"...and if I don't die tonight?"

[swizzlesticka]

So it seems the most used technique for getting people "saved" in America is the possibility of a truck withe word "Killer" driving around outside to kill the new converts. I have actually heard this scenario in support of the "If you were to die tonight, are you sure where you. Luckily for me, I never had to face this option; I was born into a Christian family and have never been persuaded otherwise. I have to think, though, that if I had to make the decision based off of this approach, I would not choose to be a Christian.

Death scare tactics are nowhere in the Bible... anywhere. Honestly, I doubt anyone is going to be convinced that they are going to die tonight unless they are laying on their deathbed. The benefits of being a Christian go far beyond dying and going to heaven, so what would your answer be if you got the response, "What if I wake up tomorrow?" What reason would you give people to become Christian?

Maybe we should try that approach instead.

 

[ChristopherMichael]

So it seems the most used technique for getting people "saved" in America is the possibility of a truck withe word "Killer" driving around outside to kill the new converts. I have actually heard this scenario in support of the "If you were to die tonight, are you sure where you. Luckily for me, I never had to face this option; I was born into a Christian family and have never been persuaded otherwise. I have to think, though, that if I had to make the decision based off of this approach, I would not choose to be a Christian.

Are you talking about the anti-abortion trucks that drive around?

- Topher

 

[socperkins]

I know what you're talking about. I've heard it a thousand times, it's the opening line for probably 90% of evangelists. "If you died right now, where would you go?" It's a valid question, but probably not the best opening line.

I think most people have thought about what is going to happen to them when they die. I've never heard somebody, after being asked that question, say "Well you know what, I've never put much thought into it!" I think a better opening line would be "Have you heard the good news?" or "Do you know who Jesus is?" After that we can share with them what our beliefs are. If they want more, we can give them more. If they'd rather not talk about it, then we should remain Christ-like in their presence and let the seed grow. Starting out asking them about their death puts people in an awkward defensive mode.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

In my experience, any mention of jesus will put people in a defensive mode (or more likely "you are crazy - mode)

 

[bluebutterfly]

In my experience, any mention of jesus will put people in a defensive mode (or more likely "you are crazy - mode)

I agree.

I was like that too before I got saved. But yeah I agree any mention of Jesus will bring persecution.

 

[FixYourWeave]

That was the line that scared me into getting saved.

 

[carpetmanswife]

I dont see death or hell a scare tactic ...its called reality

 

[FixYourWeave]

I dont see death or hell a scare tactic ...its called reality

exactly, and thats scary!

 

[carpetmanswife]

mhm ........

 

[dustyzafu]

People usually need to be convinced of the reality of God before they can be convinced that they've sinned against him and that they'll face judgment after they die. To do it any other way is nonsensical. For a non-Christian, the Christian God is no more a threat than an angry Zeus or peeved Shiva, so listing the tortures of the Christian hell to us is, at best, an amusement.

Worse, however, is that it further trivializes the faith. A Christian claims to have knowledge of the transcendent God of the universe, the creator of all things, the only satisfier of men's souls. Can you imagine knowing even just a fraction of his truth? How joyous would that make you?

If you focus on threats, however, we begin to doubt you even more. Consider this: if you found a painless, free cure for otherwise deadly cancer, would you sell it by threatening the cancer patient with the pain he'll feel if he doesn't take the cure? Of course not. You'd look like a nutjob or crook. You'd explain the benefits of the cure, the much longer life he'll be able to enjoy, etc.

I'm pretty sure that a lot of Christians start with the hard sell because they know nothing will work. If you go ahead and accelerate the antagonism, you can get to the point more quickly. The Christian has done his duty by sharing the gospel (sort of), the non-Christian has been stereotypically closed-off, and all is well in the world.

 

[Sharp]

I think you'd make a great evangelist dusty. Consider christianity.

 

[DOM]

Well I am pretty sure if I didn't die tonight I'd go to work tomorrow. lol. Yeah...uhhm...while I think that whole, "If you where to die tonight" thing really can hit home, I think in most cases it turns people off to listening to the rest of what is being said really quick. Yeah, maybe they get scared, but also people want to live, not think about dying. Besides, the entire point of Christianity is learning to live, and to live to the fullest. So what's the point in starting a conversation off by talking about dying anyways. Thats defeats the purpose!

 

[asamanthinketh]

yes, you need to be prepared to face attacks that will come when you decide to live for the Lord, a life pleasing to him. old friends may criticize, new people also. so it is best to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually ready because if not you may suffer harm in the process of trying to stand up for your faith but in a group of like minded people who honor and value faith you have some protection.