You'd think the more virulent religions that spread through force and indoctrination would have out-competed them by now.
I guess love and kindness is contagious after all.
Because they don't need to. Those religions have merit and substance. They don't need fear to convert others. Their practices and beliefs leave enough to consider.
Sin is a western trait. Christianity revolves around sin and guilt... other religions revolve around such things as spiritual revelation, personal strength through life's struggles... every religion has a very different attitude towards life, so of course the way they bring in new people will vary depending on what their angle is.
I am not aware of any of the old faith paths that view faith through ignorance, faith through force, faith through fear or faith through childhood indoctrination as anything close to a REAL and true faith. Since we don't like false faith, we do not engage in those activities.
Because they tend to emphasis the carrot rather than the stick. On the one hand, the more violent religions tend to convert through hell and damnation and in some cases, threat of loss of property, life, or liberty.
The other religions you mention tend to emphasis what is right with you. Yes, there is suffering. Yes, bad things happen, but it's not because your a worthless screw up, it's just the way things are. Fundamentally, you are good, and those religious are about cultivating and nurturing that goodness.
That's much more attractive than "convert or be damned and/or die."
EDIT--Mengmeng: actually, I go to a Buddhist temple regularly and sit, chant, meditate, and even chat with the monks. They have never tried to convert me. I am already a Buddhist, but they didn't know that at the time. Perhaps you should clarify what temple you have visited before you make a blanket statement like that, because the only thing the people at this temple ever tried to do was give me food, and it's the same with anyone that goes there.
first of all, conversion don't work by force. we just spread the gospel (freedom of speech right?). whether you want to believe it or not, it's up to you. no one is pointing a gun at you and tell you to believe in Christ.
Also, Buddhists actually do try to get members. Have you ever been inside a Buddhist temple? Ever talk to the people there? You should try.
Because those other "religions" have no personal accountability for ones actions. You basically can do and be whatever you want, no matter how evil... and still follow them.
They were not part of political rings. But later, they changed too - yet not religiously - just the people fought wars for their egocentric views. That was the reason how Buddhism disappeared from India and western parts of South Asia.
Particularly Buddhism is just the law of nature you can see everywhere everyday. Read this, http://www.dhammaweb.net/dhammabook/author.php?author=Pategama%20Gnanarama,%20Ven.
Different religions are ways for understanding oneself through different ways.Older religions like Hinduism is based on eternal truths.If it is a true religion , it will be based on compassion and not on force.It shines due to its own inherent strength of truth.
When you start using force or persuasion , it will not be a religion , it degenerates into a political party.
Why do older religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism etc not need to convert ot
