Readers Digest Version

Essentially, here's my paper in a nut-shell.

-Intro
-Field Situation
-Pre-Evangelism steps
     -Explanation of two subheads, Emotional and Physical Tactics
     - Importance of spiritual "check up" i.e. self-evangelism

-Essential Evangelism Steps
1. Initial Conversation
2. Involvement by Action
3. Conversion

-Reiterate
-Closing

All sections include analysis and scholar input, of course.

Not bad my friends

I finally feel good about my paper. I have established concrete steps and ideas that exemplify my own beliefs, as well as scholars in the field. I feel accomplished and relieved that this battle is at least partially won (we'll see how the grade is, haha) How do you feel now that it's all said and done? Cheesy, I know, but I am glad that I have this to add to my portfolio. I have never written a paper that even comes clothes to this depth and length, and I have to say that it's not as bad as I thought it would be. And yes, I see you Dr. Simmons, nodding your head saying "I told you so". Hope everyone has a fantastic break! I know I will spend it in a coma.

Another look at Scared Space

In class we talked a great deal about sacred space. In my paper I am dedicating a small part to what spaces/places are acceptable to evangelize. Is the call from the telemarketer at 5 a hassel because that is "family time" or just because telemarketers are annoying? The advertisers say you prefer that time, and know that you will be home, just so you know. 


SO, if you were going to be converted, were would be the ideal place you would see it happening? Verbal tactics aside, do you see yourself running into an evangelists arms on the beach in slow motion? Or possibly in front of your college's student union on your way to class? That might be too personal, we're just trying to get to class, buddy. 


I think the best time is the best time. Educated evangelists drop the G bomb when it's a right, and not offensive, or invasive, or awkward. The best time, in my opinion, is when a person knows you well enough to value what you have to say, in a context that is conversational, and a location that is comfortable.

Build it and they will come?

During our last class we talked about church architecture. I can't help but wonder, how much of the design is planned out specifically to attract new people, and keep the current members coming back for more? Are the intentions of the church to glorify God, or make a nice picture on a wedding day?

I think there is a fine line between glorifying and trying to be flashy, and that line is often crossed. But, you have to consider the intentions. Yes, building a church for vein reasons is not the best idea. But, who wants to attend church in a dump, right? It's hard to keep the bills paid on love. I think one of the biggest selling points in evangelizing a new christian is the beauty of the church. People are attracted to beauty, ethical or not, and to keep the numbers up, churches have to shape up.

I Like to Hear What You Have To Say.

I really enjoy our classroom discussions. I feel as though my sense of humor slips in all too often and it offends some people so I'm working on editing that. It's a nervous habit I have sometimes that can get me into trouble. However, I do feel like some of the emotion should be taken out of our discussions. We're all just trying to figure out what we ourselves believe, and a lot of that should be a reflection of the opinions we hear from our peers, including those we do not agree with. Taking an opposing view personally isn't really how discussions should go. If the person stating their opposing view turns it into a personal attack then that is understandable, but a general "I think this instead.." should only heat up the discussion--not hinder it. I know sometimes I think people are only talking to me when they say things that I disagree with but that's something I need to get over. Thank God we live in a place where we can all have differing opinions, right?

Peer Edits Smeer Smedits

Reagan, Andie, and I have been playing ring around the rosy with papers and I haven't gotten one yet, so I'm just going to talk about something else.


You know that one friend that always refers to "them"? The same them that has an opinion on everything? You know what "they" say?

Well I have one of those who knows a very odd "them".

Anyway, I live down the street from a very interesting looking church that has an even more interesting design. The name of it is "The Assembly of Divine Reality" and the front of it has a menorah and the star of David.

So, we're driving to my house and my friend looks at me and says, "you know what they say about that church?" I pretended not to hear, once again, remembering how stranger her "they" is. She asked again. "No, I do not know what they say", I replied. "They say that if you walk by that church, the people inside will snatch you up and not let you leave until you convert" she said as easily as one would talk about the weather.

Besides the problem with my friend, where do people come up with the rumors they spread about each other's churches? What fuels such random hatred? This story may be an isolated incident of ignorance to the extreme, but we hear things about religions/ denominations all the time that aren't true. I have looked up some information about the church (not finding much) but certainly nothing about stealing unsuspecting passerby's. I realize her claim is on the outrageous side,  but what about the other people my friend tells? What about the people who walk on the other side of the street their entire lives so they don't get "snatched up"? 

