Permissable conversation

The headlines in the Sunday Telegraph today talked about sportsmen who had converted to Islam.  Apparently, these failing athletes were looking for hope in religion after certain failures.  One of their Muslim buddies convinced them to try Islam.  They are giving it a go, to the extent of praying barefoot in the mosque.

So, it is permissible to talk about Islam to fellow sports stars, and to bring them to the mosque.  It even makes news front-page headlines!

Do Christians have similar freedom?

I learned last year that a certain Christian aid organisation in Australia does not allow one to talk about one's faith, unless the client starts the conversation.  Tonight, I learned that an independant Christian health organisation also has a similar policy.  This takes me by surprise, since Australia previously has a reputation of being a "Christian" country.  One would imagine that staff in known Christian organisations in a developed country with relatively good freedom of speech and religion would be allowed to tell others about Jesus.  No?

Is it fair that Muslims may have converts and make headlines that way, while Christians may not?

Or maybe I am understanding the picture wrong?

Perhaps it was headlines because the Muslims were sports stars?  Perhaps Christian organisations are just forbidden to push their faith, but may share what they believe more gently?

How would you feel if people tried to force you to convert?  Against your will?  Or just by telling you true facts in a convincing way?  Would you argue against the truth?

What if we were all doomed for hell and judgement unless somebody gave us the opportunity to receive salvation from a reliable source?  Would you pass up the opportunity to learn about that reliable source?

Or, if you knew that your best friends and family were doomed for hell and judgement unless you told them how they may receive salvation?  Would you with-hold yourself from telling them what would save them?

Why is it that we can talk about sex, death, aging, politics and most things under the sun, but talking about Jesus is taboo in so many countries?

What do you think?  Is it because Christians are weak and afraid to be laughed at?  Or just unloving?  Or is it because they have a message that the world wishes to shut out?

Why?