Why do bigots commonly use the Bible to justify their biases and hatreds? Throughout history, slavery, the subjegation of women, hatred of homosexuals, fear of foreigners, repression of minorities, and justification for wars have been validated by selectively quoting Bible verses that authorize the war or permit the hatred. If the Bible's message is one of love and inclusiveness, why is it so often used for exactly the opposite purpose?
2006-08-01 12:25:32 · 15 answers · asked by J.B.M. 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because people like to rationalize when they are being mean... deep down they know what they are doing is wrong, but if they can quote a Bible verse that can (in their minds at least) justify in any small way the heinous acts they are about to perpetrate on their fellow man, then they can feel better about it and still sleep at night with a 'clean' conscience.
2006-08-01 12:31:33 · answer #1 · answered by eggman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who use the Bible in this way are operating in a religious or legalistic way, using the Bible to control people. If the Bible truly impacted their lives, they would have hearts that are changed by the love of the Lord. The Bible describes men as being equal regardless of race, culture, and religion. People sometimes take the authority and control that is given to them in scripture and misuse it for their own purposes, whereas Jesus kingdom was based on servanthood and love.
2006-08-01 19:49:38 · answer #2 · answered by Nance 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the Bible provides a rich source of easily manipulated quotes and violent images. The Bibles message is not one of love and inclusiveness. It's fairly grizzly, judgmental, and non-relevant to the current moment.
2006-08-01 19:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there are people who think they can get away with things if they do so, otherwise it would be prejudice against them. I'm not christian (and im sure other people of religions do this as well) and i don't discriminate becuase of any type of religion, but it disgusts me to see people brainwash themselves into thinking that negative is positive, and losing the line between morality and immorality. I agree--but i don't think there really is an answer to you question, other than that it's just something people do.
~WhatsHerName~
2006-08-01 19:32:23 · answer #4 · answered by ~Whatshername~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't use the Bible for bias and hatred.
I use it to see people the way God sees them, that all are deserving of respect and compassion and love.
If people would see others the way God sees them, I know hatred would not be known.
God loves you, as you are. All He wants is for you to turn from sin, and turn to Him.
You don't have to go to Church every Sunday, wear special clothes, hop on one foot- just love Him.
2006-08-01 19:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by IN Atlanta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i can't answer for those who practice such things... other than that those who practice such things are misusing the Bible.
The Bible is there to reveal to us who God is, His love for us, How he wants us to live, and how to know God personally. Those who use the Bible for such purposes- show a lack of understanding of the message and moreover, will have to answer to God for it one day.
That's why it's so important that the Bible is studied and understood in its context... although as you've mentioned it is so often taken out of context!
Groups such as the KKK have mis-used the Bible in such ways and it is definitely not a true reflection of God or the messge of the Bible.
Hope that helps ...
2006-08-01 19:32:23 · answer #6 · answered by Nickster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah. There was a lesbian couple holding hands and walking through Market Street in Manchester, England, when a preacher forcefully pulled their hands apart and told them to find some real men. Tolerance much?
2006-08-01 19:30:07 · answer #7 · answered by Janey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are so right, The Bible is where you go to find your religion, not prove it. I'm sorry if you were subjected to any of this. My Bible is personal to me. It is a code of conduct for me. I tell my employees , don't stop cursing because you see me coming, I am not your judge. Please don't change your behavior for my sake.
When asked I will answer, what ever I am asked.The Bible is the word of god, not a weapon against man.
2006-08-01 19:38:36 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is one of the controlling aspects of the ego of mankind. Hence the need to justify a person's shortcomings by attributing their lack to their own personal fulfillment of judgement on another.
2006-08-01 19:29:36 · answer #9 · answered by Lucas Brown 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people who are afraid & cannot make any judgements of their own often relay on the bible to make their comments for them. this is why organized religion is like herding cattle, you tell them what to do & they do it. they dont know how to think on their own. they are afraid that they will make the wrong choices,so if someone else makes it the it's not their fault
2006-08-01 19:33:20 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