Evangelism can be generally defined as the recruitment process of one group, generally of religious affiliation, to an individual that is typically not currently enlisted. The tactics used by these groups have both traditional roots, as well as new-age ideas. These two general categories encompass a never ending list of practices that all religions use to evangelize including; look-a-likes, scare tactics, “save them with kindness”, intra-targeting and many more.  In his article, “Discipleship vs. Evangelism”, Andrew Wommack says “Jesus’ attitude toward evangelism is much different that that of most Christians. Jesus is more concerned with the quality of ministry than the quantity.” However, how do Christian evangelists and other religion’s effectively reach and communicate to their potential new members?
    While religions may vary in beliefs, a common thread can be found in evangelism. The key in many cases includes relating to the “non-believer”. The same tactics can be seen in educational advertising books. Seek out the target audience, in this case, non-believers, and tell them who they are, who the church is, and why they cannot live another day without joining. A major problem all churches face is overcoming the preconceived notions already prevalent in the minds of the non-believers.
    These notions are often unable to penetrate. Some people are just as set in their ways as those who try to change them, and are interested in a discussion instead of a baptism. However, in many cases an educated discussion can lead to replacing a previously negative attitude towards the church an evangelist represents with a positive one. In many cases, replacing this attitude is half the battle. At this point, usually there is a huge fork in the road. This paper will discuss the following paths that can be chosen from this point on;  new age evangelism, traditional tactics, and ways they are intertwined among the world’s leading religions.

I included the intro to remind everyone about what was going on. I've re written these first few pages so many times, and nothing seems to really sit right. I guess we'll see today. Hmm.

Jews for Jesus

Jews For Jesus Debate Video

Is the group "Jews for Jesus" just stealing Jewish symbols and slapping them on Christianity in order to evangelize Jews? Or is this just an effective tactic used by Christians to relate to those raised in another religion?

Belief in God is one that is fading. Belief in Christianity is fading even faster. New-Age Christians have to find new ways to reach those who have lost faith, never had faith, or those raised in another faith. One new popular way of recruiting these non-believers (in Christianity at least) is Jews for Jesus. This group of Christians were raised in the Jewish church, but later found that they believed that Jesus was the Lord.

Facebook vs. The Good Book/Books

Our facebooks have literally become our online extension of ourselves over the past few years. Similarly, we choose what we share with the world. Every time I receive a new friend request I secretly pray it won't be someone awkward, like an aunt who thinks Ellen DeGeneres is the devil. Mainly because faking who we are is a lot easier for an individual to do to an acquaintance that will remain as such--and crazy aunts you only see once a year, etc.

Oh, and P.S.
Facebook asks you to put your religious views on your profile. Ehhh. Already an awkward conversation for new friends in a lot of settings, now my aunt and latest friend will have the opportunity to base their opinion of me by a simple answer to a question that is anything but.

So I took a poll of 10 random friends that were on my news feed--no cheating. I mainly chose from those who has birthdays today, so some may say this is rigged still.

Here are the results to a poll of 10 people, and their answers to facebook's curve ball.
( I decided to throw a few random characteristics of the people as well, so feel free to pick at that as well)


All "younger" people polled happened to be around high school/ college age, and the older man is in his late 40s, in case you were wondering.

1-->Younger-->Jewish-->Male
1-->Older-->Catholic-->Male
1-->Younger-->"No Answer"-->Male
1-->Younger-->"No Answer"-->Female
1-->Younger-->"No Answer"-->Male
1-->Younger-->Christian-->Female
1-->Younger-->Christian-Baptist-->Male
1-->Younger-->Jesus Freak--> Female
1-->Younger--> Jewish-Reform--> Male

1-->And the most interesting was a friend of mine, Tyler. He is a younger male, a year away from graduating nursing school at UAB. His interests read:

Political Views: Don't Care.
Religious Views: Same as Above.


So...

A) What is the difference between labels such as "Christian" verses "Catholic" or even "Christian-Baptist"?
          - The answer lies with the same person who asked, to be cliche.
          - In this particular example, I personally see no difference. It's almost like claiming to be a ginger, instead of a red head. It's all hair, isn't it--but of course that would be a silly metaphor.
          - My aunt will tell you a little different, however.

B) Who really cares?
       -If someone wants to look down on me for my answers to personal questions, well, I don't really need you as a pal anyway. Sure, I'll read your status updates when they're on my news feed, but actual friendship might not be in our future.
      - If my answer sparks a cool convo, we might have lunch at the ferg on Friday to continue. I enjoy intelligent discussions, without an agenda.

