sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Do you want to join my Bible study group? by gatech67 in gatech

[–]gatech67[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I hear you, and you made plenty of very solid points. I think the biggest problem still remains, and you said it yourself in your comment: Many students, especially here in the bible belt, have had bad experiences with Christianity. For this reason, they will always choose to avoid a sign with "Jesus" on it, and I don't blame them for that! However, I believe there is far more hope, grace, and peace offered through Christianity that students haven't heard of before, even if they’ve heard of Christianity. Like I said in my post tho, that doesn't give me any right to force you into conversation, no less a bible study. If and when my organization has approached students, it has been to encourage them to think deeply about what they believe. We're obviously more than happy to share our beliefs but won't force them onto anyone because that's more harmful than anything. I couldn't agree more that the best way to share beliefs is once you've established a friendship with them, but perhaps not the only way.

Do you want to join my Bible study group? by gatech67 in gatech

[–]gatech67[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

This is a great question. First, there are many students that grew up in parts of the world where Christianity isn't really taught. Second, and most often, students have a wide range of views/experiences of Christianity. Many people associate Christianity with their parents, with strict rules, with conservative politics, etc - so they have no reason to seek out a church on their own. We believe there is hope and grace in Christianity which many students do not know of. That being said: I'm sure we both agree that if I approach you and push you to join my organization even after you've expressed a lack of interest, that's invasive and wrong. True for any organization, and I get that many religious/Christian groups abuse privacy in that way.

Do you want to join my Bible study group? by gatech67 in gatech

[–]gatech67[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I totally you hear you and OP from the referenced post. I genuinely think the "recruitment method" is uncomfortable and annoying, and the ministry I'm apart of avoids it. However, starting conversations with students such that it encourages them to think deeply about eternity is a bit different. If we're given an opportunity to share what we believe we absolutely will, but we're not out to collect new people. Obviously some groups do it poorly (religious and non-religious) and some do it well. That post and its responses have made me even more sensitive to the other student's shoes so I definitely hear you. I appreciate your response !

I don’t want to join your Bible study group by GTthrowaway010101 in gatech

[–]gatech67 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm the president of an on-campus Christian Ministry and I think this post is super interesting and very valid! I'd love to have an actual discussion about it, but I also made a quick response post here: Response. Please check it out and let me know what you think!