Today I heard of a city-based church youth group that approached people in the streets on a Friday night. They made the offer to anyone they met that the cathedral, with lots of candles, is available if you would like to light a candle and pray about anything. People were quite open to that offer. 278 candles were lit that night.
The man telling me this story reflected on the evangelism efforts of his youth (many years ago). He and a mate would go up to people and ask them "If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?". In hindsight he is surprised that it led to any meaningful conversations, given that it was such a blatant 'turn or burn' message.
Perhaps it was different in the 60s and 70s. Australia was less diverse. You were either religious or not. Religious people went to heaven because they were 'good'. Being good equalled religious equalled heaven. Why not sign up? Even if it was a bit guilt-based.
It seems these days are different. In a more multicultural society, there are questions as to whether any particular religion can be sure what happens after death. So presenting yourself as certain seems arrogant. Particularly in Australia, that's an instant put-off.
In today's society it also seems like there is so much more to be concerned about. In a world that seems so overwhelming, it's perhaps not surprising that prayer is of interest, regardless of a person's beliefs. There's just something appealing about calling out for help.
I know someone who volunteered at the Body Mind Spirit exhibition, giving people foot massages. This was quite popular at an exhibition where people are on their feet all day. After each massage she would ask each customer if there was anything she could pray for them about. Never got a single knock-back.
There's something about prayer that says 'I care about you'. There's something about hard-core evangelism that says 'Let me tell you what to think'.
It's not surprising that the first of these is more appealing.
