It seems to me a bit un-Christian-like...?

Question

I have been following the answers on YA religion questions and it seems like (to me anyway and well, who the heck am I?) that if someone asks a question that doesn’t fall into a belief that you cherish that some (not all- mind you) Christians attack them and say some pretty hateful things. Doesn’t that go against your Christian beliefs of persecution? And if you lambaste someone for believing something different, how can you convert them? If there is a question you find offensive should you turn the other cheek? I am not looking to be persecuted here I am just curious…

Answer 1

I agree...hypocrite is the word for the day! Can you say hypocrite? I knew you could!

Answer 2

You bring up an excellent point. In my opinion, many Christians believe so strongly in their convictions that they come across as arrogant "bible-pushers". I do believe it is non-Christian-like to attack and be hateful of other people, especially when they are asking a question about Christianity. And, like you, I think it is impossible to convert someone using this type of method. I do not, however, think one needs to turn the other cheek to an offensive question. If one chooses to answer it, s/he can do so in a respectful and dignified manner....respectful to yourself and your religion and to the person asking the question.

You are familiar with the term "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" right? The most vocal members of any group (religious or not) are the ones that tend to get all the attention. Unfortunately, the Christians like you described get all the attention (usually negative) and give all the normal Christians a bad reputation. In my experience, there are many, many more "normal" (for lack of a better term) Christians out there than the attacking, hateful ones you may have experienced on this site.

Answer 3

A Christian, or anyone of any belief, should never lambast the person asking the question. They should answer with what they believe and leave it that way.
"Hateful" Christians are not true Christians, if they attack the person, but they will attack the wrong-doing, which we are to hate. We are not to turn the other cheek when it comes to questions of beliefs, we are to state them clearly and leave it at that. If the person you've written/spoken to doesn't believe the same way, then we are leave them alone. We've done our job for Jesus and it's up to the other person what they do with it. It's the diversity of the religions that make us special and only God, when eternity comes, can tell us who was/is right or wrong. I believe that any religion who follows Jesus is the right one, regardless of what you call your denomination. Persecution of anyone, religious or not, is horrid and should never happen.

Answer 4

Mainstream Christianity is a difficult religion to be a part of. It calls its members to believe not only that they are right, but that everyone else is wrong. Mainstream Christian leaders build up this sense of righteousness in folks to the point where nothing reasonable you could possibly say could turn them from what they believe is true. Only Islam really approaches mainstream Christianity in terms of self-righteousness. The reason many Christians and Muslims are self-righteous is because Paul and Mohammed were self-righteous. Christians and Muslims are just following the examples of their founders.

It does no good to reason with most Christians. It's like talking to a brick wall. Christianity is not about reason, it's about powerful, unshakable faith. So we will always have these heated discussions on Yahoo! Answers without ever being able to come to a reasonable conclusion. Most Christians don't want or need their conclusion to be reasonable. They were taught their beliefs, they believe they are right, and they see no need or desire to change.

I say let them be.

Answer 5

I used to think that too, but over time I realized that the teachings of Jesus have been filtered through so many different people over the years that a person can believe almost anything and still call him- or herself a Christian. Certainly the hateful stuff you see on these lists isn't consistent with the Christianity in which I was raised, but I've come to recognize that the beliefs I've raised with concerning loving one's neighbor and all that jazz don't carry much water with the people who obsess over the Gospel of John.

Answer 6

Fair question. But just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn't mean they are. You can go to church, read the Bible, do all these charitable things, even have a father who's a Pastor....it still doesn't make you a Christian any more than going inside a garage makes you a car!

Christ Himself said "You shall know them by their fruits" - and the word Christian means "Christ within oneself". This means that the evidence of a true Christian will be proven by his or her life, and the degree to which it resembles and reflects that of Jesus Christ.

So if someone is truly a person of love, compassion, and forgiveness, this is the mark of a true Christian. If not, you have reason to be skeptical.

Answer 7

Good Question! I'm glad you are not lumping all Christians together.
As I have said before. Not all people who call themselves Christians act/talk/walk like they should. They really are an embarrassment to those of us who are trying to live a Christ like life.

There are other that are Christians but let their emotions overrule their logic (we are all guilty of that)

I do not always feel the need to turn the other cheek when someone I love and worship (Jesus) is mocked with profanity.
I am not a door mat and I will speak against the attack.

I really hope this helps answer your question.

Answer 8

I agree with you. At the same time though, the Christians are being attacked and people are saying some pretty hateful things about them. Christians are held to higher standards, but they are also human and will make mistakes and let their emotions get the best of them just like any other human being.

Answer 9

I'm a Christian, and I totally agree. everyone has their own opinions and (especially in this country) we should all respect each others, even though we may disagree. If someone asks a questions thats offensive...you don't have to turn the cheek; you can confront them in the most honest, yet delicate/non-lashing-out way possible.

Answer 10

Your right. We are not to judge one another but leave that up to our Father. Unfortunately, that means we cannot prevent anyone from saying what they want to say. Even if we don't believe in it or think it is wrong and think it may hurt others spiritually. That doesn't mean we don't try from time to time but when we do it almost always ends up rude. I pray that none of my answers are considered an attack on someone but I am realistic in knowing that I will lose my temper sometimes. We all must simply govern ourselves and not let that temper take over for us. God bless you. and thanks for pointing this out.

Answer 11

thats because most of the people answering are close minded bible belt like protestants who visit healers and say that 1+1=Jesus.......this people don kno two shts about their religion or how it was developed by some dissenter from the 1500 to 1800's