Had a Christian try to convert me again, and I have a question.

[jcaternolo]

Yesterday, I had someone sit down near me while I was waiting for the bus. She says "isn't this a great day that God allowed us to have?" and I was thinking "oh great, she's gonna try to convert me". Sure enough, she asked if I believe in Jesus. I told her I don't worship Yahweh anymore and when she asked why, I told her there's just too many contradictions in the Bible. Anyway, long story short, I told her I believe in Artemis, and she told me that the ancient Greeks actually were converted to Christianity, including many of their famous scholars and philosophers.

Now, I don't remember reading about Aristotle or Plato being converted to Christianity, and if these famous people were really converted, wouldn't there be something in history about it? I told her just because the Bible says it it doesn't make it true.

Also, she asked me what have the other gods done, and told me that Jesus died on the cross. Is there anything the other gods have done that's similar to what Jesus did? I know Shiva took a great poison onto himself (or maybe a wound that would've been deadly for humans) to prevent destruction of a city or something, but that's all I know.

I just know that I'll end up running into her again at some point since she had to use the same bus as me, and I could really use some ammo so I can at least convince her there's some merit to my faith, because in her eyes I'm a poor soul in need of saving.

[Ophidia]

There are many, many deities who follow the same general theme as Jesus, but most of the 'dying Gods' died for our crops, not our sins:

Dionysus
Attis
Osiris
Mithra
Zoroaster

... to name a few. Because the concept of 'sin' and 'taboo' aren't the same for most ancient faiths as they are for Christianity, and also because most of the ancient faiths embraced some version of reincarnation, most of the 'dying Gods' die and are reborn on a yearly cycle mirroring the agricultural fertility cycle or the fertility cycle of certain plants (Dionysus is mainly linked with grapes) or animals.

[monsno_leedra]

I suppose you could tell her Artemis became the ground work for the Virgin Mary and her Temple or House of Mary in Ephesus / Ephesos. Heck many of the names for Mary are found bestowed upon Artemis and Diana before Mary gained them. Even the foundation for the Christian Cult of Mary which was recognized by the Catholic Church in the 2nd or 3rd century A.D. and continued on for some time afterwards, up to at least the 6th or 7th century near as I recall at the moment. I seem to recall to that an image of Zeus was utilized to represent "God" for a number of years when Greece was being converted to Christianity. Said conversions especially between the 2nd and 5th century A.D. if I recall correctly.

[Sean R. R.]

"I have no sins to atone for"

There you go.

[MaskedOne]

Look up Prometheus. He didn't die for humanity but I expect that most humans would beg for death after a day or two of the punishment that was laid on him by Zeus.

[B. de Corbin]

I just know that I'll end up running into her again at some point since she had to use the same bus as me, and I could really use some ammo so I can at least convince her there's some merit to my faith, because in her eyes I'm a poor soul in need of saving.

Recommendation: Don't waste your time discussing/arguing with her - it's pointless, unless you want, for some reason I can't imagine, to convert her.

The next time you run into her, sprawl out on a bench, and fart loudly. Then say "Ah! That felt good! I think I should do that again sometime soon..."

P.S. - Plato and Aristotle could not have converted to Christianity, since they were dead long before Christ was (?) born. The closest they could have come would have been to become Jewish...

[anunitu]

The "Converted" thing is a little different than choosing something,as in "convert" and we wont burn you alive.

[Gleb]

Horus had protected ancient egypt from the evil. And so did many other Gods.
You don't have to explain yourself in such situations. Your faith makes you feeling good with it - that what matters.
Religions aren't in competition with each other.

[Tylluan Penry]

Recommendation: Don't waste your time discussing/arguing with her - it's pointless, unless you want, for some reason I can't imagine, to convert her.

The next time you run into her, sprawl out on a bench, and fart loudly. Then say "Ah! That felt good! I think I should do that again sometime soon..."
P.S. - Plato and Aristotle could not have converted to Christianity, since they were dead long before Christ was (?) born. The closest they could have come would have been to become Jewish...

Wonderful! The power of the holy fart should never be underrated.

If you cannot manage that (or are two polite) Mr Penry usually turns away and blows a wet raspberry on the back of his hand. Sounds about the same....

[Satu]

You don't owe this person anything. Not a single, solitary thing. And from experience, trying to prove the "merit" of your religion is useless. (My experiences are with atheists, but the same idea applies here.) Say something like, "I don't want to discuss this." and get snippier if she doesn't let up.

Seriously, don't engage in this foolery. You will. Not. Win.