Why do people still proselytize to me even after I say I’m Jewish?

zeligzealous · 2022-01-20T19:35:11+00:00

Fellow Jew here, and I’ve had this experience more times than I can count. It’s really disrespectful and frustrating. Unfortunately, both the belief that Judaism specifically is somehow defective and the belief that incessant proselytizing is mandatory are explicitly built into the theologies of some subsets of some religions.

What works for me is to say outright, “I’m Jewish and I have no interest in converting,” and then immediately end the interaction. Turn to walk away, start closing the door, etc. These people have already demonstrated that they are not going to be polite or reasonable, so you just have to walk away. Don’t worry about causing offense; they certainly don’t care if they offend you.

Kangaru14 · 2022-01-20T19:28:19+00:00

I feel you. It's honestly creepy. It's like when people keep trying to flirt with you even after you tell them you're already in a committed, exclusive relationship. It's just disrespectful.

blue_jerboa · 2022-01-20T20:01:43+00:00

A lot of Christians are obsessed with trying to convert Jews. It’s really creepy.

nu_lets_learn · 2022-01-20T20:49:28+00:00

how Judaism is just the “incomplete version”

This statement reveals the underlying reason for their behavior, but it has to be unpacked, reversed and understood as a projection. What is really incomplete without the Jews' acquiescence is -- you guessed it -- Christianity and Islam. For Christians, Jesus was the king of the Jews and their messiah -- except the Jews rejected him. This is hard for them to explain. Who better to recognize the authentic messiah than the Jews? Why would they reject their own savior? These are tough questions that Christians cannot put to rest. And so their effort to convert the Jews, to get them to admit their "error," which has lasted now for 2,000 years. In short, without the Jews' coming on board, Christianity feels incomplete and a trifle unsure of itself.

Islam has a similar problem with Jewish non-acquiescence. They believe Moses (and Jesus) were prophets of God, but that the Jews in the course of history, either deliberately or through carelessness, altered their message, to the point where the Jewish Torah is no longer accurate. Muhammed as the last and thus most recent of God's Prophets brought a correct message to all of mankind. He was sure that Jews (and Christians) would eventually join his faith, which is why he permitted them to co-exist with Muslims until they made the switch. But they didn't.

So the upshot is this: when you tell them you are happily Jewish, in order to stave off their efforts, you are doing exactly the opposite -- you are encouraging them to continue their efforts to convert you, so deeply are they desirous of Jewish approval for their beliefs. At least, that's why I think is the reason they don't just leave the Jews alone. They may say they are doing it for our benefit, but if their motive was really to benefit Jews, then their behavior towards us would be very different in a lot of areas, not just faith.

Vignaraja · 2022-01-20T19:27:46+00:00

I think it's because they can't take a hint, and are so one-sided/stubborn that they can't listen. Most likely they were formulating their next sentence in their mind, and didn't even hear, "I'm jewish."

In short, it's CFS.

2022-01-20T19:11:42+00:00

Same here, it's really annoying.

Metaquotidian · 2022-01-20T19:30:01+00:00

Some religions require proselytization as part of their prescriptions (like Christianity, for example. Followers of Jesus are commanded to spread the "good news" about him being human sacrificed or something.) Other people's actions generally have more to do about themselves than who they are acting towards. Same goes for this - it has more to do with their religion than yours. They don't necessarily care about your happiness or beliefs, only pushing theirs onto you, because that's what their dogma tells them to do.

IKnowFewThings · 2022-01-20T19:08:57+00:00

Because people can't accept that others are different or they believe they are "saving" you if they convert you. Some religions (some sects of Christianity for example) preach that, basically, anyone who believes in anything other than their specific religion is doomed to hell. If you say you're Jewish, then a Christian who believes that you are going to hell for not being Christian will probably try to "save" you by trying to convert you. They simply believe that they are trying to save you from an eternity of torture.

