I just wanted to let you know I found it offensive how you describe satanism, buddhism, witchcraft or other religions as a "problem." The real problem in this world are the people who believe their religion possesess the right to rule the entire planet and they are right and everyone else is wrong...do we try to change the world to reject christianity? In most cases (except the nutballs) no. But the tyranny of christianity finds it to be necessary to try to change everyone to its ways. So much for tolerance...is it any wonder I converted?

 
 
Thank you for writing.

I find it interesting that you call our information "offensive" when you had to search it out and come to our server to find it and read it. There's a big difference between something being different from what you believe, and being offensive. If someone deliberately hurls obscenities or causes nauseating odors within a few feet of you, that's being offensive. But stating what we believe, especially when there is very good evidence that it is true, isn't offensive--even though you have the right to take offense at it. But that is your choice, one you have the right to make.

That said, let me address the content of your letter. I get the sense from the hostility of your e-mail that, quite apart from what you read on our website, you have been on the receiving end of some very unloving, disrespectful, manipulative messages on behalf of Christianity. If that is the case, let me say I'm sorry, and let me try to assure you that people who truly understand the person and message of Jesus Christ understand that no one can be coerced into being a Christian; it has to be a freely made choice. We understand that any attempts to "rule the entire planet" are foolish and completely misguided, because God doesn't work that way--He honors the dignity and choice of the people He made and loves very much.

I will admit, though, that yes, we do believe Christianity is right and all other religions are wrong, but it's not because we're so smart or so prideful or so arrogant. We believe it because there's strong evidence that it is true, it's our personal experience that it is true, and it is the world view that is most consistent with reality. We also believe it because of revelation: the belief that God has spoken to mankind and has shown us what is ultimately and eternally true, and we're just agreeing with what God said. If Christianity were a man-made religion, as all other religions and faith systems are, then it WOULD be arrogant and self-serving to believe we are right and all others are wrong. But true Christianity is about relationship, not religion, about a love affair between the one true God, who loves us and courts us.

Because we do believe in absolute truth, and we believe that God has pierced the space-time continuum to show these truths to man, then it makes sense that other religions which deny these truths would be a true, cosmic-grade "problem," because those who trust in them are misguided, deceived, and headed for an eternity separated from the only One who can give them--give you!!--life.

Were you around when Jim Jones caused a holocaust at his cult compound in Jonestown, Guyana in 1978? He had hundreds of disciples drink Kool-Aid laced with cyanide. If one person had gone around warning the people not to drink the Kool-Aid because it was poisoned, that person would have been labeled a "problem," when actually the problem was the Kool-Aid (as well as the mind of the cult leader). I think there is a legitimate parallel between the Jonestown tragedy and what we are saying about other religions. I pray you will be intellectually honest and investigate whether the "spiritual Kool-Aid" you've been drinking is pure, or poisoned. And I pray you will be able to get past the hurtful, unfortunate experiences you've had with people who claim Christianity and check out the true Person of Jesus Christ. See if He's the real thing. You may find that what you converted FROM isn't true Christianity at all, but a sad, sad parody of it, that deeply grieves the heart of God.

Sue Bohlin
Probe Ministries

 
 
From an intellectual standpoint..well-put. While I don't agree that christianity is the one true religion, and I intend fully on remaining devout to my faiths which differ...your argument was tactful and done well. You do your work for your God and I'll do my work for my Goddess and we will be happy.

 
 
Hello _______,

I honor you for your gracious reply--and for reading all the way through my letter! Thank you! (It's more than my own kids would probably do! <smile>)

I'm sure you will be happy, for awhile. . . but I hope you don't mind that I am praying to the true God that He will show you which deity is true--the uncreated God who created everything else, or the idea of the goddess, which is a philosophy invented by the minds of people. May I gently suggest that the things that attract you to the idea of a goddess are actually the loving, life-generating, sensitive and nurturing aspects of the God you have chosen to turn away from? Just a thought.

Blessings.

Sue