Please Don't Be Offended...?

Question

I have a serious question that has confused and upset me for a long time. I know there are good and bad people in the world of every religion. However...from what I understand, have read and have heard christians are supposed to be about love and forgivness. After all...according to their beliefs Jesus died on the cross so they could be forgiven for their sins. So why is it so many christians are filled with hate for people who have different beliefs? How can they condemn other religions, homosexuals etc etc etc? My parents are christian and that's the type of household I was brought up in. That is what I was taught to believe at an early age. But I see how they...and many, many others...act when faced with someone who doesn't see things their way or share their beliefs. I just don't understand.

Answer 1

I become very agitated by twerps like Kara M a previous answerer here who say so dogmatically that homosexuality is a choice, she says it automatically and without thinking at all...impersonal idiocy.

Nobody who is aware of the medical & scientific research these days accepts that homosexuality is a choice..this is pure institutionalised religious homophobia and until we make these people see how ridiculous and pathetically out of touch with reality they are becoming and how morally degenerate their views then homophobia will continue to be a destructive force backed up by Christianity that ruins peoples lives and sometimes results in physical gay bashing and even murder of gays.



"Research shows that male homosexuality is a normal human variation."

"Sexual orientation begins with a myriad intertwining influences — some genetic, some hormonal and gestational, some the product of cultural conditioning.

The mix for any individual is impossible to unpick. No one acquainted with the science can still believe that homosexuality is a choice or a disorder. It is part of normal human variation, just like traits such as height or intelligence to which genes and the environment both contribute."

Mark Henderson is the Science Editor of The Times
See full article, Brotherly Love:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,...

Answer 2

This is a very tricky question and I don't understand it either. We are supposed to forgive and to love and we are to hate the sin not the sinner. But I believe that some Christians lose sight of what their true calling was. Especially with all of the persecution we are to face as believers. Everyday there is a new attack on christian beliefs and it is only going to get worse. The world we live in today would rather see half naked people walk down the road than see the ten commandments placed in the court house. I don't understand why some Christians are mean and hateful but I also don't understand why non believers want to attack christian beliefs if they believe in something else.

Answer 3

NO offense taken as any real Christian will not be offended. Many take the name of Christian but few really live it. We are told to hate the sin but love the sinner. Homosexuality, no matter how you may want to look at it, is totally wrong, is condemned in the bible and there will be no homosexuals in Heaven according to the bible. Many places that condemn the practice. So what about those that were but turned from it? They can be there as they do not practice it any more. Just because someone does not believe the way you do does not mean you should put them down or not like them. If that were the case, we would all be in big trouble as Jesus would not have even come to die for us. How many of us believed the way He taught things to be at that time? Not very many. Jesus came to show us how we should treat one another and think of one another as well as to die for our sin so we do not have to. Do not be discouraged by those that claim to be Christian and don't live it but keep your eyes on Jesus and do what He would do. Check out the site below and you can do studies or use it in many ways to learn more.

Answer 4

People hate and despise for a number of reasons, including difference. Difference in religion has been used as an excuse for thousands of years. Wars have been started over religion. Why am I a heathen since I don't believe in Islam, Jesus, God or Buddah? If I'm a good person, why can't I be accepted as such? If the world became 1 color, then there will finally be peace. UNTRUE! People will still find another reason to hate one another. It's human nature. Only humans can feel the emotion of hatered.

Answer 5

Of course we all know that in every group of people there are good apples and bad apples. There are many who profess a belief but can't live it. The teachings of Jesus are clear in regard to love and hatred.

So what can be said except that those who act or speak out of hatred are simply not practicing Christianity?

By the way, Jesus told many times, about this and other aberrations which would take place. But we are not the judges, so go on about your Christian life knowing that we, and they, will receive his justice.

Answer 6

To truly understand a religion, you have to look at what the fundamental properties of them are...what they true core of the religion is about. Then you have to look at the nature of the person that is either embracing those core principles as they are meant to be or how they are interpreting them to make them fit their own principles. For instance, you can look at Christianity and see the many different "splinter groups" that have formed based on how these individuals have interpreted the Bible to themselves. Essentially, they can al be Christians in name, but the practices may be different. The same can be said for Islam. If you look at the core teachings of Islam, it has the potential to be a fantastic way of life; that is, until you have "splinter groups" that feel like blowing up a marketplace full of people (selves included) will get them into heaven and be blessed with virgins.
Christians (just like the rest of the human race) do not corner the market on hate or intolerance for other religions. You just have to look past the people that are projecting that message and look the true core of the religion if that is your actual goal.
Hope that helps...

