Why are there so many stupid Christians out there?

Question

I'll start off saying that I am a Christian, yet I find that there are alot of Christians who are total jerks and simply downright offensive. Why is this? Didn't Christ say to love our neighbor?

I'd like answers from all sides of this issue (Christians, athiests, agnostics, jews, muslims, etc), but I would like everyone to be thoughtful in their answers.

Thanks!

For an example of this, see the response by Martin S.

Answer 1

From a Christian - Because some "Christians do not seek the answers for themselves". They only listen to what they are told by their church. Only if you actually read the Bible over and over will you understand that it is all about the Heart and be able to truly follow Jesus' example.

Answer 2

You find these folks in all religions, but if Christianity is the most popular, the same percentage will yield a lot more people who are just going through the motions (you know the folks - the ones who think of religion as a team more than a spiritual choice). Also, if Christianity is the most popular (or at least perceived that way) it adds a swagger to the members of the "team".

It's the ignorance and the insults that I don't understand - and then I think "there are a lot of teens on here, aren't there". Most of the adults have more class than that (I sincerely hope!).

Peace!

Answer 3

It is like when I was going through Navy training in Orlando where some of the Christian churches were so legalistic that a person could not do anything that was fun. It makes for people breaking the legalistic laws and feeling bad when God is a lot more forgiving than this. I am a Christian plus I believe that all religions share more than any one group wants to admit. Especially the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths. All have the same fore fathers and all teach love they fellow man in their own ways. My question for most people, I come we have to fight over who is "right"? What happens if we find out that the multiple religions all share the same God?

Answer 4

You weren't very thoughtful in the explanation of your question. Claiming to be a Christian and then calling Christians stupid is ignorant. You even claimed that Christians are supposed to love their neighbor yet you call Christians stupid. You sound a little two faced. You should re-read John 13:12-15 and apply it to yourself. Then read 1 Corinthians 13 and Mark 9:36-37.

Answer 5

Are you every grouchy?
Do you ever become angry?
Are you ever preoccupied when someone wants your attention?
If you are perfect I would really like to meet you.
A Christian is a sinner saved by grace.
They don't instantly become perfect, but they do start a process of becoming better.
That is what forgiveness is all about.
How many times should we forgive someone?
See Matthew 18:22, about 490 times.
Who could keep track?
Love thinks no evil. 1 Corinthians 13:5
So just assume they are having a bad day or they have issues the Lord is working on. Then forgive them and get on with your life.
You could say a short prayer for them.

Answer 6

Many people call themselves a Christian. Being a Christian obviously means different things to different people.
Some people also have different ideas about what a "jerk" is and what is "offensive". As a Christian, you would understand that we are all learning different lessons. Maybe you should think about how you could guide another Christian brother or sister toward a better understanding. Maybe God is showing you situations where you could be of help. Maybe you need to think about /pray about what you should do to help these people. I would be curious to know the details of your experiences that caused you to say this. When Jesus Christ instructed us to love our neighbor as ourselves, we have to really think through that command. Love is many things- not necessarily a feeling. There are many ways to love someone.

Answer 7

I know a lot of my friends who are like that they think that since they are christian that they are better than other people, so they can judge everyone who isn't them. I, personally, am a Christian who believes that Jesus loves everyone, including the annoying, the jerks, the murderous, the adulterous, etc, and I should do the same thing to be more Christ-like. That is just what I believe. <><

Answer 8

Some people strive every day to live their lives in Christ, some don't. Some do everything they can think of to learn their faith, others could care less. A lot say they're Christian, but in name only and don't practice what they preach, others would die for their faith.

My only advice is to try not to worry so much about what everyone else does. Each of us is accountable for our own action (or non-action). If you do the best you can each day to live as Christ taught, then you are one more person sincerely, honestly living and loving like Christ. You are one more person making the world a better place, and making a place for yourself in heaven.

God bless,

Danny

Answer 9

Is short Demagogy. This is not limited to just religous groups. If you do not suffciently educate the masses they will become victims of demagogues, e.g. Teddy Kennedy, Jesse Helms, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Rush Limbaugh, and Osama Bin Laden.

Give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, feed him for life.

Answer 10

I think that intelligence (either scholastically or emotionally) transcends one's belief in spirituality. There are people who are offensive and obstinate in all races, religions and cultures.

And there are people who are just the opposite... kind, open-minded and loving... in every race, religion and culture.

It is just part of human nature, and I think it doesn't have anything to do with one's beliefs, except that being predetermined to these kinds of feelings can be accentuated by finding something within spiritual writings that can incite or possibly justify these behaviors.

Best wishes.