The Great Competition

[Niko]

Hey all :-)

I have this friend Dmitri who was born and lived in Moscow for much of his life. He is obviously Orthodox.

He is my best friend and we talk about everything. One of our big conflicts is religion. he is orthodox, but he pronouced himself nilist and believes religion is false and is conspiring to control and brainwash everyone, or something like that.

So we made a "game." The game is by our senior year, we have to convert the other person. Im trying to bring him out of "the dark side" but it isnt holding up very well, and the opposite is also true.

Any ideas on how to reconfirm my friend into the faith?

PEACE

Your favorite venerated teenage bouncer ;) ,
Niko

[xenia]

Well Niko, you have something going for you that he doesn't: PRAYER!

-Xenia

[Niko]

as much as i talk to God during the day, in my mind or under my breath, my sit-down-and-pray-for-an-hour-at-night life isnt that good.

Its one of my "needs improvement" areas.

[Marjorie]

I'm with Xenia.

Also remember that faith is a gift from God, a grace, so to speak, so there's no way one could awake faith in another person from nothing-- only God can do that. HOWEVER, one can clear up some conflicts another person is having with his/her faith.

Pray for him!

Are you guys giving each other reading lists? I know which books were helpful for me.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[Marjorie]

as much as i talk to God during the day, in my mind or under my breath, my sit-down-and-pray-for-an-hour-at-night life isnt that good.

Its one of my "needs improvement" areas.Do you have any prayer books? Or a prayer rope? You should talk to your priest about this if you feel your prayer life is lacking.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[gzt]

You can't convert anyone and you shouldn't try. You can testify to the truth as taught by the Church and in what little you've experienced it, you can preach the gospel [using words if necessary], but you can't change or even hope to change anybody. Only God can convert a man.

[Niko]

Do you have any prayer books? Or a prayer rope? You should talk to your priest about this if you feel your prayer life is lacking.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

I pray my komboskini (or chotki) sometimes, but not very often.

I dont have a good relationship with my priest.

Its another one of those "needs improvement" areas

[CyberSponge]

Hi there,

I'm a little baffled at how you said that your friend is "obviously" Orthodox. "Orthodox" is just short for "Orthodox Christian." If he's "Orthodox," and therefore won't be barred from receiving communion based on his religious affiliation, then I see no reason why anyone else of any faith (or lack of faith) should be barred. Becoming a Christian isn't a one time event. It takes a lifetime to become one (and many never make it).

As for specific advice:
Don't try to convert him. When it's adversial like that, especially a game, then there's no point. Keep in mind that Early Christianity spread b/c of 3 reasons (that I can think of): people being martyrs and thus impressing people who are interested in the dedication these Christians have; love, for each other along with forgiveness of enemies; and preaching, which takes a great deal of skill and help from God. It wasn't through competitions, or bible studies, or even forced conversions (in which case the converter made not have been Christian to start with).

Now, I don't think a person should be all hushed up about their faith and never talk about it. Not at all! But wait until God opens up opportunities for you. Not to say "Why my faith is best!" but "What my faith gives me, and what it helps me give to others." Although preferably you can express this with your life, not with words.



Hey all :-)

I have this friend Dmitri who was born and lived in Moscow for much of his life. He is obviously Orthodox.

He is my best friend and we talk about everything. One of our big conflicts is religion. he is orthodox, but he pronouced himself nilist and believes religion is false and is conspiring to control and brainwash everyone, or something like that.

So we made a "game." The game is by our senior year, we have to convert the other person. Im trying to bring him out of "the dark side" but it isnt holding up very well, and the opposite is also true.

Any ideas on how to reconfirm my friend into the faith?

PEACE

Your favorite venerated teenage bouncer ;) ,
Niko

[Niko]

When it's adversial like that, especially a game, then there's no point

thats why we set the game for four years.

[Rilian]

Niko, your friend of all people since he is from Russia should be aware of what people have done when they have abandoned God. Look no further than North Korea to find where people are brainwashed and controlled. It is where God has been banished.

That's probably beside the point though. Be a witness to your friend, and remember the race is not a sprint, it's a marathon. When I read about your challenge I immediately thought of the first 11 verses of Matthew 4, and the words of Deuteronomy 6:16. God challenges us, but we should be more than wary of challenging him.

Most importantly God working through you has every possibility of reaching your friend. Remember that.

Forgive me for speaking to you this way, because I am among the worst of sinners in all ways.

[Niko]

Niko, your friend of all people since he is from Russia should be aware of what people have done when they have abandoned God. Look no further than North Korea to find where people are brainwashed and controlled. It is where God has been banished.

That's probably beside the point though. Be a witness to your friend, and remember the race is not a sprint, it's a marathon. When I read about your challenge I immediately thought of the first 11 verses of Matthew 4, and the words of Deuteronomy 6:16. God challenges us, but we should be more than wary of challenging him.

Most importantly God working through you has every possibility of reaching your friend. Remember that.

Forgive me for speaking to you this way, because I am among the worst of sinners in all ways.

Thanx! Thats the best idea so far.