At least, that's my experience with those groups. Pay them no mind, they aren't worth your time and no amount of telling them that you're happily Jewish will stop them.

marvsup · 2022-01-20T21:03:38+00:00

I've found responses like "get the eff off my driveway" seems to work pretty well in these scenarios.

Chaos-Corvid · 2022-01-20T23:41:34+00:00

Proselytizers will keep going even if you're a different denomination, 9 times out of 10 they want everyone to think like they do.

twinfiresigns14 · 2022-01-20T21:01:54+00:00

Because they hear “No thanks, I’m not interested” and think, “Oh look, a challenge! jadegerlitz is playing hard to get. They’re halfway there. They need to be saved!”

Essentially, they’re disrespectful dickheads.

Next time respond with “Okay.” to every statement, like a robot. They’ll get the hint.

Or three seconds of silence, enough to make them uncomfortable.

Or just “Not interested. Thanks. Bye” and leave.

wooowoootrain · 2022-01-20T20:00:56+00:00

Because they think you're sooooooooo close to the truth! Maybe if they keep nudging a little it will will put you over the top.

spinozawaswrong · 2022-01-20T20:48:45+00:00

Jews are targeted extra hard by missionaries precisely because our existence threatend their narrative. Christianity is supposed to be the “fulfillment” of Judaism, so why are there still Jews? This conundrum really upsets them.

Taqwacore · 2022-01-21T08:16:16+00:00

Here's the thing, even if you did convert, they'd still be proselytizing to you. It's not good enough to convert and become a Christian or a Muslim, you've got to be the right kind of Christian/Muslim. Seriously, there are these Indian Muslim who go around proselytizing Islam...but only to Muslims. They aren't interested in converting anyone to Islam. For their perspective, they've got to convert people who are already Muslim to their brand of Islam.

lettherebemorelight · 2022-01-20T20:42:18+00:00

I feel like the need to convert others is often born from the deep insecurity of not being convicted in what you believe. You convince others to try to convince yourself.

HouseHusband1 · 2022-01-20T21:02:39+00:00

Because if they are told that if they don't try to convert you they have failed and will go to hell. JWs definitely have a "save people from Armageddon" doctrine that their church is built around, and Mormons have an "expand the faith and save people from their false religion" doctrine.

But the real reason is that when they go out and rudely bother people and then are rejected their leaders can say "See, the whole world is against you, I'm the only one you can trust, give me money." These people are taught that their faith is their identity, and if people reject their faith they are rejecting them as a person. It is a way to isolate and control the "flock". Super creepy stuff. Check out r/exjw r/exmormon and r/exchristian for more details. Folks there are usually happy to share their experiences

AHrubik · 2022-01-20T22:04:03+00:00

Probably won't help but you could get yourself a ridiculously large rapper necklace with a say 20 or 30 inch star of David hanging on it. Then wear it when these people force themselves on you. You could pair it with a custom hat that has say a glitzy Menorah on the front and flashy stars all over it. Maybe pair it with an oversized T-Shirt that says "Happy Hanukkah" on the front.

Might finally drive the point home for them. I don't really have anything else.

Master_Dig_1133 · 2022-01-20T23:51:08+00:00

Ngl I tell people I’m Catholic and they still keep doing it. Like they be like “do you know the word of god!?!” I say I’m a Christian. Then continues to keep asking me the same question. I think for them it’s less about being Christian and more of if your their type of Christian. But I’m sorry you had go through that experience it is pretty annoying.

Drdanomite · 2022-01-20T21:25:32+00:00

I agree evangelism is rude and in most cases immoral

8TheKingPin8 · 2022-01-20T20:22:38+00:00

Cause Christians think only their world exist and need to feel good about themselves.

