Comments on: Friday Video: Penn on Proselytizing

By: Randy Siever

Randy Siever — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:51:38 +0000

Ethan,
I liked that a lot, too. HOW we talk about something important to us makes a lot of difference, though, don’t you think? I mean, if someone has a position on health care reform, for example, and they are passionate about it…but they start talking about it by implying that anyone who disagrees with them is an idiot or a communist or a compassion-less money monger, well, nobody likes that. And nobody likes it when ALL you ever talk about is your “important” issue, right? Like when your friend finds a way to inject something about their new girlfriend into EVERY CONVERSATION. Hate that.

By: Ethan

Ethan — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:54:14 +0000

I like how Penn seems really frustrated with people who think that everybody should keep their faith to themselves.

It’s really interesting to see how he isn’t offended by the man’s gesture of sharing his faith, actually he’s impressed by it. That’s pretty much what I’ve seen in my experiences, too. As long as you’re honest and real about it, people appreciate you talking with them about something that you think is important.

By: Randy Siever

Randy Siever — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:52:28 +0000

Jane,
Thanks for the comments and questions. Can you help me understand your question better? You seem to be concerned about a Christian attending this show…twice. A second concern seems to be this same Christian complementing the show (Penn’s work). Are you saying that these two behaviors are somehow negative or useless (as in casting pearls before swine)? I just want to be clear about your concerns before I attempt to address them (practicing good listening!).

By: Jane Coyne

Jane Coyne — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:44:54 +0000

Dear Randy: I do see a good side to this as mentioned by others as to how you evangelize, being soft spoken and sincere and looking into someone’s eyes. I also believe in loving the sinner and hating the sin. Having said this, I have a couple of questions. What was a Christian doing attending one of this man’s shows more than once and complimenting him? There can be a fine line between seeking the lost and casting pearl before swine. I am in favor of him waiting after the show, but complimenting him. Please explain this to me if you can. I am sincerely curious and want to understand fully the positive side of this.

Thank you.
Jane

By: Mike Cutler

Mike Cutler — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:40:41 +0000

I agree. Several things Penn mentioned: “look directly in eyes”, be sincere, be sane, Have care and concern for the person we are talking with.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:35:45 +0000

He looked me in the eyes

Penn repeats this observation a few times as one of the characteristics of the man’s authenticity. He speaks also of his kindness, his sanity, his goodness, his sincerity. All of this seemed to catch him off guard and made this man, of all the people Penn must have met that night, worthy of mentioning. It seems this man actually valued Penn as a human being created by God, loved by God and treated him as such. If only we could all do this to the people we meet. And more so, the people we evangelize to.

If not for love of people, why would we evangelize? Why do we? And what motives drive us? We know that most people’s experiences with being evangelized to are not as positive as the one Penn described. Have any of you been that man with the Bible with a different motive?

How much to do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?

I have NEVER heard someone say this. Let alone someone who doesn’t believe in God. This challenges and convicts me. Sometimes out of fear of looking stupid or making someone else uncomfortable, I chose to not tell someone about Christ (this is one reason I love DE btw). This statement will stick with me for quite some time.

By: Jarrod Spencer

Jarrod Spencer — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:28:02 +0000

It was interesting how Penn was willing to talk to the gentleman and listen to him. I am sure the sincerity was part of what kept Penn there. I admire the guy for being bold enough to go and talk to this “celebrity”. I am learning how “real” they actually are. By that, generally behind the scenes they struggle with things also, even if it is not financial. But then you look at those that were childhood stars, etc., that do not have money coming in anymore. Then, the real world comes forth. This guy may not have “saved” him, but there was a definite seed planted and possibly Penn’s heart was softened. That softening is very important. Penn may have a “valley” point in his life, and this bible may be something he comes across and may contact the gentleman in the future. God is the connector of dots!

By: Bruce Wood

Bruce Wood — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:30:43 +0000

I am moved by this video because this “good man” demnstrates the fruit of the spirit in practical ways. Love moved him to express compassion and concern with a radical hospitality…”without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” (Philippians 1:28) I want to be like this good man who had such deep convictions and calm caring that he loved contagiously. Bruce

By: April

April — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 02:36:28 +0000

Wow, great video, Randy! I was surprised in so many ways by it. I was surprised by his philosophy that if we truly believe, we should proselytize and by the impact that it had. Maybe it didn’t change his opinion about God, but maybe it did change his opinion about His followers.

Isn’t it interesting how goodness shines through? Kindness goes a long way to building bridges.