Although I can see how some Christians could come to this rationalization, I do not hold that view myself. It all comes down to our view of people’s lost condition. If I somehow believed in some purgatorial middle ground for people who were not saved, but not quite un-saved, then maybe I would fear turning them off. However, I know from God’s Word as well as years of experience dealing with the un-saved and unchurched, that they are utterly unconcerned about their spiritual health. In other words they are in a careless stupor over their lost condition and feel no need whatsoever to repent of their sins and turn to Jesus Christ.

The vast majority of people believe they will go to heaven when they die—because they are a good person—so they perceive no eternal danger. Their only hope is to be shaken from this reckless delusion so they can recognize their need for a Savior. That is exactly what street preaching and aggressive evangelism seek to do. I have seen many people in this hostile mindset won to Christ.

On the other hand, in practical terms I have found that people who are offended by evangelism are completely lost and were turned off to God long before our encounter. They are already on the broad road that leads to destruction and I can do them no further harm by pointing them to the narrow road that leads to eternal life in Jesus Christ.