Do Christians know the difference between a "CRITICISM" and an "ATTACK"?

Question

So many Christians here call every little criticism an attack...aren't they over-egging the pudding a little...(that's exaggerating to you)

Answer 1

They're a bit over-sensitive and they they can't cope with dissenting opinions!

Answer 2

Perhaps some of the reactions you are describing are more the result or the form of the criticism rather than the critique.

I have known many devout Christians who welcome a healthy debate on virtually all differences among beliefs and practices. I am not a Christian and yet I still take offense with how you paint all Christians with a broad brush in your statement.

If your previous criticisms take a similar form and intent to incite, then I can see how you become a target for vitriol in this forum. It's the kind of insensetivity expressed in your question that promotes hate more than it fosters discussion.

Please allow me to paraphrase your statement, so that you may see how others might read it. "Don't you just hate it when Christian can't take ANY criticism?"

I know that is not what you said, but your content makes the meaning very clear. If your statements are being misread, then perhaps you can take more care in constructing your questions. No doubt, you won't eliminate some knee-jerk reactions from narrow minded "defenders of the faith." But, at least, you may allow some people to respond in an adult way to your observations.

Answer 3

Talking about someone's religion is difficult, especially on the internet. I can type "you believe in god." To someone else it can read as "YOU believe in God!" or You believe in God?" Or [How dare!!!!]You believe in god. That's one thing.

Another is that often "criticisms" are just thinly veiled insults and are easily seen through. People of another faith or idealology are sometimes purprosely provoking people so they can say, "ha! look at that Christian! See that's what Christians are really about" and some people fall into that.

Another reason is that some people are just not used to hearing people disagree with their religion. I live in an area where there are seriously people who can't comprehend the idea that someone might not be a Christian, and not just that, but that a person might not be THEIR kind of Christian.

Also, some people are just sensitive.

There are so many reasons. Religion, Politics and Race are very touchy subjects and I think it's important to get your idea clearly across because sometimes there are misunderstandings.

Answer 4

One person's criticism can be seen as an attack, and the inverse applies. It isn't only Christians that should be in the lime light it's human nature. Especially in the middle east, a very volatile location that has serious issues going back before Christ's reign. Most people want something that they can reflect and relate to and to many it is a belief system that isn't limited to religion, but to politics, private and public organizations or groups.

Answer 5

i do ...

it's sometimes hard to read intention or inflection over the computer. sometimes Christians (and other religious groups ) are so used to being attacked, that they take criticism as an attack as well.

most people don't have relgious tolerance, for ANY religion. we feel the need to defend ourselves, even when defence isn't really necessary. sometimes it's just good to listen and get the perspective of those around us. that might make the religions a bit more appealing, instead of looking like rude people who aren't open to change or difference of opinion.

that's just me though ...

Answer 6

Perhaps if more criticism were worded as criticism rather than sounding like an attack it would be easier to deal with.

When questions are stated "Why are Christians so stupid. . ." it is hard to say it is anything other than an attack.

If I were to ask that same question of atheists, would that not be an attack?

Answer 7

A group of Christians doesn't seem to have a clue about the difference between both words. Some even seem to have no idea what the difference between these two word and the word 'disagreeing' is.

Answer 8

You are talking about the same group of people that became furious and declared "A War on Christmas" was being waged when some poor guy said "happy holidays" instead of "Merry Chrismas!!", or if Wal-Mart didn't have a big enough Nativity scene for all to see.

Answer 9

not really. we've been so innundated by the liberal left calling every little criticism an attack and libel lawsuit offense that we've become blurred on the line. like when we say come to america legally and get called a racist because we respect the law and the liberals just want every illegal to enter to vote democratic.

Answer 10

Some Christians do, some Christians don't...just like people everywhere. I, for one, feel that criticism is good. It makes me think about what I believe, and if I can't explain it or defend it, then maybe I shouldn't be believing it.

Answer 11

No, and neither do atheists or agnostics. There really isn't much of a difference anyway. Why do people criticize? Isn't it a verbal attack? I don't understand why people have to do either. Live and let live. Come on now.