Is Preaching Jesus on Public Transport Acceptable?
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Last year, I was on an underground Train (tube); A man was standing up talking about Jesus and telling people about the importance of knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him – it was about 9am.
I like to observe people and as I looked around, I could see mixed reactions:
- Some ignored him and continued to read their papers/magazines.
- Some simply stared into space.
- A few shouted at him, asking him to keep the noise down, as they wanted to travel in peace.
- Some were listening to their Ipods.
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He just carried on; I personally think he was very brave. At a particular station, when the train stopped, the transport staff asked him to get off the train or it wouldn’t carry on. He explained he wasn’t disturbing any one. I noticed passengers were beginning to get impatient as it was the morning rush. Eventually he kept quiet and the train moved.
Do you think people should preach their religion on Public Transport? It would be interesting to know your thoughts.
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A look at so many reasons why some people don't go to Church. Some don't even believe there is a God. If there is: Why the Tsunami, Haiti Earthquake and many other strange occurences?
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I have a very high tolerence to extraineous speaking and it wouldn't bother me,and mabey he might have a original interpretation of dogma that'd be interesting...I would feel more ancy towards other people's own akward feelings toward him than of him...now if a person were to illiterate the whether dark matter theories put the big bang theory into question on the tubeway I'd be all ears,lol.;)
I have no problem with public preaching as long as other religions get equal time.
Lady E, Interesting Hub that provokes much thought… I agree with Elder! I welcome proclaiming the Gospel in public on a train, airplane, ship in a mall, park. However I think one must always use gracious candor in doing so. You do not want to irritate someone to the point that your goal to minister the Gospel is totally missed. One must always be prayerful and lead by the Spirit...
There are times when you can just pass out a free track instead. Or demonstrate the Gospel by example… I think it is important not to block or restrain someone or be a nuisance. It is important to know your legal boundaries and in America your Constitutional rights via the First Amendment since it insures that government will not limit or interfere with freedom of speech and religion… we legally are supposed to have religious freedom…
Thank you for sharing, In His Love, Grace, Joy, Peace & Blessings!
I'm opposed. It is policy on Manchester buses not to allow evangelism to passengers but many try it anyway. Hassled recently by two Mormons who went up and down the bus trying to convert passengers one by one by sitting next to them uninvited and babbling about their faith until they were told to go away by passengers like myself who wanted to travel in peace.
Now here's an interesting thought. What if Jesus himself appeared on that train and started preaching by telling people that there is very little time left for them to receive Him as Lord and Saviour, and ending off by quoting John 3:16, which, of course, spells out the consequences of using their freedom of choice to reject Him?
Being the Word of God, He owns the train and everything else in this world. He also gave life and spirit to everyone in that train and every person who ever lived.
Furthermore, everyone who believes in Him has become co-heirs with Him, which actually means that that train is open house to them.
Alas, the world at large is embarrassed by the mention of the Name of Jesus, hence governments outlawing, what He stands for, in public places.
But openly discuss any other religion, even loudly, in a train, and nobody gets offended.
The underlying problem? As Jesus himself would say,the god of this world, Satan, has blinded the world to the Truth and has a mental hold on everyone - without them even knowing it.
Ask anyone why they shy away, as if ashamed, from the "Jesus factor" and they won't be able to tell you.
There are some considerations, such as grace, love and common courtesy. 80% of people attend a church because they were personally invited. The greater majority of people who come to Christ do so as a result of a relationship with a Christian in their life. That being said, the most fun I ever had was in a bar; walked in, grabbed a beer and sat down at a table with a little cardboard sign that said "I talk to God daily, ask me anything"
Lady E: You failed to report whether there were passengers who were actually interested in what he was saying, and when being asked to leave the train, did anyone speak up on his behalf. Our Lord instructs us to proclaim His Gospel, and puts no restrictions as to where or how or when. If even one ear hears and is drawn to God, then it has served God.
I can't help but think of Paul who seemed to agitate the crowd when He preached the truth. The truth is agitating to the crowd because it rouses them from their spiritual slumber when they do not wish to be awakened. they are comfortable in their dreamy sleep of darkness.
