It’s not often that the show Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy gives me much reason to engage in critical thought. However, an episode shown earlier this week on CMT has struck a nerve.

A Christian mom moves in with an agnostic family and she quickly begins to share her views. Meanwhile, the agnostic mom moves in with the Christian family and gets an earful from Granny. Some comments include,

“Being a good person isn’t enough. You are going to hell.”

“There is only one true faith. Can I read to you from The Bible so that you can know the truth?”

“You are damaging your child by not having religion in this house.”

Yep … that will work every time! Make sure you insult and scare people while implying that they are ignorant and abusive towards children. Who wouldn’t be drawn to learn more about your faith?!

I didn’t become a Christian until I was twenty-nine. When I was in high school, an ex-boyfriend offered to show me how to walk with Jesus. I wrote him a five-page letter explaining all the problems that organized religion had caused in the world. Another friend told me, “If you would just understand the story of Christ and his resurrection.” I’m not oblivious … I grew up knowing the meaning of Easter (even if my focus was on Cadbury eggs).

I distinctly recall watching some news coverage of gay marriages in San Francisco. My fellow viewer said, “I should go out there and read to them from The Bible. I’m sure if they heard those words, they wouldn’t be doing this.”

Yes, they would! I’m sure the dudes getting married had heard of that obscure book known as the Holy Bible. And, if you want to starting reading from the Good Book to sinners, why don’t you start with the 400-pound guy eating McDonald’s (not exactly treating the body like a temple) or the middle-aged guy who refuses to care for his elderly parents (a far cry from honoring his mother and father)? I’m sure you wouldn’t have to hop a plane to the West Coast to find some offenders.

I get frustrated with my fellow Christians who take a condescending approach towards unbelievers. I don’t believe you bring people to Christ by telling them they are sinful people who need to be shown the light. I believe being a good person who treats others with kindness and generosity is the best way to open doors.

I certainly believe that Christians should share their faith and testimony, but not in a confrontational and berating manner. I know that such an approach never worked in attempts on me. In fact, it drove me further away from any interest in Christianity and church. And, I think that shows showing characters like those on Trading Spouses this week have a negative effect as well. Maybe that was the plan.