to atheists-yes to people who'd rather not be bothered-yes to people who think on their own-yes to people who are interested-no

Everyone preaches, even atheists. What they are preaching about is the difference. People love to share what they know. Remember in school when you learned something new, you ran home and couldn't wait to share it with mom or dad? You didn't care they already knew it (they went to school too you know) you just had to share it because it was new and exciting. When someone learns something that they didn't know before they wonder how many other people out there didn't know it, and want to be the ones to enlighten them. Unfortunately some people are fooled by what they are taught, and they feel enlightened by lies at times (albeit they are not aware they are lies yet). They are eager to share this information as they are led to believe it is the truth. Unfortunately this is applicable to both catagories of people, religious and non-religious and both are equally guilty of it. Is it fooligh to preach? No... just be certain of something before you share it, and be aware that just because it excites you, it doesn't mean other people will be as excited to hear it too. Some people are content in their ignorance, as ignorance is bliss.

I say if your heart has a song, sing it out loud! Some may call it preaching, but if it's true to you and you feel compelled to speak it, speak out!

too often people preach cause they have problems with their own belief. If they can convince others, they feel like their beliefs might be right.

not to the preacher.

I don't think God told us to do anything "foolish", such as spreading the Gospel..He did say the world is full of "foolish people". Christians are supposed to let their lights shine with words and by examples...but not to judge people, or make anyone who believes stumble...that is "foolish" and condemning our ownselves...

If it comes to religion,I think it is.I look at it this way,If a religion has to be sold,like a used car dealer selling a clunker of a car,is it really worth while.Also threats of hell and excommunication are the motives of joining ,that does not work as well.If a spiritual teaching is worth while there is no need to preach it,people would naturally be flocking to it.

Unless you are a Preacher preaching to those that wish to listen. It can just be irritating preaching when people do not wish to hear what you have to say.

Only if you preach to those that don't want to be preached to (Atheists, Agnostics, and those who already hold different faiths).

It depends on whether the preacher is preaching to those who want to listen, or are they "bible-thumpers" trying to preach to those who are of a different religion/mind set and don't want to listen?

“Since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not get to know God, God saw good through the foolishness of what is preached to save those believing.”—1 CORINTHIANS 1:21. God has nothing in common with this world. (John 18:36; 1 John 2:15-17) That is why the Bible speaks of two kinds of wisdom—“the wisdom of God” and “the wisdom of the world.” as we see at 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21. Paul wrote: “If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20) God’s preachers of the good news know the life-saving value of their message and will keep on preaching it without letup until the end of this world and its wisdom at the war of Armageddon. Soon, Jehovah God will vindicate his universal sovereignty and bring everlasting life to all those now believing and acting on “the foolishness of what is preached.”

If the preacher's a fool, then yes.

I don't like anyone of any faith or no faith at all thinking he knows what is right for me and for my life. If there is a God, he gave me a brain.

I think you have to know your audience. If the people to whom you preach are open to what you have to say then it is not foolish. But if the people to whom you are preaching have made it clear that they are not interested, then you may be wasting your time. What is preaching really but sharing one's views with others and hoping these others will come to see things the way you see them...or at least listen with an open heart and an open mind. :)

I may disagree w/what they have to say or i may agree. But one speaking their truth is never foolish.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made to none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” So for some, namely those that will perish, the preaching of the gospel does sound foolish. For them it is so much wasted breath. But for those who will be saved it is truly the “Good News”. If it sounds foolish to you, congratulations, you have been self identified. Like passengers on a sinking ship who refuse to enter the lifeboats, you will eventually be abandoned to your fate. But until then we will still sound the warnings and call you to come with us in the lifeboats.