Answer 7

Yes most Christians are that way. Everyone is human and can lose their temper or control sometimes but it should not be a way of life to criticize others. I know that I am taken as offensive often due to being blunt and not politically correct. I always will tell someone I disagree with their beliefs but I will still befriend them and discuss issues with them. A lifestyle such as homosexuality is sinful but we all have our faults. Regardless of the sin, repentance is needed for salvation. Unfortunately most church goers look down on sinners. That is not how Christ was and we shouldn't be that way either. Most church goers never truly know God and so it makes them feel good about themselves if they can look at the people around them and think that everyone is worse than they are. It is unfortunate that they seem to forget that they are sinners also.

A famous saying that most church goers know but seldom apply is "But by the grace of God there go I ". We need to remember where we came from and how fortunate we are to not be the way we used to be. We should have compassion for the others and try to help them if possible, both spiritually and Earthly. We should never comprimise our beliefs but always be willing to look at other views. (I know I personally have changed several beliefs over the years) .We must also understand that people will always have variances of beliefs and we need to not push ours on them if they are not interested.

My apologies for all the Christians that have offended you or others. I hope that I will never ofend you or anyone else with criticism but if I would, I hope that person would let me know so that I could make it right.

Answer 8

I'm not offended by your question. In fact, I think you have a good point. For people who preach tolerance, forgiveness, and understanding, Christians are hypocrites when it comes to that. Christianity fears other religions that are different from them, people who are different from what they believe in. I mean, I can't believe how mean some Christians are to other religious groups and homosexuals. It's not fair and not what Christianity is supposed to teach. We grew up with the Golden rule as early as kindergarten, "Do unto others what you want them to do unto you." Jesus said the same thing in the Bible. And I think Christians in general need a crash course in the Golden Rule. I'm christian and I don't believe I'm like that. I like people regardless of whatever they are. If people accept me, I can accept them. Even if they aren't, I'm still excepting. May be corny but it's true.

Answer 9

There's nothing to understand except that people are all flawed. Christians or otherwise should not be clumped together by some members' actions, just as much as a race should not be stereotyped by certain individual's shortcomings. As people, we are naturally rebellious and do not like to be told what we do is wrong. We will excuse our actions and find philisophical meanings behind them. We know within ourselves if what we are doing is right or wrong and if we're unsure, God tells us in His Word aka the Bible. We have found ways to twist the truth, but individually we must learn because individually we will be judged by Him. We are not supposed to judge or hate anyone. We are also not supposed to be envious or lie. Who doesn't? Everyone has downfalls and things to work on. God knows we are imperfect, but He also knows what is best for us. If we try to follow what He asks of us, we will be the better for it. Unfortunately what He asks of us does not allow room for some of what we find desirable and fun, so we tend to ignore those or find reasons as to why they are wrong. Focus on having your own personal relationship and take advice and guidance from those who you feel in your heart can help you in the right way. God will lead you if you let him. Because Jesus died for us, we have the opportunity to be forgiven and start anew... the gift of forgiveness is one that should never be taken lightly because the alternative would be the depletion of moral hope and advancement.

Answer 10

Tell me about it! I recently went to a Christian wedding, all the guests had cars plastered with "Jesus" bumper stickers. I have never seen such a hateful group of people. Most of the conversations seemed to be about 'ragheads', 'fags', and 'wetbacks'. The rest of the conversations seemed to be of the "Why aren't we just so wonderful, we're going to Heaven" variety because they were having a Christ-filled 'dry' wedding, when the only wedding in the New Testament not only has wine, it has Jesus PROVIDING it.

What a bunch of hypocrites.

Of course, not all Christians are like this, not even most. But a disturbingly large number are. I personally do not believe that Jesus was God incarnate, but if you do, perhaps you should seek out a different Christian Church that has people who believe more as you do. They're out there, seek them out. I'm sure they'll be happy to have you.