Who Should Christians Evangelize To: A Reckoning

The testament of Christian evangelization, a core tenet and mandate in the Lord’s teachings, intricately weaves through the fabric of the Christian faith. Central to this mandate, fundamentally grounded in the Kingdom of God, is the responsibility to bring the message to all nations of the world. This principle is unequivocally stated in both the Bible and Jesus' command, as encompassed in the Great Commission, 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.'

The Broader Mandate of Evangelization

Some argue that the call to evangelize extends only to those who are not part of the Christian community. This limited approach does not align with the expansive vision of the Great Commission. Consider the passage: 'And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.' The wording emphasizes the significance of spreading the message to the entire Earth, not just outside specific communities.

Challenges and Critiques

Notably, some contend that the command to evangelize should not be taken literally or in person. For them, it is enough for the message to merely exist in one’s heart. This view is based on the belief that genuine seeking of the message justifies the intent, but not necessarily the action of evangelizing in the traditional sense. They suggest that using in-person evangelism might be disrespectful and counterproductive, especially when the recipient is not prepared to receive the message.

The Immoral Argument against Evangelization

Another perspective holds that evangelization efforts are inherently immoral. The claim that evangelism should only be done to those who are 'legit seeking' the message sits at the core of this argument. Countering this, it can be argued that every individual has the right and capacity to seek and discern the truth, even if they may not be in the position to accept it immediately. The act of sharing the message, especially when done with respect and understanding, can spark curiosity and potentially lead to a life-changing decision.

The Issue of Hypocrisy and Silenced Beliefs

There are those who contend that evangelizing is an unnecessary and even harmful endeavor. Some feel that those who hold certain beliefs should keep them to themselves, especially if these beliefs are associated with hypocritical cults. This view suggests that the world is better off if people do not feel the need to share their beliefs, and that such sharing can often lead to conflict and division. However, proponents of evangelization argue that this view can be elitist and dismissive of the genuine spiritual quests of others.

Conclusion

Christian evangelization, while complex and multifaceted, remains a significant part of the faith’s mission. Whether one chooses to interpret the call to evangelize as a personal or public act of spreading the message, the fundamental belief remains: the good news of the Kingdom of God is for all people of the Earth. The approach and execution of this mandate should be guided by compassion, respect, and understanding, ensuring that the message transcends mere words and touches hearts and lives.

Keywords: Christian evangelization, Kingdom of God, Evangelism strategy