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I think that many of us have had bad experiences with evangelism and I have had good experiences as well. Much of it comes down to approach. I have a deeply personal relationship with Christ and am a non-practicing Catholic. For me, that relationship truly is a personal thing and isn't anybody else's business most of the time. My kids have very strong faith and go to their Dad's church but question some of the teachings (because they are very intelligent children who understand that scientific evidence and the Bible don't always agree). We work to find a way for both to co-exist. There are days that I pray probably 50 times a day. There are days I pray only a few times. I thank the Lord for small things and big things and don't ask for much other than to know his Will, and to receive strength and grace to cope with life's hardballs. I have never really believed that it is necessary to follow one denomination but do feel that there are times that I need to participate in an organized religion and receive the Eucharist in church (which is why I still consider myself Catholic).
All that said, I have been told that I was not Christian because I am Catholic.
I have been told that I was suffering from Crohn's Disease because I wasn't praying hard enough.
When I was 8, I was told I was going to hell because I hadn't been "saved" while attending a Vacation Bible School with a friend. Even more worrying was that my whole family was going to hell, which seemed to bother me more than worrying about just me.
I thought I had a very good friendship with the woman who told me I wasn't praying enough about my Crohn's. I feel uncomfortable around her now. It was a horribly mean and offensive way to speak to me. During my most ill time, I was praying every few minutes to get me through the next hour of pain... One Day At a Time was too much .. I was taking it One HOUR at a time. The audacity to tell me I wasn't praying enough or I wouldn't be sick! I was eternally grateful to those who said "I will pray for you", because I needed it! There are definitely ways to go about it and ways to not go about it. The person who I admire most in this area is from my kids' church. She runs the youth choir and babysits my kids when they are on summer break and school breaks. She LIVES Christianity more than anybody I know. She gives service to so many, houses missionaries who are in town for short periods, is non-judgmental of others, and extends a helping hand to anybody who needs it whenever she can. She evangelizes through lifestyle and truly is an inspiration to many, without ever criticizing others.
It just depends on the method, to me.
Dee
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