I admit, normally I am very much into sharing my beliefs and have a good religious discussion, but this lady treated me like I had no idea what I believed in, and had no goal in life. She told me I HAD to accept Jesus into my life, that I was a sinner...etc etc...
I tried to be patient with her, I realize that to most people Christ is a very passionate subject, but I was so upset by the condescending way she spoke to me, and the superior attitude about Christ, and her lecture tone that I finally stopped her and told her I was not there for saving, I went to church, I read the Bible to my daughter, I even wrote in my journal about God and prayed everyday, but I was there to find a doctor, not a priest.
She invited me to her Church, explaining that I would love it because the played contemperary music and they were loud and I could put my daughter in their nursery so I could enjoy the services without worrying about her.
I politely explained to her that I enjoyed services WITH my daughter. I didn't believe in getting rid of children for the sermons because I think they should be involved, and Church should be a family affair, not free daycare. Jesus wanted the little children with him, not shoved to the back. How can we teach our children if they are not hearing the same things we are? On the drive home from church my husband and I always discuss the sermon we just heard and share out points of view. I am so excited for my children to begin to participate in those conversations.
I am a firm believer in sharing your testimony and forcing others to confront their own beliefs, but that doesn't mean being condescending, or even that I have to hear what those beliefs ARE! That is a personal matter to some, and others sometimes cannot or will not put it into words. That is their prerogative. A discussion on Christ should not be a lecture/questioning study over scriptures but a free flowing idea and friendly talk about sharing beliefs.
In the end she thanked me for my input, I don't know if I offended her or not, but if my saying something has helped her to be a little less 'in your face' about Jesus, than maybe I have done a good thing.
I'm not sure if there is ever NOT a good time to share your beliefs, but there is definitely a way that is not good. Especially if you are not listening to the other persons answers and are so caught up in what YOU want to tell them and not what you should both be feeling.
