posted
Do that it is right to go into another land and try to change the belief systems of others?
Were the missionaries in the 1700's who came and tried to convert the heathens right in their actions?
Most people nowadays will answer no to this question, but is this not exactly what the united states is doing in Iraq at this very moment, going into another land and tyring to change the belief systems?
Who are we to say that we are right in our actions?
We are so sure that our way is the right way. So sure. Yet, all over the world, their other ways. And someone, somewhere is so sure that that way is correct.
It is because we are so sure of our ways, that trying to change the belief systems of others is unnethical.
-Laurence
Edit: were the missionaries in the 1700's right in their actions?
posted
as with just about everything, there are varying degrees of missions. i know a little more about religious missionaries than political ones, so those are the ones i'm going to focus on. not all missionaries invade a remote area with the "must convert them" mindset. sure, that's their ultimate goal, but i'd like to think that they are just as invested in the other things they do, such as provide medical attention, food, or whatever else the people they're reaching out to need. i agree that it's not right, let alone effective, to force your beliefs on anyone, but i don't see a problem with going in the back door: serving the needy with their best interests at heart while also setting an example and sharing your beliefs when an opportunity arises. as long as it's understood by both sides that it's the people's choice, not the missionaries, what's the harm?
like i said, i'm not touching the iraq situation. i know enough to know that my opinion on that doesn't matter anyway.
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posted
Because, for example, while we are trying to force our political system on Iraq, we are not trying to force any religion on them.
Governments force political systems on people, in modern times, missionaries simple try to convert people, force is not involved.
Many many people find forcing a political system on a country to be fine, while they find forcing a religion on people to be morally reprehensible.
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quote: Many many people find forcing a political system on a country to be fine, while they find forcing a religion on people to be morally reprehensible.
i'm aware, but I'm asking why this is. They are both value systems.
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posted
The belief that murder and stealing is wrong is a value system, and yet wee force it on everyone in the United States, should we?
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quote:sure, that's their ultimate goal, but i'd like to think that they are just as invested in the other things they do, such as provide medical attention, food, or whatever else the people they're reaching out to need. i agree that it's not right, let alone effective, to force your beliefs on anyone, but i don't see a problem with going in the back door:
As soon as you consider yourself going through the back door, I'm pretty sure you are sinning in one way or another.
quote:Do that it is right to go into another land and try to change the belief systems of others?
Absolutely, though I'm one of those guys who believes that everyone is human and as long as we talk about basic human values of freedom, charity, tolerance, and free inquiry, it shouldn't be so hard to shape a consensus at the core of the political functions of any country, even if the surface looks shockingly different.
quote: Who are we to say that we are right in our actions?
We are so sure that our way is the right way. So sure. Yet, all over the world, their other ways. And someone, somewhere is so sure that that way is correct.
I'm not saying we are always right, but I do think the US is closer to harmony than the Taliban. There has to be a point where you stand up for a society where everyone, at least in theory, has food and dignity, and from there, you can figure out the rest.
quote: As soon as you consider yourself going through the back door, I'm pretty sure you are sinning in one way or another.
you're right. that was contradictory to what i was trying to say. basically, i don't think it's wrong to attempt to convert people as long as you don't persecute them in the process. if that's possible. now that i think about it, i'm not so sure.
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posted
Absolutely it's possible. Missionary work need not go further than trying to share truths you believe you have found, and trying to persuade people to adopt a system you believe is healthier. Although some extremists will call this imperialism, I don't think it is. Not in the absence of coercion.
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posted
Laurenz0, may I recommend you read Peace Child by Don Richardson? It speaks directly to your question in a very readable, interesting way. If you're a swift reader, it's a few hours read. Don't read and eat at the same time, though.
(and I thought this thread was going to be about something else too. )
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posted
Who are we to enforce our opinion on what's right? The fact that our political system works is testament to the fact that our way is a good way. It is not the only way and if the Iraquis sincerely wanted to return to a Constitutional Monarchy I'm sure we wouldn't stop them.
That and...
*********SARCASM WARNING********* We wield the biggest stick. That's why we are in the right.
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