Why do so many Christians feel they can force their beliefs on others?

Question

I was reading the answers to another question, something about relationships, and a lady answered by saying "I'm a Christian, so I don't think you should be having sex." Now, I'm 100% for people following their own beliefs, but I see this element in Christians a lot. It seems to be a conviction that if they believe something, or if their faith teaches something, it gives them a right to tell everyone to live by the same belief. I wouldn't have a problem with her saying "I'm a Christian, so I don't believe in doing that myself." But as soon as she crosses the line to saying, "I'm a Christian, so I don't think YOU should be doing that," she's trying to force others to live according to her beliefs rather than their own. Don't we all have the right to make our own decisions? Is this a phenomena others have noticed? Is it Christians or just religious people in general?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian and I understand what you are saying. As someone else said, it is unfortunate. Sometimes I think Christians get frustrated because non-Christians don't understand what we do and I think they tend to want to just tell people and, most of the time, that's ineffective. I want to share my faith because I believe it's wonderful and wish everyone could experience it. But, at the same time, I try to view it from the other person's perspective. I understand the motivation when Christians do that but I've come to the conclusion that most of the time it just turns people off. I'm more than willing to tell people what I believe to hopefully spike their interest but I always leave it open for them to make their own decision.

Answer 2

Although a great deal of Christians come off as judgmental, heavy handed, and pius, a Christian can't really force their belief on you (though many try). A Christian is convicted by the irresistible grace of the Holy Spirit and has accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and redeemer - that his loving sacrifice has paid our debt, has atoned for our sins, and has reconciled us with God our Father. A Christian can only make a "proposal" to you, not force you to believe.

Conversion to Christianity usually happens over time. A seeker starts asking the difficult questions that weigh on all of us to varying degrees - Who am I? What is my purpose? Do I matter? The initial curiosity is mostly selfish, about the "I"; however, that's quite natural and okay. We are the centerpiece on God's mantle, he loves us more than we can fathom, and he is concerned with the "I".

Christians are commanded to evangelize the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ), so one shouldn't be surprised when we do, just as we aren't surprised when the "world" acts like the "world." That said, judging people is a Christian "no-no", but we are incomplete sinners who stumble and fall just as everyone else does.

Answer 3

So by your story, the Christian said, " I am a Christian, so I don't think you should be having sex." Where in that sentence is a Christian forcing her beliefs on anyone. The person is stating her opinion. It does not say "Don't have sex". So are you that unintelligent that you think Christians can't 'think' about their questions before they answer. Maybe you should have actually thought about story before you posted it. Yes we all have a right to make our own decisions as did the person asking the question and the one answering it.

Answer 4

I'm a Christian and I see that a lot. It's rather unfortunate.

You asked: Don't we all have the right to make our own decisions?
Answer: Yes.

You asked: Is it Christians or just religious people in general? I think that most peop,e religious or not, if they have a strong moral stand, they tend to do this.

Answer 5

I guess for the same reason that non-believers force there lifestyles on us. It comes through our televisions in the form or smut, sex, violence, filthy language, perversity, homosexuality, etc..., it's on the radio, its on the streets, in the stores, in our schools. Non Christian and NON-believer lifestyle is why our society is in the SAD shape that it is in right now. I for one am a Christian, I will tell you about Jesus, if I think you are up to hearing the truth. But I will not force anything on you, it is you decision, alone.

Answer 6

Im a Chrstian too, and I cant and dont want to force my belief to others.

Just bcoz of few bad eggs, u can't say that the entire basket is bad.

Its same in other religion.

Just bcoz terrorism usually from islamic background, doesnt mean they knew the true way of Islam. Their way is the way of peace and harmony.
I knew this coz I have few close islamic friends who received a good teachings.

Answer 7

God requires His followers to spread the Word.

Granted, some go out of their way to tell others just exaclty what they are doing wrong. Although there is nothing wrong with that, they need to work and their presentation and also realise they they themselves sin too.
I'm curious why it bothers you so much when someone says something like this to you. They do it out of concern and because God commands them to do it.

Lighten up

Answer 8

Because they are "Bible Nazis" ... BIBLE NAZI - A fundamentalist christian who thinks it is a violation of their rights if they are denied the opportunity to use the coercive power of the state to shove their god down my throat

Answer 9

Yes, but they will deny it, or quote some boring scripture, or in some other manner try and make you feel guilty for asking in the first place....sigh....

Answer 10

If I went up to a person of any religous faith, and said the Bible is ********, and your god is a moron, I dont think they'd appreciate it.

So WHY do they do the same to me?

Good Question.