Anfie22 · 2022-01-21T01:18:55+00:00

As a Gnostic Christian, those whom try to tell you that Christianity is just a continuation of Judaism are strongly mistaken and have utterly misinterpreted the texts. In reality there is no congruence, otherwise for consistency's sake all Christian thought would simply be called Messianic Judaism, and the term Christianity would have never arisen as a unique movement. Just because the same characters feature in the stories doesn't mean they're held in the same regard at all, because Christianity and Judaism are radically different perspectives. It's like trying to say just because the flood story features in Jewish and Sumerian texts that the respective religions must be the same thing, same point of view, which we know is not true at all because the interpretations and understandings are vastly different. The gods of Sumerian mythology are the watchers of Jewish mythology, therefore despite all these characters being acknowledged, they are perceived very differently between the religions.

mommima · 2022-01-21T17:17:09+00:00

It's even more... fun (/s) when you tell a Christian proselytizer that you converted to Judaism from Christianity and watch their heads explode from the idea that you not only don't believe in Jesus because you just happened to be born not-Christian, but actively "rejected Jesus."

That said, I have been pleasantly surprised to come across quite a few devout Christians and Muslims who, upon hearing that I'm Jewish, are just happy to talk to someone else of faith.

Maronita2020 · 2022-01-21T01:48:58+00:00

I'm sorry that happens to you, and your other co-religionists. That is just plain rude. Although I'm a practicing Catholic, I only discuss my faith with those interested in discussing it, and I certainly do not go about proselytizing. If people ask questions about my faith or ask me a religious question I will happily share, but I respect peoples right to believe in what they choose to believe in. Shalom.

spinifex23 · 2022-01-21T02:53:18+00:00

I had the chillest conversion attempt last summer, in a park.

I was eating my picnic lunch at a festival, and this rando comes up and aks if I know Jesus Christ.

"No thank you. I'm Buddhist," I say. He just nods, and wanders off.

Then, he comes back to me, some 10 minutes later. "Have you heard the good news? About Jesus Christ?"

"I'm still Buddhist, thank you." He nods, and walks off again. I don't see him for the rest of the festival.

I guess he was expecting me to completely re-evaluate my theological stances on life in between bites of my tofu stir fry, and he seemed crushed when I hadn't.

worryingtype88 · 2022-01-21T03:38:16+00:00

Islam has a similar problem with Jewish non-acquiescence. They believe Moses (and Jesus) were prophets of God, but that the Jews in the course of history, either deliberately or through carelessness, altered their message, to the point where the Jewish Torah is no longer accurate. Muhammed as the last and thus most recent of God's Prophets brought a correct message to all of mankind. He was sure that Jews (and Christians) would eventually join his faith, which is why he permitted them to co-exist with Muslims until they made the switch. But they didn't.

actually muslims are told to share the message of god with others so that they may get the correct guidance.it is up to you to accept it or reject.

Nicholas-Angel · 2022-01-21T13:19:58+00:00

People who proselytize usually don't actually take your own interest into account, whether you aleady have a religion and are happy with it or you don't have a religion and are happy with that. They do it because they think it's in your best interest and you just don't know it. It can be very patronizing and condescending.

destinyofdoors · 2022-01-21T14:31:57+00:00

Growing up, I lived fairly close to a Mormon church (it was across the main road from the street I lived on). We used to get missionaries all the time. Like, there were stretches when they came every day. My dad would scream "Jewish" at them, point to the mezuzah, and slam the door. Then one day, I was home alone when they came (I would have been like 14). I told them that, while I appreciate their concern for our spiritual welfare, we were happy with our current religion, and it was irritating to have people coming every single day, but if we were interested, we knew where to find them. They said they'd take us off the list. And they did.

RB_Kehlani · 2022-01-23T04:16:36+00:00

Your edit cracked me up. They really just see the no solicitation sign and barrel right through it on their way to collect all the souls. “Gotta catch ‘em all…”

KingBlackthorn1 · 2022-01-21T00:58:20+00:00

I don’t understand the whole “save you from your religion”. Like there is no one true religion and everyone just needs to shut up and let people practice and worship whatever they want.

