Responses to offensive evangelism

"Two ladies from Scotland, delighted that their request to have an evening with the Master while He was in London had been granted, were warmly received by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. How they relished having this intimate evening! Half an hour passed in His warm presence, when suddenly they were filled with consternation—an aggressive reporter strode into their midst and seated himself—he wanted information about the Master. His talkative, impolite manner left the ladies speechless—such an intrusion could spoil that precious evening. Then, to their surprise, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood up and, beckoning the reporter to follow Him, led the way into His room. The ladies had indeed got rid of the intruder, but they had also lost ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. What were they to do? Before long the hostess went into the Master’s secretary and asked that He be informed ‘that the ladies with whom the appointment had been made are awaiting His pleasure.’ Very soon kind words of farewell were heard. Then the Master returned, pausing by the door. Gravely, He looked at each and said, ‘You were making that poor man uncomfortable, so strongly desiring his absence; I took him away to make him feel happy.’"

(Honnold, Annamarie, Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 54)

I just learned about a man who travels around, preaching at universities, in the name of Christianity, promoting views that seem very offensive and alarming to many Christians. I've thought about how I might want to respond to that, if I lived or studied on that campus.

One way of responding that I read about, and which I love, was students of all persuasions, including atheists and a diversity of Christians, gathering nearby, having loving conversations with each other about their beliefs.

Beyond that, here are some other things I might want to do, and not do, if I lived or studied on that campus:

1. If we had advance notice, I might want to prepare information booths to set up near where he was preaching, about the gospel. Or not. I see pros and cons to that.

2. I would want to try to show him God's love, and surround Him with God's grace. Give him friendly attention. Look for things in his behavior to appreciate, and praise him for them. Express appreciation for his courage and audacity in trying to teach the gospel as he understands it. Ask him about his family, his interests, looking for some possible topic for friendly conversation. Walk with him, offer to help him carry his things. Bring him water. Invite him to a meal. Every way I could think of to shower him with God's love. Of course I would need to fill myself up with God's love first, before I would approach him! Maybe pray together with some friends first, and read some appropriate Bible verses, and ask them to pray for me while I was with him.

3. I would *not* debate with *anyone* about *anything.*

4. I would *not* mock or ridicule him, or say or insinuate anything depreciating him or his views. If I openly objected to anyone's behavior, I would start with the behavior of any of my friends I saw treating him unkindly or depreciating him, before I would say anything about his behavior.

5. I might not encourage any women to spend time with him, or to talk to him more than briefly. It might be better for men to spend time with him, and women to pray for them. That might be something to consult about, with whoever is volunteering to shower him with love.

More atheism might not be enough

This is written for atheists who have seen the same social problems among atheists, that they've seen in the rest of society; who have concluded that more atheism will not be enough, by itself, to improve the situation; and who are exploring other ways to address social issues, along with trying to help reduce the popularity of religion and belief in God. It may or may not be of interest to other atheists.

I'm practicing and promoting fellowship and collaboration across the widest ideological divides, as part of a solution to our social problems, and just to help improve the world in general. That might make all of our efforts more fruitful in a variety of ways. Besides, for me, that kind of fellowship and collaboration has been worth doing in itself.

If that interests you, please email me, or if you know of anyone who might be interested, please invite them to contact me.