Why the hatred?

Question

Why is it that a good portion of the christian beliefs have so much hatred tourds those that have opposing views? I am a pagan, a witch, whatever you choose to call me. I am not a satanist, I can not be. Satain is a christian belief, and I myself do not believe in christian dogma. So, please dont have that placed in the answers. I just want to know why it is that I am verbaly, and a few times physically attacked for my beliefs.

And for one answer that I have alkready recieved, How is it that I have shown hatred? I am simply asking why it is that hatred is shown to others?

Again I am adding to this. Some of the responces are great, while others just show the point. I am here, asking for a others perspective, and I am being told that I am wrong for my beliefs. THAT is exactly what I am trying to point out. The intollerance of the world is outstanding and repulsive.

Answer 1

OK. You say you're a pagan and a witch. I'm not sure if by witch you mean Wiccan, some make a point of it being two different thing while others don't. Anyway, I think I know where you're coming from. I'm Native American, and walk Red Road. I think that qualifies me as pagan. Shamans, or medicine men/women conjure, cast "spells", work with herbs to heal, etc. & etc. From just that short description I think you'll see we have things in common. MY experience with the same question you ask ... Christian belief is based on ancient texts that have been mistranslated and so changed over the hundreds of years they've existed as to, in all probability, have very little resembelance to any original documents. That, plus the fact that these are read within cultural contexts altogether foriegn to those of the original authors coupled with dire ignorance of the culture & etc. OF the authors makes for a totally misunderstood, and perhaps totally "misunderstandable", book. But its all they know. They never really study other faiths. And when they do they almost never go to the source, but rather read books by Christians ABOUT other faiths. Which thing is biased, because nearly all of those books seek out whats WRONG with the other faith, from a "Christian" perspective, rather than highlighting whats good or pointing out any common ground. The result of all this? Ignorance. Both of their own faith, and the faiths of others. Now, add this ... Scriptural quotes such as ... "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." And add to THAT sort of thing an over powering desire to see the other poor devil (pun intended) saved from eternal hell fire! The result of all THIS? Everything from witch burning to strong arm evangelization. I know its un-cool. But ... It just is what it is. The current version of Christianism simply fosters the sort of thing your question describes. Happily not all segments of "Churchanity" fall into this trap, and neither do all Christians. But enough of them do that, well, I know exactly how you feel. Its ignorance and bigotry, I sincerely believe, based primarily on the above. A simple come back might be, if you're in a situation where you feel safe in doing this, to reply to such hatred with ... "I'll pray to the Goddess that your soul be saved from hateful depravity." Smile, and walk away ... Real fast. ;-) ~ Peace & Blessings ~

Answer 2

If you are verbally and physically attacked, then the first thing you need to realize is those ppl are not truly Christians. We are not allowed to do that to anyone, unless for self defense purposes. Your choice is your own, and the bible does teach that we are not to "argue God" . For one thing it dosent change the other persons mind, and actually puts more distance between God and the other person, because the other person is now bound and determined to not want to know the Lord. There should not be any hatred for you personally, for your belief it is harder, but few understand about your path. Pagan is a big umbrella term. For us Christians it means direct opposition to our Lord. However many Christians forget that Christ taught the pagans as well and many became Christians. We are still called to love you just as Christ loves you. I am sorry you have been attacked, sadly ppl don't know or stop to think--- is this what my Lord wants?

Answer 3

Your very right.

I am a Christan, so I don't nor do I want to hate anyone.
I do not mind other peoples beliefs, it is a great thing that we can all believe in what we feel is right.
In the end, it all comes down to nothing more than belief.
I would not want someone to hate me, because I choose to believe in God, so I will not hold it against anyone who does not, that is their birth given choice, and I am very thankful I am allowed to believe how I wish.

Answer 4

Barring the fact that you may be taunting such people with your own agenda and ramming it down their faces to begin with, it is NOT RIGHT that you get attacked verbally and even physically for your beliefs --presuming you do live in a free country where Freedom of Religion is honored and practised...

In fact, it is your civic duty to report such hoodlums to the proper authorities for harrassment, and you even have legal grounds to sue for assault and battery [physical tort]. And, next time it happens --if ever--, you be sure there are witnesses to give credence to your allegations.

But for other countries where religious intolerance is the law of the land, it's a crap shoot.

Peace be with you!

Answer 5

Just remember something, there are only two sides. You are either on God's side or Satan's side. For those who chose Satan I don't hate. I just stay away from them. They have made their choice. That's what each one of us is here for. To make a choice.

Answer 6

They fear what they cannot undertsand. Religious, and even governmental, institutions survive on a certain amount of conformity and ignorance. To them, you pose a threat.

Answer 7

I am so with you on this one. I also can't believe some of the answers you have got here.

Answer 8

nobody is hateful xcept for you