Serious question here for the christians, and those that aren't as well.?

Question

As most of you know by now, I'm a Druid. A follower of nature, etc etc yadda yadda ok this isn't about me here, so lets move on.

I see so many questions on this site from Christians complaining about being disrespected and mistreated due to their religion. I'd like to remind them of the Salem Witch Trials, where several people died because of desrespect and mistreatment from the Christians. I'd also like to pose this question. If those Christians, Catholics, Mormons who attempt to force their religious beliefs and holy books upon others would quit, might it cause those of other religions to respect them more? Thats my main gripe about those religions. So many of them try to force their religion upon others that it aggitates me. I am quite happy with the religion I am in, and if someone tries to convert me, it absolutely pisses me off. Answer this next one if you wish. If I were to throw a Druid book before you, and tell you to read it or you'd burn in hell, what you you reply with?

Answer 1

Again with the anger. Breathe, breathe. The question starts out with genuine curiosity about a subject, then gets angry.

I understand what you are talking about. I am a Christian, yet some guy accosted me outside a restaurant once, asked me if I was saved - then wasn't satifisied with my answer. Talk about pissed off!!

I agree too that if people were more gentle with the sharing of their faith, it would garner more respect and certainly more peace.
So your point is well-taken. That has been my point in this catagory many times to some Christians, "stop with the preaching, you are not going to win souls, but chase away anyone that might even be interested in learning."

Can you find a way to tell us what your religion is about or is there a website to look at.

Answer 2

Firstly, lets do some home work. in the salem witch trials many of those that were burned or hanged were infact Christians. it was a time of fanatic religous groups trying to control people with fear. Not a nice part in history but there never the less. That goes for any group of people in history. No tribe, culture or what ever has ever not commited some sort of horrible act upon others that were not like them. That is a fact.
Secondly, How is a Christian sharing their beliefs throwing anything down your throat. It technically could fall under the same thing as someone recommending a movie they liked because they think you should see it. IT IS A OPINION AND BELIEF AND NOT FORCED DOWN YOUR THROAT. If you do not believe in my God then me telling you that your going to hell should have no baring on you because you do not believe in it. It is like someone telling you that you won't get gifts but coal when you do not believe in santa. same concept. The main goal of any Christian is to save you because the thought of an eternity in darkness is very scary and we would not wish it on anyone. It is a gift. you do not want it then do not take it. If you are happy in your religion then you have nothing to worry about. As far as you throwing a Druid book in my face. I would do nothing. I have never heard of a Druid who believed in Hell so I do not think that question is valid. But then again, I am not a expert at your religion.

Answer 3

As a human being, I don't think it's fair to visit the sins of a past group of people on to a present group of people. I'm not Catholic. I didn't participate in the Salem Witch Trials, or the Crusades or any of that.

I have Cherokee in my heritage. I don't hold you responsible for being on my land (insert wry smile and raised eyebrow here). Fair enough?

I'm not sure what you are specifically talking about when you say Christians force their beliefs on others. I have seen those who use hell as their personal tool to convict others who do not convert. I think that's beyond unfortunate.

Christians don't really have the luxury of saying, "Hey, whatever you want to believe is great with me. All paths are equal." Any Christian who claims that doesn't like you, has been recently hit over the head with something heavy and does not realize they have a concussion, or has some pretty wild interpretations of scriptures. Christians believe that Jesus is as He said, the Truth, the Way, and the Life and that no one comes to the Father apart from Him.

While I respect that your beliefs are your decision and your responsibility, I cannot in good conscience tell you that I believe your soul is safe. From everything I understand, it isn't. I believe hell is a real place. Why would I want anyone to go there? If Jesus is the Way to keep you out of hell, I have to tell you if I care for you at all. I'm not going to chase you down. I'm not going to force you. I'm not going to call you names. But I cannot in good conscience lie about what I believe to be true.

I find the last part a little confusing. If you threw a Druid book before me and told me to read it or I'd burn in hell, I simply wouldn't believe you. It woudln't threaten me and it wouldn't upset me. If it were really what you believed, I'd explain why I disagree. But since I don't think you have that sort of teaching, it would just be a little weird.

I'm sorry if Christians have been unkind to you.

Answer 4

The Salem Witch Trials were a long time ago, and not commited by the Christians that live today. Do we blame the Germans for the Holocaust, because their ancestors did it? I'm quite happy being a religion too, and I've never talked to anyone about my religion that has asked me not to. I don't preach fire and brimstone at every one that pases my way. Yet in a conversation if I reveal that I'm a Christian most people immeadiatly become hostile. So what your saying has happened in reverse. I've said it once and I'll say it to my dying breath. You have to take it person by person. Don't sterotype, because there is always an exception.

