How does a USA student group evangelise in Ireland?

For US students going on a christian trip to Ireland, how do Irish people like to discuss Religion. I have heard that the church was important to Irish people in the past, but that recent surveys show that the majority of Irish people(Catholic and Protestant) have little knowledge of Christianity. Many seemed quite hostile to Christianity on surveys.

How does a USA student group evangelise in Ireland?
I am Irish and came to the US when I was 17.





You DO NOT, nor can you evangelise in Ireland. They will resurrect St. Patrick from the dead and drive you out like snakes.





The problems in Ireland right now are because of religion.





The only people who you might be able to talk to are a Catholic Priest or Nun, but then they'll try and turn you Roman Catholic.





You will NOT be welcome.





And we have a great deal of knowledge about Christianity. The Priests and the nuns drilled it into us. And, that probably isn't your idea of Christianity, all of which will fall on deaf ears.





Unless you are planning a pub party with free pints all night long, don't expect anyone to show up for your preachings.





Better still, don't even go. The Irish dislike Americans already, and your trying to thump your bible is likely to get some gunshots fired.
Reply:Most of my life has been spent in environments hostile to Christianity. I spend a lot of time praying first and ask God to open doors. He does in his time.
Reply:Honestly, I wouldn't bother going to Ireland if I were you. The people that are Christian know plenty about it already, are perfectly happy the way they are and are only going to be annoyed by you. The ones that aren't Christian are going to be annoyed anyway. You're not going to convert anyone - the way people think about religion here is very different to the way they think about it in the US. Nobody is going to be impressed with American students evangelizing.
Reply:Religion has caused a huge amount of trouble in Ireland. I would be careful if I were you.
Reply:The Irish do not like to discuss religion. And they fervently dislike people trying to discuss religion with them. It isn't so much an adversity to Christianity as it is an aversion of religion.





In case you didn't do all your history homework, the conflagrations in Ireland are over religion. Not a subject to bring up in Ireland. While it might not mean a gun to your head, it will mean an icy welcome and a joyous goodbye.





A goodly number of the Irish people also believe that God has betrayed them. Start talking about the grace and love and power of God, and be prepared for a lot of anger and a few well-placed blows to the nose, with all you you landing in jail.





Don't do it. For God's and the Irish's sake, simply do NOT do it.
Reply:The Irish aren't hostile towards Christianity, just hostile towards religion.





In all your "surveys," did the enlightening fact that the problems and hatred in Ireland are a RESULT of religion?





And you want to piss of the Irish even more by trying to preach to them? Good God, how stupid are you people?





Don't do it. You lives WILL be at risk if you do, and God won't help you. Hell, why should he? He hasn't helped the Irish people in these thousands of years.





Don't expect ANYONE to welcome you with open arms, let alone welcome you, period. Pay attention to what people have said here and spend your money on something useful. Like some history books.
Reply:Start in Belfast. Take banners into the streets and chant things like they did in the 80's.





BTW, have you stopped to think WHY they might not like Christianity anymore? Does your church-school also leave out recent history along with science?
Reply:You don't.





Nobody likes an Evangelist, particularly in Europe.





Keep your bible thumbing at home.
Reply:You're kidding right? A bunch of American students trying to Evangelize in Ireland?





Wow, that is just way, way too funny. The tears are rolling down my face!





But, you put this in the wrong sections -- it should be under jokes and riddles because any American, and student, and Evangelist trying to "discuss" religion with the Irish is simply a huge joke!





Get real!
Reply:Buy them a beer, then bust the empty glass over your head, then tell them of a magic invisible man that lives in the clouds that grants you wishes if you pray to him. Works every time.
Reply:I am from Ireland and have lived here in Dublin for most of my life.


The reason Irish people dislike being preached at, is simply that people here respect others rights to hold their religious beliefs private. Perhaps because often a discussion of religion, turns into an argument.


As well as that, Irish people on the whole are very friendly and easygoing people. They like to have a social drink, (or 12) and a good time. They don't like being told that this enjoyment of their time, is a sin.


In recent times there have been a lot of sex scandals relating to the church and this has lead to the priests and church officials having less and less power.


If you stand and preach in the street, the worst you will get is the odd heckle, and eyes rolling all over the place. Most if not all people will just continue walking past and not give you another look.


There is no chance you are going to be shot or physically harmed by preaching in the streets. That's not how Irish people generally are. Unless of course you happen to personally insult someone who has a chip on his or her shoulder.
Reply:very carefully.....
Reply:Europe is a very secular place. People openly preaching and looking for recruits are viewed with suspicion, hostility and regarded as crackpots on this side of the pond.
Reply:don't even bother trying to speak outside of america, the rest of the world hates you.
Reply:If your group of proselytizers really want a challenge, go to Afghanistan.
Reply:Start a Bible study, and invite people to come. The Word of God always works. :)