The religions that proselytize (not all of them do) seem to think that they're doing unbelievers a favor by giving them the key to eternal life or heaven or a similar great reward. That's the theory, anyway. In practice? A quick review of the proselytizers' actions over the centuries, both with and without the sword, should give one paus…
The religions that proselytize (not all of them do) seem to think that they're doing unbelievers a favor by giving them the key to eternal life or heaven or a similar great reward. That's the theory, anyway. In practice? A quick review of the proselytizers' actions over the centuries, both with and without the sword, should give one pause.
I should add, though, that individual missionaries may be guided by genuinely altruistic motives and may improve the lives of those they attempt to convert. But I can't say the same for the institutions behind them.
The religions that proselytize (not all of them do) seem to think that they're doing unbelievers a favor by giving them the key to eternal life or heaven or a similar great reward. That's the theory, anyway. In practice? A quick review of the proselytizers' actions over the centuries, both with and without the sword, should give one pause.
I should add, though, that individual missionaries may be guided by genuinely altruistic motives and may improve the lives of those they attempt to convert. But I can't say the same for the institutions behind them.