Why do people stereotype Christians?

Question

Why do people judge a Christian based on the actions of certain individuals whom claim to be Christian. An example is when people talk about war, catholic sex-scandals, willingness to debate topics, etc. I see a lot of people turn to be hypocritical and blame things on Christians when in all reality they are stereotyping. Being an individual Christian doesn't necessarly mean they agree with everything that certain Christians believe in or actions certain people whom claim to be Christian partake in. I just think many people don't truly understand what it means to be a true Christian and that non-Christians seem to stereotype them in negative ways just as bad as certain KKK members sterotyple black people, what do you think?

Thanks I think you guys are right on, I just see a lot of people who stereotype. Christians just came to mind because I see it a lot and not too many tend to think about it as an example.

Homosexuality is constant through the Bible as a sin. I don't think people should be stoned or killed for their homosexual actions though. I think I am pretty tolerant of homosexuals. I don't think it's normal even on a nutural level but it's something that an individual homosexual must deal with. I don't ever yell profrain nasty words at them (I will admit when I was young and ignorant I did, just because I had hatered built up inside). I would be open to talk to homosexuals on why I believe their actions are against God's word in a proper manner, however I am just a man trying to understand God's word.

Answer 1

Because those who are the loudest about being Christian tend also to be the dumbest.

Answer 2

You certainly have a good point. So many people that call themselves Christian don't really exhibit the Christian way. You know we all have trouble being "Good" all the time. It's really whats in our hearts, and our deeds. Unfortunately, we have a fanatical side that want to "condem" all "sinners" and don't use their Christian forgiveness and prayers for the "sinner".
That to me is not a Christian. Jesus forgives. It's like the saying Love the Sinner, Hate the sin. America is not "America" anymore, there are so many other cultures here, that don't understand Christianity, that all they get is what the see on TV, and the democrats not supporting God in our Schools, Christmas, Easter, etc. for the sake of "political correctness"

Some people are young and don't really understand anything about religion, unfortunately because of the decline of 2 parent families, and the removal of God from Schools. When I went to school, (in the 50"s) we said the Pledge of Allegence, and then a Prayer led by our Principle over the load speaker. We were allowed to display a nativity scene AND a Christmas Tree. Now, because of the ACLU, it has all been taken away, and the children and our society suffer. Ignorance takes the place of tolerance, and so Here WE are. People want to put us in a little box, and say, see, they are the Christians, and they all think the same way. That is so not true of any group of People, and those that think so are either haters, uneducated, or just plain evil and want to stir up anything they can.

Just keep the faith, pray for those that don't understand, and when your out.... Be proud to exude your Christianity with Kindness and example. I know its hard, I try and sometimes disapoint myself, but I continue to Try, and I hope that Makes God happy.

Answer 3

Stereotyping comes from observing similar traits in specific groups of people, thus reinforcing the beliefs that they hear and perpetuating the myth/truth of the observer.
Take Christians, for example. Stereotyping depends on what has influenced you in relation to what you actually know about them as a group.
Christians claim to believe in Jesus Christ. However, as a whole, Christians do not follow the rules that are laid down by the one they claim to be the son of the "one true god". It is something that is constantly being debated and tossed around. Yet, it is also a truth for most who follow this particular religious belief.

I cannot even think of how many supposed Christians have...in one way or another...stated that, even though they believe in Christ, they disagree with "yada-yada" or, through their actions, simply do not follow the belief as it is taught.
For instance: Homosexuality. It was never defined anywhere in written text until the 19th century. However, it is somehow against god. Some refer to Leviticus, but Jesus threw out the Leviticus scriptures. He doesn't condone the hate and death of those who do not follow his rules. That is just so Old Testament. So, do you tolerate Homosexuals and be a good Christian? Or, do you convert to a Jewish Faith and start stoning them? Or...do you turn around and rewrite the bible so it agrees with your personal belief system?

Answer 4

I think that people tend to stereotype anything or anyone that they don't understand. Instead of trying to be more open, they turn to ignorance instead. Also, it will never change. Racism and prejudice comes in every form including religion. The best you can do is be a friend no matter what and show that kindness is better than hatred. Set an example of what Christianity is really about.

Answer 5

You know what? I asked that same question. There are people who post ignorant questions saying "why are Christians so...." and I always waste my time telling them that not all Christians are that way, and they still don't get it! It's hard for us, too, but they think they are the ones that are the most stereotyped. I have no problem with other religions, they believe what they believe, but why have a problem with me because of what I believe? Thanks for posting this, you are giving awareness to people who do that and think it's okay.

Answer 6

Honestly I think you need to get off your cross. People Stereotye you because Christians because they're people. it's part of our nature to group like experiences and learn from simular events. If people make judgements on your based on the behavior of your fellow Christians maybe you should worry less about the judgement and more about the behavior. If you don't like the way you're viewed for belonging to a church that endorses the behavior of these evil Christians who are giving you a bad name, maybe you ought to be less open about your affiliations. I'm sure now as I'm telling you that I'm a Satanist you have some choice opinions about me based on what you've heard or seen from people who claim to share my faith wthout getting to know my character or behavior. It's just how we are.

Answer 7

Some people instantly get angered by christians because they see people who are trying to better their lives by living through Gods word. Even if you do not say anything about it to them they get angry because it forces them to evaluate how they are living. The holy spirit contacts us all and allows us to feel guilt for the things we are doing that we KNOW is wrong. So, just by saying you are christian you are forcing somone to evaluate their lives, that they know are wrong even if they won't admit it. No one wants to hear that the things they are doing is an abomination to God, so they get angered by the entire spiritual debate that just occured in their head. This leads these people to quickly point out hypocracy in the christian world to justify their sins. Basically the simple answer is.... It makes them feel better about themselves.

Answer 8

I agree that generalizing is quite stupid, and that christians aren't resposible for the war as well, but there are those that like to pretend that it's all christianity's fault. In reality, it's the government USING christainity for it's support and money. So really, blame them, not just people who like to go to church on sunday. They, themselves aren't being greedy, it's still the goevrnment.

Answer 9

For the same reasons that Christians stereotype non-Christians: Ignorance.

Answer 10

When people learn how to do research on other cultures and QUIT LISTENING to everyone else and form their own opinion do to facts then say something and have proof to back it up. But no they choose the easy way out they say because Daddy, Mommy, or Big Brother told me so.