Why do so many Christians act hateful?

Question

For people that are supposed to be full of god's love, there are some pretty hateful Christians out there who condem anyone who does not think 100% as they do. They completely disregard the concept of doing unto others as they would have done unto themselves and all sin is equal. In my experience, I have met more loving compassionate homosexuals than I have compassionate christians. Do they lack self esteem and confidence and need to make up for it by calling everyone else "sinners" thus boosting their ego? Does the church fullfil their need to be a part of something? What do you honestly think causes this?

Answer 1

"I like your Christ but not your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike you Christ."-Ghandi

I think that a true christian would not be so hateful. Anybody who is full of anger is not a peaceful and religious person. Which is why I do not consider myself a Christian as I have no involvement with the church though I do believe in Jesus. It hurts me that people think that churches and christian=god.

Answer 2

It sounds like you have had some bad experiences with Christians. Although I am a Christian myself, I would never treat people that way, even if I don't agree with what they believe. I have found that - not to be discriminatory, but it's true - the Independent Fundamental King-James-version-only Baptists are often the worst about such behavior. They think anyone who doesn't believe exactly the way they do - we're talking every single detail here - is going to hell.

What happens is that some Christians - assuming the people who act this way are really Christians - fall into sin, just like anyone else. Pride is usually a big one. They forget that they didn't do anything to earn their salvation and then hold it over peoples' heads. Or, they get their role in God's kingdom mixed up with God's: instead of simply sharing the gospel like we're told to, they try to do God's job and change the person's mind. Only God can change a person's heart. We're just supposed to be his messengers.

If more Christians would share God's word in love, instead of with a spirit of condemnation, I'm sure they would find more people willing to listen. We're human too - sorry.

Answer 3

I think that Christians are put up on a pedestal and are ripped on when they act "unloving" or "narrow-minded". A Christian is no better or worse than anyone else. A Christian is one who has made a decision to follow Christ, believes that Jesus is God's only Son, come to earth to die for our sins, rose again, lives with God, and will return to take those that believe in Him to heaven. A Christian who looks down on non-believers is one who has missed the point of being a Christian. 1 Peter 2:12 says, 'Live such good lives among others that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your good deeds and give glory to GOd on the day He visits us." The question is, as a Christian, am I living my life in such a way that it gives glory to God and causes other to pause and consider doing the same? Yes, there are Christian hypocrites. Are there other hypocrites in other catagories? Of course. Christians, however are held to a higher standard for a myrid of reasons. But the question I would ask someone is this - do you let the actions of one or some people determine how you would spend eternity? Just something to think about...

Answer 4

Many so called christains do not act by their faith. Many don't read the word that claim to follow. That is not something to judge all Christains on. However do judge each and see how the measure up. Not by what they say but the actions. That is where the proof is.

What is said is not always what is real. But if you are going to judge what a Christain is supose to be then you need to know what means to measure by. The Gospel of John will give some insight and the book of Romans. Those will give you something to measure by.

That is the best way to measure if a Christain is what they claim.

Dead Man Walking

Answer 5

Gotta mince words: "act" or "behave". Acting is basically pretending. Behaving is the core.

In response: They feel compelled to believe in something to make sense of the world around them. They believe they must be obedient, good, and follow commandments, laws, and tenants in order to pass into a delightful afterlife. They must also spread this information or "good news" at it's called, to those who do not believe. This is an effort to save other people's "souls" - which is some unknown, unseen thing inside people.

When Christians are basically told to "piss off", they are offended, then feel trapped because they are being challenged, they take on a self-righteous attitude, lash out (physically and verbally) at the non-believer, and become militant in their actions - which are allegedly in the name of a god. This justifies the irrational behaviour.

The reason they become so hateful is that they feel guilt a lot of the time & throughout their lives. They feel guilty for also living sinful lives, for having feelings they must hide from others and themselves, they must constantly atone for their sins, they are unsuccessful at converting non-believers, they do not like their beliefs challenged or being told that there are beliefs other than their own because their god is supposed to be the only god. They also lash out at non-believers because they cannot have as much fun without being even more sinful than they already are.

I mean, wouldn't YOU be pissy if you had a life like that? If you were constantly told that you're sinful/bad/evil and must pray/repent/atone for your wicked existence in a spiritual and financial way?

I'd be pissed-off too, I guess.

Oh, and they constantly have to put on a happy face and pretend they are happy with their lives.

...Which is why some of them go on killing sprees.


"God schmod! I want my monkey man!" - Bart Simpson, The Simpsons

Answer 6

The trouble with some churches and with some "good" Christians is that they tend to get self-righteous,full of pride and judgemental of those who they see are different then themselves. Of course, this is the exact opposite of the one who they put on a pedestal, Jesus Christ. As the Bible states, Jesus hung out with "sinners" and prostitutes; the street people of his day. I'm sure he knew gay people and I am convinced that he did not reject them or anyone else for that matter. In my opinion, churches fulfill the "herding" instinct in people. There's safety in numbers, so to speak. Some people attend church because they are so overwhelmed by life that they seek "divine" protection. Religion comforts some, particularly older people. You've probably heard the old hymn "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine." Some folks cling to their beliefs like a drowning man to a rope. Thats fine, I guess. Just don't presume to judge me or anyone else based on your own bias. To repeat my mantra "live and let live." Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you!

Answer 7

>>>there are some pretty hateful Christians out there who condem anyone who does not think 100% as they do<<<

No doubt there are some Christians like that, which is unfortunate.

Having said that, there are some people who think that anytime a person expresses a Christian thought, it qualifies as "hateful."

That's equally as unfortunate.

Answer 8

Hey, I'm a Christian and I'm shocked by them too. I'm also shocked at lots of people and things I see happening. Just because somebody says something doesn't mean it's true. The proof is in the pudding! Just playing, but the bible says we will know them by their fruit so they should display good stuff. We are all being changed from glory to glory. Christians ain't perfect just aware that they need a savior.

Answer 9

There's a movie, it's kinda sappy, but it's called "A walk to remember" and it displays the way a christian should act.

I readily admit that I am a sinner and I'm a christian. My thesis my senior year was "Christianity is more of a social status than a religion" and there are a lot of people out there that confirm it. I hope I wont be one of them.

Answer 10

I am a Christian and agree with you that there are Christians that act very hateful. Trust me my child....they will be the last that enter into God's kingdom...

To enter the kingdom, you have to ACT like a Christian. Now I remind you that "Acting like a Christian" DOES NOT IMPLY that only through Jesus will you enter God's kingdom. Jesus was one of the messengers sent to us as were many other messengers. Christians can't stand to hear this!

don't worry about it. if in your heart you know that you are a good person that tries your best...God will be waiting for you with open arms. As a Christian I confidently tell you this. peace my brother.