Assumptions on Evangelism

Joe White posted some of his Assumptions on Evangelism in his blog. I wanted to provide him some feedback, this is what I wrote.

Joe, you are assuming that anyone who evangelizes is assuming the person they evangelize too is wrong.

Evangelism is zealous preaching and dissemination of the gospel, as through missionary work. Previously it was specifically the proclaiming of the Christian Gospel. The word evangelist comes from the Greek word ("eu-aggelos") for 'bringing good news. But the word has a broader definition now. David I is the chief software evangelist for Borland.

Evangelism is passionately (with zeal) proclaiming (or educating) based on your beliefs. Essentially with your blog you are a Unitarian Evangelist (as well as other topics, like XP) because you are passionately sharing with others based on your beliefs.

Now the problem comes in when someone is over zealous in their evangelism. Just a like a pushy sales person, they give a bad name for the whole group. What is important to realize is we are all human, and some of use make mistakes, but to label a class of people based on the actions of a few is to label yourself since you are human too.

I have a number of beliefs that I believe to be based on truths, and these beliefs are contrary to some of the beliefs of others. It would appear that you also have beliefs that are contrary to the beliefs of others. Now I may passionately share with you my beliefs, but not because I believe you are unable to make up your mind, but because I believe you have not yet heard the truth I have to share. It is my responsibility to share my truths. It is my hope that by sharing the truth you will accept it. As true Christian (or otherwise compassionate human) then I accept you regardless of if you accept my truths and me or not.