This has REALLY been bothering me...

[GracefulRocker]

OK, this is gonna be long, but it's best if you know the whole story.

First of all, my dad met this guy who was a professional tattoo artist. We'll call him Bob, ok? Bob was into some pretty bad stuff. Drugs, drinking, etc.
Well, Bob got saved. Bob became a DIYS kind of christian. He would street preach and carry a cross (a HUGE one) around our town. He's an in your face kind of guy, and that's his ministry. He's been on fire for God for almost 11 years now. He and my family are all good friends.

Now this may seem unrelated at first, but just keep reading please.

Every year, our town has a festival that people from hundreds of miles around go to. It's so big and popular, that it blocks off 2 major interstates for an entire day. I mean, this thing is BIG.
Bob, as I mentioned, likes to street preach, and he was out there at the festival, yelling into a bullhorn about how people are going to hell if they don't find Jesus. Ofcourse, he offened some people. I mean, girls dressed like sluts don't like to be told they look like one, now do they.

Well, the festival was on a Sat., and so the next morning in church, that was all every one was talking about; being at the fair and all they did there.

In my Sun. school class, we were doing just that, and one of the girls there started to trash talk Bob for calling her friend a tramp. I tried to explain to her that he was my good friend and a nice guy doing God's work. But she completely ignored me, and got the rest of the people there, including the teacher, to bash him too!!!

Finally, I got sick of it and exscused my self. Later, after they'd gotten out of Sun. school, the girl came and apologized to me. But it was not a sincere apology by anybody's standards. I mean, the teacher was trashing my friend, and she knew it!!!

That makes me SO mad!!! How can people who call themselves christians do something like that?!
Bob was trying to spread the word of God, and then in God's house confirmed christains trash-talked about him. That was the lesson that day too! They talked about Bob the ENTIRE time.

I just...ARRRGH!!!!

Please tell me your thought on the matter!!!

[Zarn Ishtare]

Well, his approach may have been alittle harsh (Although its one I so wish to use) I applaud him for his zeal and his obvious faith. Maybe if he is reminded that he was once of them, then he will try a different approach. As for the Hypocrites...They should support him or come to him in private to speak to him of this. They have NO right to insult a brother of the faith. We are not to accuse each other, for that is satans job.

[Ducky]

I'm sorry your friend got bashed. It stinks, but sometimes christians can be just as petty, foolish, and focused on wordly stuff as anyone else. It really takes courage to stand for anything when met with hostility and it seems like your friend has courage in abundance to stand for God so publicly and you also have courage for standing in his defence and leaving when it got to be too much. Hopefully the people in your class will come to a place where they too can stand boldly for God without caring who they offend with the gospel.

[Mangafanatic]

I'm so sorry that you were hurt by what these people said about your friend. It always hurts to hear people you truly love criticise-- especially when they're doing what they believe they are called to (and I can see it being even more tormenting since you know where he came from.)

But, just try a little to see where they're coming from. I mean-- your friend Bob is doing the right thing by preaching the gospel, Jesus commanded as much. For this reason, you have the right and the scripture to back up saying that Bob is just doing what his master commanded. But similarly, the girl in your class had reason to have a bit of complain with Bob's technique. While we are commanded to proclaim the gospel, we are also told to speak the truth in love. Calling a woman a "tramp" is a bit harsh, IMHO. Regardless of whether she is a "tramp" or not, I'd be a bit upset if some man I didn't know from Adam just shouted that I was a tramp in a public place (I also think I might be imbittered).

To help you understand, just imagine that you and I walk into a clothing store and the clerk comes upto me and says, "You look like you just got run over by a truck. You're sorta ugly too." *pause* "Would you like to buy an angora sweater?" I'd have to say I'd(and I hope you) would be disinclined to purchase anything from a woman who had that kind of techinique. As they say, you catch more flies with honey than vinager.

I'm not bashing your friend. I'm really not. Trust me, but just try to see where this chick's coming from.

[Fsiphskilm]

[size=200]We

[JediSonic]

I agree with what volt said on this one.

I personally beleive that those who were not given the proper chance to accept God during their lives (probably due to being misinformed) are given a chance to accept Him when they die. In other words, I dont beleive God (being infinitely kind and just) will send a person to hell if they never got to hear His word.

Anyway, I agree with Volt... either way, shouting "your going to HELL" isnt a good way to convert people. If you share my beleifs on the matter, then not only is it a bad way to try to convert people, but is also false teaching.

I apologise if I've offended anyone in this post; I have no intention of starting a debate in this thread. I have stated my personal theological beleifs and if someone would like to discuss them, please take it to PM.

[uc pseudonym]

I would remind everyone to steer clear of theological debate in this thread.

Meanwhile, let me say that I can understand how this could really bother you. It seems like there's no good place to turn in such a situation. "Bob" obviously needs siblings in Christ to help him focus his God-given passion, and he is getting the exact opposite from other people. I will do my best to pray for healing in this situation, and if by chance I could offer something more tangible (such as advice) I would feel it would be my obligation to do so.

[Yojimbo]

Hate to harp on this and reiterate but, the in your face preaching is a big turn off to non Christians. Obviously no one likes to be told they're going to hell if they're wearing a halter top and some short shorts.

