Do the ends justify the means?

I've been mulling this post over for a while and it has been formed by a number of conversations and thoughts that I've been having. I have no idea whether I have the ability to get out of my head what I want to say into this post but i'll give it a go.

I remember whilst at college we had a big discussion about this topic of 'does the ends justify the means?' when it comes to evangelsim. I also remember having this debate when studying psychology whilst talking about expereimental procedure. But with regards to evangelism it is interesting and I have been thinking about this. When we debated it at college I was very much of the notion (as I think most other were) that no the ends don't justify the means, that threatening people with a literal hell or accosting them publically wasn't a gentle, loving or even affective way about doing things.

As I have been thinking about this I have been talking with Jo (my wife for people that don't know). She wasn't brought up going to church but made a commitment after a turn or burn style preach at a major British Christian Festival with the letters SH. To talk with her she cringes at the content of that talk but it was a starting point. Granted it wasn't the starting point that she would have now wanted but she has since had the chance to think this through. As I reflected upon this i think about what I have taught, now teach, have heard preached and continue to hear preached. All of it is flawed but it is a starting point from which people need to develop and thnk through. So with regards to that question

Do the ends justify the means?

I guess my attitude hasn't changed that much but I know that every means is flawed in some ways. I guess that it is more the job of church leaders etc to give people the tools, time and space to think through their beliefs. I do have major problems with the turn or burn message but it is the place and teaching that some of those people have been brought up on in the same way that the way I do things fall short. I guess the place I have to start from is a loving God who cares about his creation and sharing my faith gently and humbly is what I should aim for making it clear that I don't have all the answers and some of the stuff I teach is wrong so should be questioned.

Having second thoughts about posting this as I'm not sure it makes that much sense with a second read. Oh well somebody might be able to decipher through my limitations.

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