Is Christianity the only religion that actively recruits devotees? Most other religions, even Catholic, are inherently cultural: Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism to name some, and do not actively recruit devotees. Generally, the practitioners of these faiths are born into it and stay in it for life. It is part and parcel of their culture and who they are. Some are even not too pleased about accepting ‘outsiders’ into their religion.
So why do the purveyors’ of Christianity have such a strong recruitment policy? Christianity is advertised widely in neighborhoods promoting various events organized by local churches – All are Welcome! Pamphlets urging you to reassess your lifestyle and find God via whichever church is being promoted, are dropped into household letter boxes. Missionaries employ hard sell. They knock on household doors with the intent of urging as many people as possible to join in their brand of Christianity.
Anyone who has experienced the intrusion of opening your door to a stranger who’s opening words are “Do you know god!?” will know that whatever your answer to that question, it will be silenced as you are assaulted by a barrage of religious dogma whether you are interested or not. If you are too polite or weak-kneed you will be standing at that door for an hour politely listening to whatever religious belief they happen to be promoting without being able to get a word in edgeways. Christian friends too will engage you at every opportunity and invite you to come to their church, extolling the virtues of their newest pastor and the fun times to be had.
Which makes me wonder - how many people take up Christianity for reasons other than a desire to actually be religious? How many people join up just because they so desperately want affirmation that they are worthwhile human beings in this life? How many people just want a social or business network? How many are hiding from the truth of who they really are? How many Christians are just people with no other motive other than their belief that the purity of their thoughts and deeds must be the work of their god? Are there people cloaked in Christianity that are simply evil and harbour nefarious motives? Are some Confused? Scared? Need direction in life or are afraid of death? Or just looking for company or comfort? Do some join a church in order to use it as a dating site? Or to fill a space in their lives?
How many people turn to Christianity just because they desperately want and need love, acceptance and a sense of belonging to someone or something? They may not necessarily be looking for religion. Christianity promises you love. It promises you protection and guidance. It promises you love. It promises you that you will never be alone again. It promises you a better life. For many looking for all these things and failing to find what they seek in life, Christianity may become the answer.
If you can suspend critical analysis and reasoning logic at the door of your chosen church and adhere to prescribed practices or rituals, you may expect to be rewarded with church group love, god’s love, and you will be enfolded into the ‘family’ of Christians. You may assume also, to be assured of general society’s trust and approval.
And the price of admission to the church and these positives is only Faith. You just have to believe the Christian doctrine and have faith that it is all true. Or, say that you do?
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