... ask a stranger in public where they'll go when they die?

I work in a retail store and a very polite and friendly gentleman who I was working with, after we wound up the sale, asked me if I knew where I was going to go when I died. I told him I didn't think about death all that much (which is a lie because I think about everything all the time simultaneously), and he said I should, we could die at any time, he loves me, trying to save my soul, etc. Since I have lots of experience with religious people, I really wasn't offended.

But, I was wondering... if I called someone out in public who was smoking, or who was fat and was eating a sundae, or a few other scenarios, that person and possibly other people might sneer at me.

Why is it more acceptable to tell someone something that likely is not true (you're possibly going to Hell) than something that very likely is true (smoking/being fat is not healthy)? Is this symptomatic of other issues with society? Is this the persecution that Christians speak of?

I have no problem with people attempting to witness to other people, but I think it should also be acceptable for me to tell people that they are fat, or they shouldn't drink so much, or that smoking is bad for them, with the result on average being an awkward smile.

[Edited on May 3, 2007 at 4:14 AM. Reason : ]

5/3/2007 4:13:08 AM

what do you mean acceptable? certainly it's not usually welcomed when someone asks a stranger where they'll go when they die. but if the person truly believes you might go to hell, i certainly hope the least that person could do is let you know.

i dont think it is more "acceptable" to tell someone they may go to hell than it is to tell them they may get fat, but if it were, i imagine because one matters a whole lot more than the other.

5/3/2007 4:32:45 AM

I would be more concerned with this fellow telling you he loves you.

5/3/2007 4:35:02 AM

lol

5/3/2007 4:35:57 AM

Quote :

"i dont think it is more "acceptable" to tell someone they may go to hell than it is to tell them they may get fat, but if it were, i imagine because one matters a whole lot more than the other. "

You mean it's perceived that one matters more than the other to a religious person (I assume you meant going to hell matters more). To a non religious person, the plagues of obesity or lung cancer are far more measurable than someone "going to Hell" and the potential solutions far more enumerable.

5/3/2007 4:44:10 AM

it is not acceptable at all in my opinion, and i am christian and grew up going to church. i get offended when i feel ANYBODY including other christians are trying to push religion on people.

5/3/2007 8:40:24 AM

Stranger => Never

Spitting hellfire and damnation at people is the least effective method in bringing people to Christ (except maybe for 'by the tip of a sword')

I guess that's the difference between "pushing religion" and "being a good witness".

5/3/2007 9:32:16 AM

Quote :

"I have no problem with people attempting to witness to other people, but I think it should also be acceptable for me to tell people that they are fat, or they shouldn't drink so much, or that smoking is bad for them, with the result on average being an awkward smile. "

Sounds like a good and honest guy. What you're passionate about depends on your priorities. I see it as acceptable to tell someone that they are fat or that they shouldn't drink/smoke so much. He sounded caring and had an honest sincerity in his words. If you do the same to the fat, drunk, or smoker, then I don't see anything wrong with it.

But, you should NOT go around yelling out remarks like, "Hey fattie, drop the cone!". Just as Christians should probably no go around yelling, "You are a loser, low life, scum and you're going to a scary place where there is some serious pain inflicted that will make you suffer miserably!"

It's just not encouraging and will probably not produce the most positive feedback. Trust me, I know... been there done that.

5/3/2007 9:32:20 AM

Sometimes, you just say things to people for shock value.

5/3/2007 9:37:45 AM

I dont think its unacceptable, however stuff like that makes me uncomfortable. Hopefully, if you seemed uncomfortable with the conversation he picked up on it and wont start it again.

Religion is a private matter for me, and I dont like discussing it with strangers or coworkers. But thats just me.

5/3/2007 10:51:12 AM

Quote :

"I work in a retail store and a very polite and friendly gentleman who I was working with, after we wound up the sale, asked me if I knew where I was going to go when I died."

best thing to do here is just say "yes. have a nice day. NEXT!" and move on to another task or next customer before he can get another word in. if you're not at work, then handle however you want to (whether you want to be a dick or nice about it).

but to answer your question, it's not acceptable. Same as if he was a gay guy who asked you out after the sale.

5/3/2007 11:13:59 AM

Quote :

"Elaine: David, I'm going to hell! The worst place in the world! With devils and those caves and the ragged clothing! And the heat! My god, the heat! I mean, what do you think about all that? Puddy: Gonna be rough. Elaine: Uh, you should be trying to save me! Puddy: Don't boss me! This is why you're going to hell. Elaine: I am not going to hell and if you think I'm going to hell, you should care that I'm going to hell even though I am not. Puddy: You stole my Jesus fish, didn't you? Elaine: Yeah, that's right! "

5/3/2007 11:19:23 AM

that episode is hilarious.

5/3/2007 2:50:33 PM

of course it makes the nonchristian uncomfortable when the christian asks him about where he will go when he dies. it usually makes the christian uncomfortable too. but the christian isnt called to live a comfortable life.

like i said earlier, if someone believes they have the key to eternal life and to me avoiding eternal damnation, it would be a crime for them to keep it to themselves.

again, to the nonbeliever, of course, he hopes he does keep it to himself. but for a christian who believes christian doctrine, for him not to bring up the question of eternal salvation (and thus make things uncomfortable) would be a pretty crappy move on his part, and actually even contradicting the christian doctrine he claims to believe in.

now there are plenty of christians who proselytize for the wrong reasons (church numbers,reputation, self-righteousness, etc), but for those who genuinely believe what they claim to believe, the very least they could do is try to let you know that they actually care enough about you that they don't want to see you burn in hell for eternity.

(of course there is the whole debate about the most effective ways of witnessing, whether it be with words and confrontation or with simply letting your life be the witness, but the Bible clearly shows there's need for both)

5/3/2007 4:50:30 PM

Quote :

"                  Jesus is Coming.                      Look Busy.       "

[Edited on May 3, 2007 at 6:00 PM. Reason : ]

5/3/2007 5:57:57 PM

you should have said

"mister, please stop trying to touch my swimsuit area...nothing gives you that right!"

5/3/2007 6:08:04 PM

^^^that's all well and good, but they better not be offended when i bring logic into the discussion.

5/3/2007 6:12:58 PM

heh, yea they shoudln't be. hopefully they would have been using it too. but yea many a time that isn't the case.

5/3/2007 7:19:59 PM

You should have said Florida

[Edited on May 3, 2007 at 9:45 PM. Reason : ]

5/3/2007 9:44:34 PM