Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

...(preaching to the saved was fun but what we wanted was to win some souls from Satan).

What does the author mean by this parenthetical statement?

Talking to like-minded people was interesting, but it was more challenging to argue with militants.
By protesting against the war, your soul was saved, but there were still evil people who needed saving.
Protesting and demonstrating was entertaining, but the cause needed to enlist students with opposing views.
Supporters are fun to hang out with, but the point of the revolution was to anger war supporters.

Answer 1

The statement suggests that engaging with individuals who already agree is enjoyable, but the ultimate objective is persuading those with opposing views.

The parenthetical statement "...(preaching to the saved was fun but what we wanted was to win some souls from Satan)" is a metaphorical way of expressing the idea that while it is enjoyable to engage with those who already share similar beliefs, the true challenge and goal was to convert those who hold opposing views or beliefs. In the context of the various historical and social movements alluded to in the question's provided excerpts, this can relate to activists and reformers who found it more fulfilling to change the hearts and minds of opponents than to only interact with those who are already in agreement. The term 'preaching to the saved' refers to speaking with individuals who are already persuaded or agreeable to the speaker's views, whereas 'winning souls from Satan' conveys the idea of persuading those who are initially opposed or indifferent.

Answer 2

Talking to like-minded people was interesting, but it was more challenging to argue with militants.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the excerpt, it is stated that preaching to the saved was fun but what they really wanted was to win some souls from Satan.

The author means that talking to like-minded people was interesting, but it was more challenging to argue with militants.