Is it guilt or conviction that makes people upset about statements of faith?

Question

What is the cause of people getting upset over a question or statement of faith? Could it be that TRUTH has hit home?

Did you ever ask yourself truly what it is that bothers you coming from another or just in the way you see things?

I do know there is no argument between light and light and there is no argument between truth and truth. I just wonder why there is such a need to argue instead of learning. Do you suppose it is a way to learn by discussion? In other words offer an off beat response to create a discussion and then learn from the responsis?

Answer 1

I think it is uncertainty that the individual is feeling. Maybe that person does not have any convictions out of not having been exposed. If one feels ignorant on a subject one is less likely to engage in a positive way.

The Holy Spirit convicts one of a truth. The Holy Spirit never condemns. Our job is to plant a seed of truth and stand aside and watch as the Spirit waters the seed and increases the growth.
We are told to not get into useless arguments over these topics.

But you are right many people do get upset and offended. I never take it personally.

Good question. Have a great day.

Answer 2

They're not necessarily upsetting per se, but if the statement of faith itself involves immoral viewpoints then naturally people are going to find that offensive - e.g. condemning homosexuals. If it involves irrational and unsupported claims, e.g. denying evolution, then again that is likely to be met with stout opposition. If it espouses views which are objectionable on the grounds of the general good and welfare of society, such as promoting a theocracy rather than a secular society, then again the author must expect people to take issue with it. Also, some people may be more upset than others about believers expressing views which are perceived as arrant nonsense - It can be irksome to see childish superstitious notions expressed as if they were facts by grown adults. Perhaps religious believers would have an inkling of what this feels like to other people if they encountered adults who still sincerely believed in Santa Claus and the tooth fairy and were keen to persuade everyone else of the truth of those beliefs - It can be a little hard sometimes not to express impatience with such foolishness.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

For people who have strong faith I believe it is conviction.

For some who have doubts, they may be masking those doubts with an over reaction.

Generally I think most people fall into the first category.

It is a shame that we can't have civil discussions about this topic (I avoid most of these questions). Honest discussions can open our minds to new possibilities or convert a non-believer.


ADDED
Dont_kid_ur has a point about respect. Many people refuse to respect others opinion. You don't have to agree with someone else, just understand that someone can have a different opinion. God did give us free will.

Sadly most questions are loaded from the start. A question that start "Is the Bible history or fiction?" could lead to a reasonable discussion of the historical accuracies, inaccuracies and moral stories that are included in it. But when the question starts "Why are christians so stupid to believe the fiction in the bible?" the flame throwers are already lit and its just a question of badly everyone gets burned.


I should probably stick to beauty, business and engineering. Those questions are easier!

Answer 4

Hello!
It may be that the truth has hit home. But often times, truth is relative, what A considers as truth may be otherwise to B. So if B holds contrary opinion in respects of A's belief, then there's an issue.
So people should strive for verifiable facts especially scientifically verifiable facts to to settle statements of faiths. Any religion that allows no room for scientific facts is rubbish. Let us all cross study our Holy Books and come out with facts.

Answer 5

For me truth has always hit home. Each person that has faith feels guilt and disappointment when they have chosen the wrong path. I feel that those feelings do not need to be talked about by someone that is not that persons spiritual mentor. Christians need not come across as judging others and I feel that is why people get upset. They don't want just anyone preaching!!

Answer 6

That what it states in the Bible! It doesn't bother me! You're correct - you can say any nasty, crazy, imaginary, vulgar, and vile thing you want - nothing brings out more venom than mentioning your belief and faith in God (Jesus Christ)! He said it would be like this and it is - I don't let it concern me! Also, I don't attack Avatars - these individuals are probably speechless in person! They have something to hide behind! Although it wouldn't bother me in person - because of who I am - they wouldn't speak that way - not boldly!

Answer 7

I would guess it to depend on the statement or questions made.

It has been my experience that many people express extreme agitation when confronted with any scriptural response to their contrary beliefs.

Bottom line, The Truth hurts!

Answer 8

I believe it is both. The Lord is conviciting them but they are refusing to respond. Gulit, because they know deep down that what christians are saying is the Truth.
Paul says in Romans that Jesus will be a stumbling block.

Answer 9

It's fear. Remember, they were programmed as children that they will be tortured eternally if they ever think differently than they are told. That old fear riles up in them when their faith is logically challenged, like a PTSD flashback. It's cruel to do that to children.

Answer 10

I does not upset me when people question my faith. I think that some people get upset because faith is very personal.... when you question someones faith you are questioning everything about that person. I think that is why some people get upset because they think If I except him for the person he is why can he except me for the person I am.