Article re-printed with permission from Changing the Face of Christianity.
A few months ago, I picked up a religious “Tract” that was left by a person with very good intentions…to “save” a soul.
For those of you who’ve never heard of “Tracts” or never seen one, it’s a small pamphlet that talks about Jesus and why we should confess our sins and accept His free gift of salvation and eternal life. Sounds harmless…and I think some are.
In this case, the tract was “over the top”. It was Scare tactics 101 – basically “you are a SINNER! and you WILL burn in a torturous and fiery eternal hell unless you repent right now!” It only gets worse from there.
After I read the Tract, I was seized by the question “Is this Good or Bad for Christianity’s reputation?” And, “Isn’t there a better way?”
Since stumbling upon that tract, I’ve discussed it on Facebook, chatted with friends, and tweeted about it. What I’ve heard is that YES…it does occasionally save people…no doubt about it.
However, the overwhelming majority of people I’ve talked to are repelled by such Tracts. As I’ve discussed such things with non-believers, it’s Tracts such as these that give Christianity a bad name, and a bad stereotype. It positions US as if we are in the judgment seat.
Instead of coming across as loving, we come across as judgmental…even hateful. Instead of showing God for the loving God that He his, we position Him as exclusively wrathful and angry. Non-believers are repulsed by such attempts to “save their soul”.
My opinion is these Tracts do more harm than good. Remember, it’s not about our “intent”. Non-believers are turned OFF by these…not turned ON. So much better is to relate to people in your circles of influence in a personal and real way…and show the Love of Christ.
But hey, we want to hear what you think!
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I think it depends on the definition of religious tracts. Like anything, an excellent medium still be awful if the message is foul. I personally have seen some religious tracts that I thought were good. (I’ve collected some of them.) Usually they have a succinct message that is straight forward and useful. Sadly, it’s the bad ones that give the whole concept a bad reputation.
Good – as long as they are scripturally / doctrinally sound. Any tool that helps someone witness to the lost should be applauded. Caveat: as with anything else, there is room for abuse.
If someone is about to step off a curb in front of a bus, it is not Love to not warn them of the danger. In fact, the Bible says to not tell your neighbor when he sins is to hate your neighbor. Of course, any warning CAN be told harshly or lovingly, but I think for Christians to hide the truth about the danger of hell would be, itself, unloving.
Rick, can you give me a Bible reference that says to not tell your neighbor when he sins is to hate your neighbor?
I believe he’s referencing Ezekiel 33:6 where if the watchman (the Christian) does not blow the alarm (warn others of danger, ie: their sin) he is held accountable for failing to warn them.
I think that tracts are good however we should be bringing people in with the foundation of Jesus Christ– love not fear. Yes God is a powerful, sovereign God, however his love surpasses all and is the foundation… Jesus Christ IS the Son of God and he lived and died so we might be saved. Also the two commandments given by Jesus is the foundation of all the commandments and the laws and the prophets. Please enlighten me if I need more or need to modify <3