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Marie Moffitt
#2
Being laidback is not the same as being lukewarm. Sometimes it\'s just polite. In discussion with other Christians, it is important not to be pushy because it alienates people and prevents them from being willing to listen to what you have to say. You have to take a cue from St. Innocent of Alaska, a very great missionary, and LISTEN to others first and build their confidence in you before you try to tell them anything. He waited years, just listening and learning to understand the native people he had come to convert, sharing spiritual understanding and finding places from which to begin loving, respectful discussions.
Think how you would react if, say, a Sevent-Day Adventist were to talk to you about her faith in the same way you talk to others about Orthodoxy.
I am often very embarrassed by the behavior of recent converts who act and speak in ways that will alienate, rather than attract, non-Orthodox. It\'s more or less universal behavior, common to new converts to any religion, but it doesn\'t help.
Never argue. Always respect the sincerity of the beliefs of others. Only say \\"My religion\'s understanding of [whatever] is....\\" Respect boundaries.
The truth is there. Answer questions respectfully but do not push your beliefs on others. Pray for others and let the Holy Spirit do its work.
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