If one knows Him they would never be agitated or offended to hear the truth.
** Elderyoungman - Thanks for sharing your points. I share this view too, especially with the way the world has changed.
** Cheers Mentalist Acer - for sharing very interesting thoughts. Best Wishes.
** Hi Robwrite - Nice to know you are flexible out it.
** Thanks Deborrah - I like the way you phrased it. One needs wisdom in carrying out such activity. Good Job he wasn't in a plane. It might have stopped - mid air. :)
** Cheers Arthur - that is too much. If I were a passenger, I would ask them for a leaflet to read and I would think about it. However, I would never be bothered reporting them.
** Mind Matters - Very interesting comments. I believe if it was Jesus, the reaction would be different and people would probably start taking photo's. I understand your point though. Thanks.
** Dave Price - I smiled at your comment and I'm sure the response would be positive. :)
** Dave Matthews - It's a possible that a few were interested. As noted in the Hub, there were mixed reactions. I was interested in what he was saying. As to your second question, no one spoke up for him when he was told to leave. Glad you stopped by.
** Thanks Tamarajo - I really appreciate you stopping by to share those comments. Regards.
I believe that peaceful protesters have right. Peaceful preacher has the same right.
LadyE, I have four points of view:
1) If the man was passing out food to feed the hungry, I don't think anyone would turn him away. In this case, he was giving the "Bread of Life" to the people.
2) Maybe God spoke to this man's heart and there was one person on the transport that needed to hear his message.............
3) Bravery indeed - the bible teaches us to "go into the hedges and highways and compel men to come to Jesus.
4) A better venue for the man on the transport would have been one where it was not in direct/close quarters as to disturb passengers.
Good question!
I believe the man was probably doing what he thought was right. I would listen, who knows, he might have said something that a person wanted/ needed to hear. Are we so busy that we can't show curtsey to another.
Personally, I think that evangelism is most effective when you make a personal connection. But that's just a personal opinion--history has its examples of people preaching on the streets and in the early church days, it was effective. Like Treasuresofheaven mentioned, maybe, there's someone on that train that needed the message that day. Enjoy reading the hub.
transport evangelists turn a bus or train into a church or mosque - the audience ends up captive as they need to get where they are going. If I want to hear a sermon i'll go to a church - if evangelists badger me on a bus i will complain as I did in the case of the Mormons mentioned above. The driver chose to ignore my concerns so i filed a complaint against him, and he faced disciplinary action as fortunately the bus compnies do not approve of such evangelism.
I believe you should listen to the voice of the holy spirit and if he tells you to preach on public transportation then do it...the most important thing is ,is doing what he asks us to do and not what we feel is comfortable and safe and yes I have done this sort of thing on streets etc
Mike :0)
** Thanks Vladimir for sharing your views.
** Hi Sima, very interesting points. I am sure his words must have touched people. Some even though feeling impatient with him at the time, might reflect on it later in the day when they have a quiet time. Thanks for that.
** Hi Ruby, nice points - you have a warm heart. It's people like you who entertain Angels unaware. :)
** Hello Anglwu - thanks so much for stopping and sharing your views. Best Wishes.
** Hello Again Arthur - actually the Driver should have acknowledged your complaint. I hope he didn't lose his job though.
** Cheers Mike - Interesting point. That takes a lot of Boldness. Thanks for stopping./
no idea what level of disciplinary the driver faced - just told the matter was addressed - Mikeq - people have committed murders thinking they were guided by the voice of God or the holy spirit - that kind of spontanious public evangelism ends up looking like fanaticism or disturbing the peace. There is a time and place for everything. Buses and trains are not the place.
Cheers Arthur. :)
WOW! I really like this Hub! I have read most of the comments and I must agree with mindmatters, always exploring, mikeq107, anglnwu, Treasuresofheaven, Vladimir Uhri, Tamarajo, Dave Mathews,and DeBorrah K. Ogans. I can promise you, that day that young man was blessed and a blessing. GREAT HUB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Voted-Up! Much love..