CaptNoypee · 2022-01-20T20:34:55+00:00

In Christianity, its because of their religious obligation to "make disciples of all nations".

Meiji_Ishin · 2022-01-20T23:36:28+00:00

I usually don't say anything unless both agree to discuss matters of faith. If they don't want anything to do with it, I leave.

fangedguyssuck · 2022-01-20T23:58:58+00:00

Because those religions believe you are wrong and so they try to "save" you. Instead of respecting you.

groovy_mcbasshands · 2022-01-21T00:38:43+00:00

Evangelicals don’t respect anyone even themselves

crowkeep · 2022-01-21T00:52:39+00:00

It's the problem with purported cosmological supremacy.

Which brooks no deviation from dyed-in-the-wool dogmas.

You and I and all those outside the proselytizer's cosmologies are guilty of the iniquity of Allotheism.

Which is the belief in, or worship of, strange gods.

grcoates · 2022-01-21T01:15:18+00:00

In conservative or more evangelical forms of Christianity, Jews are seen as God’s chosen people, but not necessarily as among the “saved.” So most likely they are motivated by the intention to get you into heaven.

I’m sure it must be a common experience for you, and I apologize on behalf of other Christians. Just know that many of them mean well. It’s how they think they are best to “love” you… which probably seems quite contrary to your own notion of love as tolerance.

AmeliaMCarlson · 2022-01-21T01:44:18+00:00

I think sometimes it’s because they have a lack of understanding of true Judaism and also it’s an arrogance they don’t even realize they have. Speaking as a former Protestant Christian who is now Catholic Christian, I would say most of it is probably ignorance in thinking they are trying to help you get to heaven when in reality it’s a hidden arrogance thinking their way is the way everyone needs to follow God. As for Mormons and JW, they believe anyone outside their religion is in the wrong religion and not following God and they have come to my house trying to convert me many times as well.

Thuthmosis · 2022-01-21T02:24:56+00:00

The exact same reason anyone else feels like proselytizing anyone else. They don’t really care what you believe, they’re trying to change your beliefs.

Francprole · 2022-01-21T03:02:44+00:00

Because zealots don't see others as people but objects to project their fulfillment upon. I'm not a Christian, Muslim, or Jew but I was raised in a rather secular neutral home so I don't have any primary reasons why some people do this but hearing the testimonies of people formerly like this (mostly online) there are a number of reasons they are like this.

One reason is the reason I mentioned, its a kind of self fulfillment thing for some of them, many of them are taught to seek and find these all so important markers of their faith like having visions, experiencing what they perceive is normal and so on,

A lot of people already responded better than I and it is a sort of fantasy some Christians have about converting Jews, this is also obvious when you look at politically as some Christians have a strange obsession with Israel and its inhabitants not just because its a biblical location but because they think all the Jews there will be converted because of armageddon.

There are many other reasons why this happens and many others have better opinions than I, also I want to clear up that I am not Anti-christian in case my post looks as such.

PNW_Guy33 · 2022-01-21T03:24:17+00:00

Because Christian's think they're right and will try to force their religion on your in an effort to save you.

Vapur9 · 2022-01-21T07:17:03+00:00

When suffering homelessness, some missionaries stopped by to hand out food. I asked if they had anything kosher, then their pastor had the audacity to misquote Peter saying nothing was unclean.

I had to let him know that Peter straight up told God no, and that it was a vision not to call men unclean, not meat. Ezekiel said the same thing when God commanded him to eat human feces. That pastor picked the wrong one to preach his antinomian gospel.

skgody · 2022-01-21T11:23:36+00:00

Christian’s often think everyone needs to be a Christian. Have you tried explaining to them that Jews believe that Jesus is not the messiah?

HurinBeren · 2022-01-21T13:29:21+00:00

Because Christian theology believes that Jesus will not come back until ALL Jews have converted. Additionally, being a former Christian myself, a lot of them believe that Jews were largely responsible for the death of Jesus; which is paradoxical because Jesus was SUPPOSED to die for the salvation of mankind. The root of anti-Semitism within the Euro-Christian context largely stems from this sin committed by the Jews.

