"why your Christian friends are so persistent about this whole Christian thing"

also stolen off of someone's tumblr:

"It’s not about winning the argument. It’s not about convincing you or proving you wrong. It’s not about making us look better. It’s not about pointing you to a better moral way. It’s not about who comes out on top, or us vs. everyone else. It’s not about converting people for the sake of converting people.

When we say we’ll pray for you, we’re not saying we’ll ask our God to rewire your brain so you’ll have no choice but to agree with us. When we say that Jesus Christ died for you, we’re not trying to guilt-trip you. When we say that science/logic/philosophy are not the primary focuses of the issue, we’re not saying that it’s a blind faith.

This is what it’s about. We call it the Gospel—it means Good News—and the reason we share it is this: we love you too much to leave you in the dark.

Because the Gospel is the truth. Because the entire history of and present condition of humanity points to it. Because we all need it, whether we recognize it or not—and need to be shown how much we need it. Because it provides perfect joy, hope, peace, and purpose. Because it changes us so radically and profoundly. Because it is the only way—the only chance we have. Because we are hopeless on our own. Because it’s not about getting to a better place—it’s about being saved from a path and condition even Christians were once in. Because the lives all of us live hang in the balance.

And we can testify to the goodness and grace of an existing, perfect, loving, and all-powerful God. We want you to know Him too.

I know many of you have had a bad experience with Christians, or people who assert themselves as such. I know I myself have often failed—and I’ll continue to fail. But listen: we are no better. People of this faith are no more than beggars showing other beggars where to find bread.

So if you have a moment, let’s talk. I’ve been where you are. I didn’t see my need for it. I saw it as unsubstantiated. I didn’t understand why people would commit their entire lives to something nobody can empirically prove to any reasonable degree of certainty. I saw it as a mass social or psychological ploy. I’ve looked down at Christians—people who seem to think they’re better than everyone else on no real basis in truth at all. But let’s, at least, talk. We’ll answer your questions as best as we can. We’ll serve you and care for you in the best way we know."