The Art of Why

But... why? We ask ourselves this about almost everything we come in contact with. And usually, the answer is unclear. So, how on earth--with the word why around--can evangelism happen? How on earth can you convince someone to believe in something as important as the existence of a God? Especially if they already have their mind mad up? Ah, why? Well the answer isn't simple at all. In fact, I don't know the answer, I'm just going to ramble on about it for a few paragraphs because THAT'S WHAT BLOGGERS DO. Anyway. We should embrace the why. Discussion is the only way you will get anywhere with a person who has opposing views. Ask for a why. But also, make sure you're ready for it. I've read a good deal of the atheist side evangelism, and most articles say the same things. The educated/non-anger driven articles simply state that they are open minded, but the evangelist is not. The"why" angers the person trying to do something as important as completely change a person's life. May I ask--Why? I do not know the answer but I can guess that their beliefs are being attacked and therefore taking is personal. These people need to stay out of the recruiting business. Long story short, I think they "why" is fun for conversation and educated discussions, but as far as it's role in fundamentalist Christian evangelization, eh I don't think it will ever work. When it comes down to it, Religion is something a person is better of experiencing on their own. It's a little too intimate for a rando to be creepin around.

Join Today and Win a Free Soul

Brother Micah

Evangelism-- Americas favorite past time-ish


Southern recruiting in general has always fascinated me. Think about the Greek system, or Mallet Assembly, or any other group on campus. All will admit their groups are related to a religion in the fact that they evangelize their future members. The process is so customary to us that we don't even realize it. In fact, I think we seek it out. Religion can be broken down into a million zillion ways, but essentially it is a group of people worshiping a central icon. You meet with these people once a whatever and discuss things important to it's center.


Brother Micah is an older man that visits college campus's in order to evangelize/harass students.He yells at girls to watch what they wear and at men for not looking like men, and for a list of other reasons. He is crazy. But we are too. Everyday Sarah Somebody wears her letters, she is really saying "This is what I am, and what you are not. Don't I look hot in Nike tempos?" Which is pretty strange and I think it's a little scary. We are so easily affiliated with things.


I am not saying it's not cool to be in clubs--or even that all clubs are this way, but it's the people in them that turn them into cults. When you allow a group to define you, and recruit new members in a way that is similar to a religion, they become one.

Mom, Dad, I'm Catholic.

After years and years of being told what you know, at what point do you look in the mirror and wonder if Jesus lives next to Santa Clause in the land of childhood you thought you had figured out?

Nine years in Catholic school is no small feat. Life becomes a box you pich a tent in and wait for cool stuff to walk by. This will never happen because little do you know, the box is separated from the general public. Doctrine embodies the decisions you make to a T and it suits you. For nine years (k-8), the sacraments you learn about in Religion class go hand in hand with the make-up of a cell in Biology.

For this Puerto Rican, "Redneck", Catholic raised in a small town, my questions began when the Church finally asked me what I thought. Years fly by as you color Jesus in kindergarden and memorize the parts of the mass, and then they ask you if you've believed them this whole time. Do I want to be confirmed in the Catholic church? Uhmmm.... is this a trick question? No, my mother would reply. It was my turn to speak for 13 years of kneeling, Eucharist eating, and confessing my sins. Come on, isn't thirteen awkward enough?

So I decided to think. I decided to think. And contrary to popular opinion, most of my friends did actually think about all of these things we thought we knew. Their is a huge misconception about the ritualistic-ness of the Catholic church, or at least in my small section. It became a bigger deal to me than I had originally thought it would. Maybe I didn't believe in God. Or maybe, just maybe, I really did.

For the first time, my head became flooded with what I thought about this whole religion thing. It was a scary thought to think that everything was a lie. I decided to rip apart all that I had believed. For a while, my faith became a song that I was trying to decide if I actually liked--or was did I just like the band that sang it? I often wondered why I had never gone this far into what I thought about the world around me.

Light bulb.

I thought, maybe the black and white had gray areas? I decided to plan out what I believed, and went from there. I decided that the formalities of the Catholic church were a way for me to feel at home with God. I began to defend my Religion--even if I did not agree with every detail. I decided God is where you see him, and no letters on the front door of a church make a difference. God became something that I sought out. I decided to go through with Confirmation, and remain a practicing Catholic. As far as the formalities such as Reconciliation go, I opt out--but have the utmost respect for. I enjoy religious debate and love hearing all points of view. Questioning my box meant turning my back to what I knew, and then folding it up and taking it with me.