J. Hofer- where does the urge to convert people to ones own view come from?
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did you ever detect that sort of behaviour on yourself? have you found a way to overcome that urge? do you have any suggestions for dogrulz to overcome this urge? (optionally you could apply that to me too)
I feel that people want to convert people to their own view for at least the following reasons:
1) They learned the behavior from their parents or other significant influence (i.e., WTBTS).
2) They are predisposed to proving to themselves that they are important and need other people to agree with them (i.e., narcissist and sociopaths)
3) They are very passionate about something, want to make a difference, and are very inflexible in their thinking (i.e., do not think outside the box and do things the way they always have).
4) Some people are scared about something in life, and feel if people agree with them that they have made the correct decision. Most people are not narcissist and sociopaths, so I made a separate reason for most people.
I try to always remember Mt 22:37-40. I am not always successful, but at least I try to remember that I do not like it when other people want to force their opinions on me, so I should not force my opinions on others. I also focus on what is my goal. I do not believe that I will attain my goals by arguing with someone. I usually attain my goals through negociation, asking questions, and being flexible and creative.
Mt 22:37-40 (NIV 2008) 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [b] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [c] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,
ABibleStudent