just also add that this does not mean that we should place less emphasis on conversions. I’m not saying that’s what you’re saying, obviously, but it is just what I personally have seen more of than the impulse to manufacture conversions. Focusing on the good of the other person makes conversions more important, not less so, and forms a better reason for the clear proclamation of the truth than any “numbers game” of conversions would. The problem with scenarios such as the one you describe is the way in which conversion is understood and approached, not the strong desire for conversions. I would consider the statement from the Vatican/WCC report, “All should heal themselves from the obsession of converting others,” dangerously broad, but if that line is to be true, it clearly must not be interpreted in such a way as to mean that there is a problem with people who actively pursue conversions as something extremely important.
Comment by Tom Hurley — August 6, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
Tom, I agree with what you’re saying.
I actually believe it’s our duty to evangelize the truth, and as a spiritual works of mercy - we are bound to instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful.
Conversion should come only as a natural outcome of our sincere and charitable efforts, and we need acknowledge the fact and act in a manner knowing that we have no control over the decisions of others as we are merely instruments of God’s grace. The individual’s disposition and God’s grace which will ultimately determine a conversion.
Thanks
Comment by shelray — August 7, 2007 @ 5:58 am