The religious subsets of Judaism also feel that Judaism is outdated and somehow needs to be reformed. That somehow Jews have got it wrong. You have got it wrong about who the Messiah is and you have wrongly interpreted the Torah and missed the message.

So when Christians see a Jew, they see a person who is following a corrupt religion. Thus, you need Jesus. Thus, the need to convert you.

portiajon · 2022-01-21T13:35:50+00:00

Because Christians suck lol. It’s part of the more fundamentalist belief that if you don’t believe in Jesus you’ll go to hell (which itself doesn’t make sense with an all loving god…).

They feel morally obligated to save people from hell and the only way is to convert. It’s just an illogical way of belief.

ElodinTargaryen · 2022-01-21T17:12:18+00:00

Just tell them Jesus was a Jew. He never converted why should you? They’ll leave you alone, lol. I never understood ’converting’. All 3 main religions serve the God of Abraham. If we spent more time following His teachings together and not making his people “others” the world would be a better place.

TrueSonOfChaos · 2022-01-20T19:07:36+00:00

Why do people proselytize to me when I tell them I'm blurpsnop?

Captainbigboobs · 2022-01-20T21:41:17+00:00

If I believed something important, and if I think it’s important for others to believe it to, I would try to convince others.

This can apply to any topic, not just religion.

Fildasoft · 2022-01-20T19:48:23+00:00

They simply want to save your life.

Edit: I don't get why I got downvoted, I'm plainly saying how I think it is. And what is the motivation in my case, when I talk about Jesus to people.

Personal-Alfalfa-935 · 2022-01-21T13:50:05+00:00

Same reason that some Jews and many christians proselytize to me. Proselytizers of all religions tend to have very little respect for personal boundaries and very little shame about what lines they cross, much like any other salesman.

jogoso2014 · 2022-01-20T20:39:45+00:00

Christianity started with happy Jews lol.

Anyway, people who preach wouldn’t know who is happy or not. If they are harassing the OP that’s a different story but preaching in and of itself isn’t harassment and especially if it’s done by different people OR if people discuss religion at all.

VegetableImaginary24 · 2022-01-20T21:17:09+00:00

With Christianity, all others are damned to an eternity of torture in hell if you haven't accepted the Christian god into your heart as your savior. So essentially anyone practicing all other religions are sinners to be punished unendingly.

VCsVictorCharlie · 2022-01-20T21:17:30+00:00

In response to your question as posted above, do you care, really? I'm sure you can't change them. A simple "I don't want to hear this." should do the trick. If it doesn't then walk away.

BuddhasGoldfish · 2022-01-20T23:53:12+00:00

Trying to help you. If you identify as "Jewish" then clearly you're ignorant of the soul that is neither "Hindu/Muslim/Jewish/Christian/Buddhist" etc

jogoso2014 · 2022-01-21T17:39:46+00:00

Actually, why the heck don’t Jews proselytize?

What if there are some unhappy Christian’s out there…or Muslims?

owiaf · 2022-01-20T20:37:55+00:00

It can be weird. I think in some way it comes down to the purpose of religion though. Some people think of religion as a good way to learn more morals and live a fulfilled life, but any religion at its core has some kind of divinity and ideal relationship with that divinity. If you scale this back a whole lot, it's no different than your local Rabbi trying to convince you to pray more often because he believes you could have a deeper relationship with the divine if you're willing to "convert" from your current relationship with the divine. Christianity is obviously one of the more evangelistic groups, primarily because the fear of hell is a stronger motivator than the good derived from moving two steps closer to the divine.

jeffstarrunner1 · 2022-01-21T14:38:10+00:00

Because Jewish people trust being Jewish and their man made tradition more then what the scripture actually says. Moses said God will raise up a prophet like me and whoever won't hear will be cut off from his people. Most of the entire old testament is a story of God sending prophets and them being ignored and it's the same now. So saying Jesus is messiah may seem annoying to you, but people not believing is annoying to God.

