Why do people say how bad stereotyping is, but then turn around n stereotype Christians as mean and ignorant?

Question

There are questions saying stuff about how christians are mean, and how they don't take time to learn about their own religion. I just want to know why, when there are also questions about why people stereotype. I'm a Christian, Catholic specifically. Sorry if I offend any of you with this question but I think it needed to be asked.

There are also stereotypes here. For example, as a Christian I can tell you that we do not all go around telling people that they're going to burn in hell! I have never once told anyone that, personally.

Answer 1

These people are hypocrites. While it is true that some Christians don't learn about their religion and/or choose to selectively follow it, not all do. When arguing, people tend to find whatever they can to use against their opponent, and a good deal of us non-religious folks (I am atheist) jump at the opportunity to use someone's religion against them.

One atheist stereotype is using religious people as scapegoats, especially Christians. I won't hesitate to say that a very good deal of this stereotype rings true for most of us. It's very unfortunate there are people like that.

Answer 2

Personally, I'm all about stereotyping. Whether people like to recognize it or not there are social norms in EVERY social group. It is those social norms that hold social groups together.

Religion is a social phenomenon.

If you want to truely understand why this stereotype exists for Christians, don't you think it would behoove you to take a hard look at Christianity, and your fellow Christians? Let me give you an example from your own writing here on Yahoo Answers. Last week you answered a question about why people hate Catholicism. This was how you began your response:

"I can't answer why. I am absolutely in agreement with you, and don't understand it..."

Don't you think that maybe it's a bit irresponsible to agree with someone if you don't understand the issues? Now, to your credit, the rest of your post was interesting. Largely incorrect, but with a thoughtful premise behind it. However, in stating that you really have no idea what your talking about from the start, you invalidated everything else you wrote with the initial admission that you were basicly talking out your ***.

Now, I don't use your own words as an example because I hate you, or because I want to hurt your feelings. I simply want you to think. I want you to answer your own question. The words you used in the opening of your post are just another aspect of the stereotype you're struggling to understand.

If you take a hard look at the things Christians say to rationalize their beliefs, you will find that most Christians have absolutely no idea what they really believe in. For instance, I can provide you with dozens of scriptural attrocities against man such as rape, murder, child molestation, torture, and terrorism from the "Holy" Bible mandated by God. I can give you hundreds of inconsistancies in the text. Most Christians do not recognize the verses because they have been taught not to recognize them. Most of the Christians who have read the Bible, do not understand it beyond the context of their faith.

The Bible is actually a hateful book. Moses invisible friend God is an evil construct of imagination. Christians fail to see that, yet continue to try convincing people that it is just a book about love and peace. They agree with it, but they don't understand it. (Sound familiar?) They CHOOSE not to understand it, or recognize the evil it contains. It is by concious effort that they deny the atrocities in the book, and deny the scriptures they don't personally agree with. It is the norm for the social club. The stereotype of ignorance is fitting in regards to their faith...

-SD-

Answer 3

most stereotypes are based on things a person can't control, race, age, gender, etc...religion is something a person CAN choose at least in this country. as far as christians being mean and ignorant, how many non christians, or more specifically non religious, do you see go around telling people they are going to burn in hell for all eternity if they don't believe the way they believe??

Answer 4

Let's suppose someone told you that you deserved to suffer and burn in hell for all eternity because you didn't believe "X"? To call that person "mean" is a rather mild diagnosis of the real condition.

I grant that not all "Christians" think that way, but would you not admit that very many, even the vast majority, of members of certain "Christian" groups believe that way?

Let's go a little further. How many church-going "Christians" can actually say: "It is enough to lead a good and moral life, even if you don't believe in the divinity of Jesus." ??? For too many folks, for example, a Buddhist who only lived to help others is destined to eternal suffering. That thinking is MEAN.

It is not enough to say you're a "Christian." And please spare us the shpiel about them not being "true" Christians. They have just as much scripture ammo as their accusers.

Which side of that line do you stand on? If you can can see the true humanity in others, regardless of their dogmas (or lack thereof), then you are not "mean."

UPDATE:
If you were answering me, I never said that ALL Christians do anything. Please read my answer if you're going to comment on it. I would to the same for you. You will find there are NO stereoptypes in my answer.

Answer 5

Part of the problem is that some people use generalizations - like "All Christians are . . . ." All members of a particular group can never be ALL anything - they are individuals.

For example, some 'christians' are really hateful in their actions when they defame gay and lesbian people. I feel I am justified in calling them bigoted, discriminatory, and certainly not Christ-like. But fortunately I know they are an evil minority, and many Christians are loving, supportive people who work for equality and justice. So I never say "All Christians are . . ."

Incidentally, in my last paragraph above, which type of Christian are you?

Thanks for your question!

Answer 6

It's the old double standard; let's all be tolerant and not offend anyone regardless of race, religion, country of origin.......except for those mean, stupid Christians who think they're better than everyone else.


Nothing new. It's been like that for over 2000 years. We'd better get used to it.

Answer 7

Not just christians get stereotyped, I am Jewish I have heard so many stereotypes on Jewish people and I don't fit under any of them and by the way I have not heard one christian strerotype ever!

Answer 8

Christians are not really mean. There is however a meaness in their ignorance. How many books are there in the new testament? What language was the new testament written in? If you cant answer this you are ignorant and probally have very little understanding of your chosen faith. Before blindly accepting anything you should know it.

Answer 9

I think people stereotype for a couple of different reasons:

1. Bad experiences
2. Laziness--they don't want to take time to learn the truth
3. Ignorance--they don't care and just want to pick fights

Those are my theories, take 'um or leave 'um!

Answer 10

I have never heard anyone say that all Christians are mean. I think that most are genuinely very nice. However, you have those that seem to be out to inder the rights of their fellow man (politically) which may lead people to conclude that Christians are mean.