Proselytizing is Anti-Pluralism

To the editors:

I have watched this past "Jesus Week" with interest. Although I am an atheist, I am strongly opposed to proselytizing my beliefs. I believe that religion is a personal matter. It would be crass for me (or other atheists) to attempt to prove that atheism is the highest truth. Proselytizing is simply incompatible with respect for other belief systems.

One thing I did learn about Christianity during "Jesus Week" was that not all Christians agreed with the idea. Many of my Christian friends found it obnoxious. Participants in Jesus Week don't need Kyle to tell them what they believe in, since they wore T-shirts saying they already agreed. The goal was evangelical--to attract non-Christians such as myself.

Discussing Christianity with my five Christian blockmates I've learned more about Christianity than I ever would have even by going to every Jesus Week event. The understanding and respect for religious diversity fostered by Harvard's pluralistic environment is undermined by evangelical efforts that serve to make non-Christians such as myself more cynical.

That which has left the best impression of Christianity on me is the example left by my Christian friends doing their best to live a good Christian life. It is this daily, non-invasive example which has convinced me, more than anything else, that Christianity is an admirable religion worthy of my respect.

David H. Hembry '03

April 21, 2000