Those convinced against their will are of the same opinion still. I feel the best example is a good example and one others will desire to emulate! Who am I to say which he did, possibly both! Peace :) Katie
** Thanks DrPastorCarlotta for reading it and the comments too. I believe he will have a reward too. God Bless you.
** Cheers Katie - so glad you stopped by to share your comments.
Well he is certainly entitled because you should not stifle free speech. I would allow an Atheist to rant too. But like a few have said here there was probably someone who needed to hear the message. But in regards to bringing someone to Jesus, I think walking the walk over talking the talk is always the best example.
As for me I will continue to keep prayin my butt off and doing the right thing in my daily affairs . Thanks my dear Lady
Thanks Tony - I like the idea of "walking the walk over talking the talk." It's also more effective. Many are drawn to Christ through the love they see in others.
Have a great week.
Interesting Hub, Lady_E - It has generated some good comments :)
There is a cultural difference in Greece - Bringing religion (even Greek Orthodox) into conversation is seen to be exceptionally rude, so such occurrences are rare here.
I'm with Tony - I am far more impressed with people who lead through example. Evangelism, on behalf of any religion, makes me stare into space :D
Thanks Sufidreamer
It's nice to know what happens in other parts of the world regarding preaching on public transport.
I agree - Leading by example is more effective.
Best Wishes.
Great post Lady_E
The message of Jesus is all about LOVE and REDEMPTION.
There should never be a public place where eternal souls are present that denies the proclaimation of the Gospel.
In light of that, God does tells us in His Word to do so with humility and graciousness, concepts that are very counter culture in our world today.
Therefore keeping offense away from the desired result which is for all people to come to salvation in the Lord!
Thanks Staypos for the words of wisdom you shared.
Glad you stopped by.
Lady_E this was really an interesting topic that you wrote about I have never heard of this before but I think that if a person wants to teaach other people about god and how god can change your life for the better than it should be allowed in public transportation because learning about god is not a bad thing it is actually a sacred thing to do.
Thanks so much for sharing your comments, Spotlight. :)
Absloutly not, I think they should ban it from public transport, it disturbing the peace, I don't wanna hear this crap going to work or coming home after working a very hard working exhausted day, it's like idiots playing their music loud on the bus, I paid my way to go home in peace, but theses idiots have to spoil it for the rest of us, they make us miserable, upset, angry, frustrated, if they want to preach, do it on the streets in populated market area's, i'm not against that if they want to do it, but not in my personal space.
Hi Mark
Thanks for sharing your opinion. I understand your point. It's nice to have peace and quiet, to ease you into work in the morning.
Glad you stopped by. :)
I think it's important to not be pushy about it. I think, not just religion, but sales, surveys, etc. can tend to invade ones privacy and most people prefer to be left alone.
But educate if someone is willing to listen and share your personal successes through beliefs.
But if they are clearly not interested, the issue shouldn't be pressed.
** Funmontrealgirl - Important words "not be pushy". People need to be considerate. Thanks for stopping.
As a non religious person, I have no problem with preaching religion on the streets, however, preaching on the bus, undergound, overground trains and any other form of transport where you have paid an amount of money to go home or to work and wish to go in peace.
Then YES, preaching anything religious on public transport should illegal, because it's actually disturbing the peace, I recall one time when a young lady was going home after going to her doctors with painful migrains when a religious preacher came on the bus and talked loudly and preached his religion, her son was very abusive to this religious preacher and you know what, I honestly don't blame him.
People should not put up with being harassed, preached, disturbed or annoyed after paying for their fair to home.
So preaching publicly on street, like many, i'm fine with this.
Preaching on public transport by distrubing the peace, I AM CERTAINLY AGAINST IT!
Thanks Mark - I totally understand you. Many just want to travel in Peace and Quiet.
Cheers.
ElderYoungMan Level 3 Commenter 15 months ago
Jesus was very clear that his followers were to educate but not by any means "Press" our beliefs on others. If engaging someone in conversation about God, then don't hunker down and whisper, but a Christian should not assume it's OK to press. In my experience, a simple conversation about God is infectious and people pay very close attention to what is actually being said, without having to beat people over the head. Ministry moments don't come from pressing people.
Elder.