Why do people feel an obligation to force their religion on others?

I commend you and many others who choose not to be involved in orgainsed religion. It is certainly true that God sees the heart and not man. No man should judge another. Religion and faith have always been very touchy subjects, but let me relate it this way. If you knew someone who perhaps was motherless or fatherless and they had to basically bring themselves up, maybe they had lived on the streets, had to fend for themselves and work through life the best way they could, no doubt that person could be a very kind person and even seeking to improve themselves. (most people are). If you could see that your friend was doing something without even knowing it that would sabotage their ultimate purpose or goal they were reaching for, I'm sure out of love you would offer some tactful advice. Some people are tactless but their intentions are good, hopefully the recipient could see through that and know where the advice is coming from. Anyone wise would listen to that advice and give it careful consideration because the definition of insanity is: To keep on doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different outcome! Back to religion, you see Jesus said in Matthew 7:13,14. "Go in through the narow gate because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it, whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading to life, and few are the ones finding it." and Matthew 7:21 says, "Not everyone saying to me Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, only the one doing the will of my father who is in the heavens will". So we see here that just mere believe in god and leading a good life is not enough if we want salvation by him we must find out what his will is for us and then do it. Or if we couldn't be bothered doesent that tell god something about us? Many people make up their own mind about what god wants, its a bit like second guessing you and what you would want, wouldn't you prefer if people asked you and not just presumed because they knew you that they were right, usually when people do that they get it all wrong anyway don't they? The Bible does have all the answers, the trick is to sieve out all the false teachings and practices that have filtered through over the years and find true worship. As a rule of thumb if a religions practices are ungodly then what does that say about them. By the way did you know that Hell is Not a bible teaching it is a misinterpretation and actually stems from the Greek word Hades and the Hebrew word Sheol that means the grave, so when the Bible says you go to hell it just means that to dust you are and to dust you return...yes you die and go to the grave. Many religions have promoted false conceptions about this word hell to hold sway over the multitude which in turn gives them power. God wants us to worship out of love not fear.

they're just spreading the word of GOD..who knows maybe they're trying to be helpful but at the same time pushy. they may not realize it but just take it easy. it's religion therefore it's a sensitive topic and it does anger many people when this happens. it's not the "religion" they are trying to spread it's "which GOD" do you believe in and how do you define HIM is what they are spreading. of course the all the other "corrections" they see must be done to "cleanse" the heart, mind and soul. don't judge the people, judge the religion. get your own facts and tell them that "hey, I'll look into it". that's it.

Well, my friend, a very important lesson here. There are 2 subjects never NEVER to be discussed in mixed company....religion and politics....this is a Cardinal rule for a reason. Yes, we should be friends not based on our religion, but it interferes. Same goes for politics. And..... how many friends will stick by you when you say you're a Sox fan and not a Cubs fan. People are Biased and the less you share the better. Unless you are on a one to one.

One of those "rules" is evangelizing the lost.....

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -Matthew 28:19

But unless you know of mainstream Christians that put guns to peoples heads, Im afraid your charge of "forcing religion" is unfounded. We offer the truth, but move on if they are unwilling. We force nobody to believe. People are going to believe what they want, it cant be forced.

I agree. Some people are very "sure" their religion is the only way. It's too bad. They make excuses for judging even though they are commanded by their religion not to judge. People don't always make very much sense do they?

Well, i am not preaching any ways but tell ya wat we will see what will happen on Judgement day, i hope ya face God having Faith in God almighty who created us and have believe on the last day the judgement day which i think ya have and the last thing is that ya should be a righteous Guy (The person who do what is right). you will definitly be rewarded.

um yea i can definitely see ure view of things but study the individual religions and u'll kno why. these people, i being one, actually believe deeply in whatever religion they have and are just doing what they, and i, think is honest. sorry it annoys u but we aren't all idiots.

I agree.

My big beef is what makes one religion right over another? Suppose you've been following the "wrong" one your whole life. You're going to be punished for that after you die????

They THINK they're doing you a favor, but do not realize how they offend others! I tell them that I am an atheist and they immediately start with, "How do you think you got here?" or "How do you think man got here?" or such asinine questions... as if I really cared!

If I tell them that I will listen to them but then they must promise to listen to me, THAT shuts them up quickly enough... goes to show how secure they are in their beliefs!

well they beleive that their beleifs are absolute fact. they wish to share their beleifs with others. while to them its an act of kindness or slavation to people like me ints an insult. considering i know about the psychology behind most religions and especially christianity.

most enjoy telling others, as if they were on some higher plane of knowledge than other nonbeleivers (nonbeleivers of their specific faith not just atheista and prople who have no religion whatsoever)

they tend to enjoy telling others that theyll be going to hell if they dotn accept their beleifs as truth. ive come across many theists (religious people) who do that, cowering behind their religion and claiming its fact simply because they WANT it to be fact.

as a matter of fact im about 20 feet fom someonethis verysecond who is like that, she is more than willing to condemn anyone and everyone to hell simply because they dont share her views. horrible person......

christians, inherently and because of their holy bible, are judgemental to others. its like a sort of "im in this club and youre nto so you suck and im better! nyeah!"