[c-girl]

I'm sorry to say this. but i'm scared of street preachers.. >"<;

[Heart of Sword]

I'm sorry that your friend got trashed like that.

Some people will just be turned off by a man walking around with a huge cross in the streets. I personally wouldn't evangelise like that, as some people might get a little nervous. (Or, he'll be mistaken for Wolfwood...but I'm kidding.) Women don't like being called tramps, but I guess it's up to us how we like to evangelise.

I'll pray for this situation!

[Hitokiri]

i know some in your who use to spread the word. I get annoyed by it but i guess its thier way of doing it. I'd like to comment on what some said earlier that

Maybe if he is reminded that he was once of them, then he will try a different approach.

(i think it was Zarn).

I think he remembers what is what like without Christ and he knows what it feel slike to be so far from Him so he's acting that way trying to make non-christians to understand.

[Xavier249]

Well, the usual suggestion should follow, of course. Pray about it, I will too.

Second, Forgive them. . I am sure you already have but just in case.

Also, I must agree with volt on this one, he is kinda being vigilante. Sadly though, some people need that kind of attack. Here is a good quote:

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Yeah. That is kind of my motto line, it helps me keep clear of things. After all even if I mean well, it might not be a good thing.

I appreciate your ability to stand up for him. I try and do that for my friends but sometimes I fail. Keep up the good work.

yeesh if this looks disjointed. . . I need sleep. g'night.

[Xavier249]

Edit umm yeah. . see the next post...

[Xavier249]

Edit: my comp went wacko, sorry. . .

[Fsiphskilm]

I mean I re

[termyt]

Bob's methods are valid, IMHO. Different techniques work on different people. Bob's in your face style was surely affective on some in his audience. On the other hand, I'm sure it was a turn off to others.

Other, gentler approaches will be more likely to work on those offended by Bob. But gentle approaches don't work on everyone, either. Some people need to hear the word straight with no apologies in order to understand.

It's unfortunate, but no matter what style you use, you will reach some, be ignored by others, and turn off others.

In the end, the truth is the truth and it is up to each of us individually to accept that for what it is.

Bob could probably use a little more tact in his approach, but - to the point at hand - he should not be trashed behind his back by other believers. That does not edify, strength, or teach any one a lesson worth learning. And worst of all, God is not praised. Better to approach Bob and have a real discussion about tactics. Both parties may learn a thing or two then..

[uc pseudonym]

While would agree that at times an "in-your-face" approach is effective, I would point out that I feel it would be extremely important to know a given person and have established a relationship with them prior to anything of the sort. Blanket attempts to preach the gospel are fine, but not when they apply to only a select group of individuals.

But all of us are straying off topic somewhat.

[Bobtheduck]

Not that any of you thought that, but just know this Bob isn't me... I don't know anyone on CAA in real life... That I know of, anyhow... I tried to get some of my Christian friends to come here, but I just don't have any friends that are both Christian and anime fans... Yet...

Anyhow, I agree that for him to call girls tramps is out of line. I think the primary goal of an evangelist should be introducing them to Jesus, not trying to get them out of their sin. They can't really get out their sin if they don't know Jesus, can they? Also, people have different views about what's appropriate in clothes. I mean, take Heather from the game Silent Hill 3. I consider that a very conservative outfit. Some people would point out that her skirt is short and say something bad about it. I think people need to stop looking at the outside, but that's just not gonna happen. It's human nature, and it's something that takes a long time to unlearn because there are so many forms of it...

As for them gossiping about him, if they are Christians, you should tell them to stop that too... If they pull that line "Well, it's not gossip. It needs to be talked about" I hear all the time (and have spoken at times) tell them that malicious things behind someone's back when they should have gone to him in person is nothing but gossip. It's not a prayer request, it's not a plan of action, it's gossip and it's wrong. So, yeah, confront these girls and tell them they need to confront him in person too. Of course, maybe you could go with them because it sounds like they'd just go off on him instead of doing something beneficial...

[Fsiphskilm]

[quote="uc pseudonym"]While would agree t

[MsShinobu]

I agree wholeheartedly with what Volt said. I recall reading in the Bible that you are to spread the teaching of Christianity, but you are to do it in a kind manner.

[ZiP]

That's rotten, I don't think Jesus ever bashed people for trying to teach (However "in-your-face" their standars are).

[Fsiphskilm]

True True... Jesus o

[Xavier249]

This is kind of meant as a joke but it makes one think:

But if you read it in the bible are we not still accepting it from some ones mouth? . . . hmm.. . now I confused myself..

[Fsiphskilm]

Example:

[Swordguy]

i will have to say if on man was saved because of his work or even a swad plated then it was well worth it. before anyone trys to do something like this i would recomend they pray and get Christ on there side and make sure they are doing his work and not their own.

[Jasdero]

I'm sorry about your friend getting insulted. If anyone insults my family or friends, I have to do something. Sooo, everyone knows not to do so around me. But the way "Bob" took his way of preaching was probably too foward for some people. You're right, nobody wants to be insulted by another. If I insulted an atheist because he wasn't a Christian, what's the chance of him being a Christian? Okay, I gotta go now. Sorry if the post is unfinished in your eyes.

[Solid Ronin]

Meh. Ya just need to have a talk with Bob. Thres many ways to say things as is with out using the word slut of anything.