Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who was surprised to learn that I was raised Christian. Her reasoning was that since I support GLBT people, favor women's reproductive rights, and in general don't bash other's spirituality, etc, that I wasn't a Christian. She thought that Christians, were, to make a long story short, ignorant bigots.
Are there any people who are upset about the Christian=bigot idea? All Christians are not hateful or backwards-thinking, but, unfortunately, this is the image that is often portrayed. Any thoughts?
2006-07-03 19:34:11 · 10 answers · asked by nacsilver85 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Fortunately, most of the people that I deal with daily don't feel the same way about Christians as your friend.
I have noticed that usually when a religious person--regardless of their religion---is portrayed by the media, they are portrayed in a negative light. They are usually shown as an extremist of some sort. This simply is not an accurate description of religious people in general but rather only of the fringe groups and fanatics of that religion. It is sad that we (religious people) are portrayed this way.
On the flip side of your question, many of my co-workers who know that I am pagan are very surprised to learn that I am very conservative and am respectful and encouraging towards Christians. It's odd sometimes how people will judge us.
2006-07-04 02:41:13 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not an "image often portrayed," but an unfortunate all-too-frequent reality that is hurtful to the message of Christ. I'm sure you recognize that there are a lot of Christians out there in the media making a lot of hateful noise about all of the issues you listed and they DO bash other people's spirituality (and patriotism and intelligence).
It's gives the rest of you guys a bad name. It's about time you did something about it.
PLEASE, take back your religion from the backward-thinking bigots. The rest of us will appreciate it greatly. Heck, we'd probably even take up a collection for you...
2006-07-04 02:47:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a very good question. Being in the GLBT community, I can say that for the most part, the bigotry that we get comes from the christian community. Not all Christians are this way as Im well aware. But to many are, its really pathetic. Im also Jewish and being that Im a convert to the Jewish religion, I was once well aware of what a christian should be like. Bigotry is not one of the morals. Hopefully you can change peoples attitudes, but Im afraid that bigotry will always exist, especially among christians.
2006-07-04 02:42:46 · answer #3 · answered by arielsalom33 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One can't help but admit that there are, IN FACT, ignorant bigots who do claim to be Christians. Even hypocrites in every level of Christendom. These are the rotten tomatoes that spoil the basketful of veggies.
But ignorant bigots and hypocrites can be found on both sides of the fence, and it is not uncommon to find them among non-Christians as well...
Moral to the story is: You can't judge a book by its cover.
Peace be with you!
2006-07-04 02:59:21 · answer #4 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the image most portrayed because that's the image Christians present when they persecute gays, women's rights activists, and other religious denominations.
We have more serious problems facing the US, but all christians seem to be focused on is what people do in their own bedrooms.
2006-07-04 02:41:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was straight forward and set in His ways. He hated sin and we should too. He said we will be hated as He was hated. Fight on, with love, no matter what we are called.
"Judge not lest you be judged. You therefore have no right to judge me when it comes to my sins!"
The world often takes this verse out of context and uses it to accuse Christians of being "judgmental" when they speak of sin. In the context of the verse Jesus is telling His disciples not to judge one another, something the Bible condemns (Romans 14:10; James 4:11). In Luke 6:41,42 He speaks of seeing a speck in a brother’s eye. In John 7:24 He said, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." If someone steals, lies, commits adultery or murder, etc., the Christian can make a (righteous) moral judgment and say that the actions were morally wrong, and that these sins will have eternal consequences. Chuck Colson said, "True tolerance is not a total lack of judgment. It’s knowing what should be tolerated—and refusing to tolerate that which shouldn’t."
2006-07-04 02:40:47 · answer #6 · answered by I_Need_Help 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the thought of someone believing in such an amazing God is intimidating. I think our faith is intimidating, therefore we are bashed at every chance. I think a lot of Christians are arrogant about their faith. And I think a lot of non-believers are arrogant, also. I think the stereotypes come from a constant persecution because (I believe) people think we just might be right about this Jesus Christ deal, but they are too proud to admit it. Our faith isn't what makes us "good people", it's the blood of Jesus Christ.
2006-07-04 02:40:18 · answer #7 · answered by solveme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of you are. I've heard enough opinions from Christians on the internet, at my school, on the TV and on the street to realize this.
2006-07-04 02:42:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most christians ARE bigoted ignoramuses. But not all, and you are a great example to the others.
2006-07-04 02:40:06 · answer #9 · answered by Mac Momma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u people always think everyone's out to get u. u just have a persecusion complex. grow up
2006-07-04 02:38:00 · answer #10 · answered by kurleylovescheese 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