Answer 5

I think you're mixing things up. As an unbeliever I agree it's annoying when they try to force their religions into your life, especially when this is done through the power of the national states, by laws, moral standards, and the like, which you have to respect, but you shouldn't be forced to adhere to. I mean, for instance, you should respect that other people don't like gay marriage, but that doesn't mean if you're a gay you should not get married to another man. That's when I find religions imposing.

Anyway, I was saying you're mixing it up. I was talking about your reference to the Salem Witch Trials. I mean it's obvious that Christianity has been terribly intolerant in the past, and even more, that it hasn't shown enough that they even repent (as an institution, leaving some exceptions aside) about what they did (Inquisition, Crusades, witch trials, evangelisation of the Americas...). But this terrible misbehaviour of theirs does not allow us to do the same now, or even to claim they cannot complain about being mistreated now. What those Christians did in the past was terribly wrong. And that's why NOBODY should repeat it again. Not even against the former victimisers, in revenge.

Now, I think the thing about the disrespect some Christians complain about is this. They take certain things as sacred. And they feel very deeply about them. But they have to understand that not everyone does so. I mean, I don't feel like worshipping the Virgin Mary. I don't even feel like not discussing if she was a virgin to begin with. That discussion is not sacred to me. It may be irrelevant and stupid, but not sacred. And when some people feel some things are sacred, and others don't feel the same way, someone's bound to feel their feelings are hurt. What's the solution? How would I know?

Answer 6

I can't answer for other Christians but to try to FORCE someone into a religion ( or anything as far as that goes) will get them no where. Ideally a Christian should talk to a person in a civil, respectful, manner while witnessing. This would require the person being open to discussion or a willingness to listen. A Christian should care about the person, their faith, what they feel is the way of salvation. And hope to share their faith and how a person is saved. Force, convert--no. Share, care,concern,--yes.

Answer 7

I would like to let you know that I wasn't there at the Salem Witch Trials nor were my ancestors because my ancestors were being hanged because they wanted freedom from slavery and were held against their will by white people.

Secondly, I don't know you and you don't know me therefore I haven't imposed my beliefs on you nor will I in future unless you want to ask me about my beliefs on this forum. If you respect my beliefs then I will respect yours. If you attack my beliefs,I will defend and speak out!

Finally, I see that you are trying to make a point with ur final question but like I said I don't force my beliefs or my Holy bible on anyone. I back up what I believe with it's source and that's the word of God. To over look ur point of view, I would say no thanks to ur druid book and that you would probably go to hell before I would for reading it in the first place.

:0)
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Answer 8

I am Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, and I don't force my opinion on anyone. Jesus didn't force people to believe he was who he says he is so why should I. I can't speak about the Catholics, but the Mormons I do know get a little too happy knocking on doors. As a Christian, I feel respected, although I see a lot going on in the world that is against what Christ would have me do. Well maybe I do feel respected when it comes to teaching the theory of evolution in schools. I just feel that people should hear my side of creation as well, but that is another conversation. If you were to throw a Druid book at me, I may read it depending on how I feel, and I would tell you that my salvation is in Jesus Christ, not in nature, and there is no way I can go to hell. I'd probably tell you that you are going to hell, after all, you did tell me I was going to hell if I didn't read the book. Remember this: Just because someone reads the bible does not mean that they are going to heaven; even Satan knows the word of God. Salvation is only through Christ, not reading the bible, but the bible does tell us to study.

Answer 9

The Salem witch trials were along time ago. Don't blame me for them and I won't blame you for making my 1st grade teacher look like a toad. If you insist on bringing ancient history into this then bring all of it. Do you know what stopped the trials? More Christian education stopped them. The Head of Harvard came down and taught people a more complete interpretation of the scriptures. Yes, that's right Harvard was originally established to train people to spread the Gospel. They and so many other schools became so tolerant of other beliefs that the Christians became the minority. So your facts are just plain wrong.

And if you gave me that Book to read, I would read it. That way I would have a better understanding of who you are. This information would help me to convert you. Quit crying about people wanting to convert you. It's not like were gonna throw a bag over your head and take you to a basement until you can recite some scripture. Good grief, this country was certainly not made great by cry babies. Get over it. If someone want to tell you the gospel, you are still free to reject it.

Answer 10

Some Christians do get "disrespected" on this site and elsewhere, but the idea that Christians in the United States are mistreated or discriminated against in this country is absurd. The vast majority of people in this country are Christian and freely worship their god as they please. Some may claim that because they are not allowed to promote their religion using public funds or forums (schools, government buildings, town property, etc.) they are discriminated against -- however, this is required by the first amendment of the constitution, and it protects Christians as well as those of other religions or no religion.

Saying that those groups you mentioned try to "force" their religion on others is a little strong if they are merely seeking converts through persuasion and they leave you free to make your own decision. They are entitled to freedom of speech. You are not required to listen to these people. If they want to enact laws to enforce their religious beliefs or use public funds or property to promote them, that is unconstitutional.