Like millions of Americans, I've enjoyed the CSI TV series. Sometimes the graphic depictions of gunshot wounds and the like are a little much, and I'm pretty sure the real science involved in investigating a crime scene is more complex (and less conclusive) than as portrayed. Still, the stories are usually interesting.
It reminds me that few years ago I heard the comment that evangelism today is viewed by many in society as a "hate crime." The implication behind the comment is that people who share their Christian faith with others can do so without regard to their concerns and interests. They simply have the agenda of telling people about God. Recently my wife and I rented the humorous movie "New In Town," starring Renee Zelwegger, and one of the characters in the film -- having only just met Renee's character -- asked if she'd found Jesus. The response was, 'I didn't know he was lost!' The insensitivity of the question is both funny and sad, just like the response. At times we, as faith-sharers, can come on too strong, not realizing that a conversation of spiritual depth most often calls for a genuine relationship of friendship and care. Otherwise, our confrontive attitude comes across as emotionally abusive -- and this is the opposite of what is intended and needed. Evangelism, far from being a 'hate crime,' is an expression of love, the love God has expressed to all in Christ. Our way of sharing this Good News has to be consistent with that love.
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