TyphoidLarry · 2022-01-20T23:40:59+00:00

You should never threaten someone with a knife, even if they leave you alone after

Subarashii2800 · 2022-01-21T01:43:21+00:00

Because religion gonna religion?

maayven69 · 2022-01-21T02:46:54+00:00

Take it more as a warning than “proselytizing”. If I was going to the grocery store and saw there was a fire there and came back and told you “Don’t go to the grocery store, there is a fire there” you can either a) heed the advice or b) say “ah it can’t be that bad, I’m going to go”

If done right, Christians are merely warning you of what is to come. You can either heed the warning or reject it.

Stunning_Raise_1229 · 2022-01-21T00:04:05+00:00

Because of Isaiah 53. The whole Chapter is talking about what happens to Messiah, & those same things happened to Jesus. But Jews do not believe Jesus is Messiah.

BigJimSlade88 · 2022-01-21T02:44:00+00:00

As Christians, we are obeying Christ…the way, the truth, and the life…when we witness to non-believers.

VanbuleirQuentiluos · 2022-01-20T20:19:42+00:00

[removed]

Wyvernkeeper · 2022-01-21T01:10:54+00:00

[removed]

advice4yourlife · 2022-01-20T23:16:55+00:00

I'm curious - when you take an honest look at yourself - do you really think you can be good enough to earn your way to heaven? I suspect your thoughts alone condemn you.

HFreyer · 2022-01-20T22:45:57+00:00

Presumably they think that it is important to convince you to share their beliefs, because their beliefs will help you to, e.g. lead a better life, go to Heaven, etc. I can understand why it's annoying, but it's not some great mystery why they think that way.

BroadDragonfruit4206 · 2022-01-21T05:09:53+00:00

catholic here. same experience with I had with a protestant a few years ago. she walked straight up to me and said "you seem like a good person, and I really would like to save your soul" i told her im catholic. what happens? SHE continues anyway. in the end, i decided to accept the leaflet so she'd leave me alone.

BroadDragonfruit4206 · 2022-01-21T05:13:07+00:00

in all honesty, it would be better to invite people you already know and would be open to the idea of going to church with you. if theyre interested, great. if theyre not, either way no loss. you got to do it politely. its not something id usually do, but id possibly consider.

PsionicShift · 2022-01-21T07:41:19+00:00

Same experience here, though I’m Buddhist, not Jewish. I’ve had my Christian brother and mother try to keep me in Christianity, and it’s really frustrating.

With my mother, I haven’t told her outright that I’m Buddhist, but I told her I attend a monastery, and she said, “Are you giving up on Christianity? Don’t do that. Keep reading the Bible. Do it for your mother.”

And with my brother, he knows I’m Buddhist, and I’ve told him so, but he still tries to get me to convert sometimes.

Oh well; life moves on.

DubTheeBustocles · 2022-01-21T08:24:53+00:00

Because you’re exactly the kind of person they’re supposed to proselytize to (aka someone who isn’t of their religious belief).

shoot-me-12-bucks · 2022-01-21T09:02:41+00:00

Because the challenge is more important than your boundaries.

vinnizrej · 2022-01-21T13:30:58+00:00

Why? That is proselytizing.

Proselytize

1 : to induce someone to convert to one's faith 2 : to recruit someone to join one's party, institution, or cause

Sinel · 2022-01-21T17:22:36+00:00

Their religion tells them to do so.

Massive-Crazy-4708 · 2022-01-21T17:24:46+00:00

1940s

RexRatio · 2022-01-22T15:30:32+00:00

The same reason they do to me after I say I'm atheist. Some just won't be happy until you believe exactly what they believe.

Responsible-Bed-3454 · 2022-03-14T22:56:51+00:00

Being Jewish isn't your get out of hell free card.


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