Why the hostility towards christians?

Question

I'm a Christian, but i respect other religions, i respect other people, i respect other cultures. I admire the diverse cultures of the world and the people who inhabit the earth, yet why am I, as a Christian, so heavily criticized everywhere i go? I'm called an idiot, ignorant, narrow-minded, and dilusional for beleiving in a creator? Why is that idea so crazy? Besides, if Christianity were so insignificant, as many claim, why do they care so much about it?

As far as i'm concerned, Christianity is not the only belief that has selective salvation. As far as i know, most of the world's wars aren't centered in Chrisitianity. As far as i know, many other faiths and beliefs have also slaughtered many disbelievers: death to sikhs by hindus, agitation between hindus and muslims, etc. I can see how some ppl can't believe the miracles, but then have you guys ever heard of Jeanna Giese? or KaKa? I mean, i can see how many won't believe but to criticize so harshly.. its really hurts, as i would'nt do the same.

Answer 1

(Matthew 10:22-23 NKJV) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. {23} "When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
(2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV) Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Answer 2

I don't like Christianity because it states that I and the majority of the rest of the world are going to hell because we don't believe. You may not believe this personally, but it is what your religion states. If you choose to call yourself christian then you have to come to terms with this.

Beyond that fact, the believe this or suffer eternal damnation ideology creates this terrible "us vs. them" mentality. Then when your religion comes up against other mytholigies (i.e. Islam) that have the same attitude there is no room for compromise, only conflict. There is no room for the other within either of your worldview's.

So I am hostile towards Christians because they derive their power from threats and ultimately preach an intolerant dogma that leads to conflict. If you don't believe these things you probably aren't actually christian (or so many of them will tell you).

My solution -don't ascribe to any man-made religion. Live by my own ethical code (essentially the golden rule), accept that I and NO one else knows the true nature of the universe, and do my best to further mankind/humanity.

In response to your additional details: No Christianity is not the only one w/selective salvation nor the only religion that has had atrocities committed in its name. I have the same complaints and problems with many religions, but you asked about christianity.

As far as the harsh criticism. I firmly believe organized religion (not Christianity alone) is a hinderance to continued ethical/technological human progress. As long as people use it as a basis to exclude and persecute others, deny science, and justify their actions it will continue to contribute to a more contentious world vs. a peaceful one. If my criticisms are harsh, it is only because I feel they are warranted. You can't ask why people dislike Christianity and then get upset when they tell you.

I do believe their are some moral/ethical lessons to be learned from the World's great religions, but they must be seen as they are, not holy texts but lessons on living a good life.

Imagine how much less contentious the world would be if people were able to say; this is what I believe to be true, but I acknowledge I don't know the truth for sure. Despite what Christians, Muslims, etc. will tell you - the only real and evident fact in this debate is that I don't know the truth and you don't either.

Answer 3

I am not a Christian (agnostic) but I admire you for being one of few Christians who actually practice what your religion preaches (or is SUPPOSED to preach, which basically is love others without judgement, do good). There are good and bad people in every religion, group, etc. I used to be a Christian.. I got out because of many reasons:

Agnostics and Atheists think Christians are delusional because, first of all, we have trouble swallowing all the stories in the Bible. WHY are all these outrageous stories accepted? Have you EVER heard of ANY of these kind of things happening and having it printed in the paper or on the news? I've sure never heard of incidences like people parting the seas, talking snakes, or towers creating all the different languages of the world in real life. Stuff like that NEVER happens and is impossible.

But it wasn't just the crazy stories in the bible, it was mainly the hidden "hatred" and ignorance I saw from other Christians that made me denounce it. Christians claim they don't hate anyone but I didn't see much love when I had an argument with my VERY religious uncle who claimed that Jews and "homosexual perverts" will go to hell. He wasn't calm either.. he had a wild look in his eyes and I didn't like it.. I just told him that I was sorry, if God was going to damn Jews or gay people, then I'll just go to hell right along with them because those are some of my best friends.

There are more reasons, believe it or not, but these are some of the main reasons. I just don't believe in a religion that doesn't allow you to question your faith, your god or the bible. There's something suspicious about that, don't you think? I didn't like Christians telling me that I can't ask questions. When I was a Christian, I more or less felt like a zombie going, "Yes master.. I must not question you master.."

I don't want to be hostile towards anyone. Really. But the insults and irrationality of some Christians really irk me.

Answer 4

Some people find it hard to believe in a Supreme Being. And when considered those who do not are persecuted by the whole world. Christians don't accept them Muslims don't accept them not a single religion as a whole respects not embraces them. Some people there for take their anger on those that are most commonly associated. Being the Christians. I am at a nuetral point here and am not trying to point fingers or accuse I've personally been on both sides of this deliemma and find that there is no right or wrong answer.

Answer 5

Why don't you tell that to all the jews the were slaughtered at the holocaust, gassed, shot and put in ovens for having opposing beliefs. Why don't you tell that to the men who lost their lives scaling the walls of Jerusalem with ladder's while their comrades caught arrows in the chest? Why don't you tell that to that to all the people who are burned alive by car bombs in the middle east b/c they didn't want to keep an open mind to other's religions. How about all the people who were put on a stake and burned for heresay or all the people left with ananswered prayers hopes and dreams b/c they put their faith in the 'lord' and had no one to catch them when they fell. I doubt they will agree with you.

Answer 6

I am a Christian and the hostility toward Christians was warned about by Christ. He said that those who believed in Him would be hated and persecuted. He also stated that if the world hates you and persecutes you why should you marvel at this they did the same to the One you believe in.

Answer 7

Every Christian who answered your question has the right idea. People who don't believe are scared and intimidated by what we believe because we believe so strongly. Also, unadulterated truth has a way of making people uncomfortable. Have you ever noticed how when people make a mistake or hurt themselves in some way they say, "J.C." or "God d---"? It's because there's power in the name whether they believe consciously or not. :)

Answer 8

Darling, turn the other cheek. I, too, am a Christian (actually, an Episcopalian) but one has to keep the faith and remind those who shun you that salvation is available to all who believe Christ died for our sins and our redemption.

Answer 9

Don't get a big head their alberto.....have you actually read the bible? And you believed it? Did you pay attention in history class? Remember the dark ages? That was Christian's 15 minutes of fame. Now, in light of all our scientific discoveries, anyone who still adheres to the christian faith is a ignorant, narrow-minded, delusional idiot.

Answer 10

Remember in Acts chapter 5 the apostles Rejoiced for being found worthy to suffer in Christs name.......