Why are Christians so self righteous and so blinkered that they ..........?

Question

Why are Christians so self righteous and so blinkered that they can't see or believe anyone else's point of view, I hear so many Christians that are almost rude to someone if that someone doesn't agree with them and their believes, can these people not open their minds to new ideas, discuss, debate them, are they frightened that they might find out they might be wrong. Watch and see how many dismissive replies I get on this question or replies accusing me of being stupid, or spelling mistakes or grow up, why do Christians want to alienate them self’s from the rest of the world by the lack of dialog and understanding.
I think it’s fantastic for people to have faith in something, and if it gives people hope and makes life bearable for them that’s great, I would never try and take that away from anybody, why do Christians feel that they must take other peoples believes and rubbish them and consider their believe is the right one when clearly they can’t prove it any more then the next religion, there’s nothing more ignorant than blind faith.

The Complete Idiot: God name for you, I would like to able to read questions and answers without some person ramming his/her believes down mine or someone else’s throat, and the best solution you can offer is stop reading that’s constructive

PP: Blinkered, they put blinkers on horses so they can’t see things going on around them and therefore won’t get spooked. I see your picking up on grammar etc to prove that your more superior yet you avoid the question, don’t be afraid, your bible say’s your every utterance should be gracious and seasoned with salt, you could do well to practice this

Dumpllin: There’s a difference in being righteous and self proclaiming yourself to be righteous, I only hear Christians, I don’t hear many Jews Muslims jumping in on questions and proclaiming their love for their god or telling people that their god loves us which I’m sure he does

Roaringlion: Very well put, with out doubt the bible whether you believe in god or not is a good book on manners and self conduct, if Christian societies lived by it’ writings the world would be a better place

Gjstoryteller: I think I might buy one of your books after reading that, treś bien

jack lewis: I at no time said “All” Christians you have added that in your head

Christina L: If only more where like you, beautifully put.

Answer 1

Having read through the answers you've received so far, and even with the negative comments regarding this word, "blinkered" is an apt description. Why? I speaks to viewing the world from a very specific focus, similar to a thoroughbred horse running a race so that competing horses on other side, will not pull the forward focus of your specific thoroughbred. If you don't "see" the horses on either side, you move forward without distraction.

That, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. It can aid concentration. But if there is information you need that is being kept out of your field of focus due to "dogmatic blinkers," information that can make for a more tolerant world or an expanded idea of reality and the divine force that created the universe, then these blinkers become more than counterproductive; they can and often do become dangerous. Radical Islam is an example of dangerous dogmatic blinkers. Any fundamentalism that excludes one group or another, or attempts to elevate itself above the crowd, is a prescription for unthinkable horror. History has demonstrated this time and again yet those within the fundamentalist dogmatic paradigm refuse to see or learn from history. Further...

When speaking about god, the nature of the universe, and reality itself, being open to possibility is the most productive and astounding place to be. So continue to be open, my friend. Don't worry about those who, for whatever reason, continue to live their lives within the claustrophobic confines of a dogmatic box. Either they will find an escape hatch or they won't. Either way, it should not concern you unless you are being harmed as a result. In that case, do what's necessary for your safety and continued exploration of the sheer mystery of it all.

Answer 2

I became a Christian by choice. The Christians I know aren't self-righteous. They're accepting of other belief systems, as am I, and often take the opportunity to learn from other religions. Perhaps you've been unfortunate to run into some close minded Christians. They don't represent all of us.

Incidentally, I once believed this about Christians, but I realized after meeting and hanging out with some that my views were skewed by a very limited experience. Becoming a Christian has actually helped me to open my mind towards others of different faith or no religious faith rather than close it off.

Answer 3

Christianity like other religion is about faith. In most cases blind faith. If a person has decided to believe, he thus becomes responsible to that faith. He protects and defends it. Its not just Christians. The crusades are long past. We still have Jihads today.

Non believers also contribute to create the attitude. People can be very dismissive. It is wrong to belittle the faith and beliefs of other. I am a christan and I do not think you are stupied. You must look on the positive side. Its not how many write in to condem you that should concern you but get an apporiate responce to your question.I assume it is a question and not an attack. So why get on the defence already.

I find that faith is a sensitive thing. Do I totally understand it all. Not really BUT it does not bother me. Everyday I learn more and I am still growing in the faith.

Answer 4

Hello there, well there are two ways for me to answer the question. First would be as you have said, that is become defensive... And second is to agree with you. And truthfully I also have encounter situation like that, but just say that we flip the back side of a coin, I'm a christian living in a majority muslim country. I have met people that could not accept others views. I've read article's that made me very sad. Even to the point of being scared of living in my own country. It's not the religion that you should be saying is self righteous it's just plain human-being. I've got many friends of different belief. I respect their belief. My Aunt is a muslim convert. My Granpa does not belief in god, my friends is a budhist. I do not accept their belief but I did not say in front of them that their belief is wrong because I believe in what I want to believe and they believe in what they want to believe.

To answer your question, not all people are like that (almost rude to someone if that someone doesn't agree with them and their believes), and not only the christians do that, but also the jews, the muslims , the budhists, the hindus.....

and to that hope that this will answer your Question.. :-) though it took me quite awhile to answer.

Answer 5

Is it really just Christians though? I wonder if you are confusing Christianity with European/American Consumerism/Capitalism which whitewashes as 'whiter than white and extremely self righteous....and they call themselves good Christians? I know what you mean...can't they see that there is not always a right and a wrong...other peoples perspectives are equally important irrespective of their race religion or creed. There does seem to be an arrogance amongst some of these people but I think it's bred from ignorance and fear...not getting out enough and mixing with others...they are blinkered. Do they think they can buy a place in heaven?


Spoonrake...good point but poor old Oliver Cromwells downfall was 'manic depression'...I do know what you're saying though.

Answer 6

Your question is blinkered by generalising all Christians .I have read more narrow minded and hostile remarks against Christianity then the other way round on Yahoo. Yes there are some who claim to follow Christ but don't practise his teachings and therefore are rude and intolerant and that's a shame because some then think that's how all Christians are like. But then we have the Richard Dawkins ( Oxford Professor) school of Atheism which nothing but straw men arguments and crass intolerance. You are right there is nothing more ignorant then blind faith that gos for atheism to.

Answer 7

It is not wrong to think you are right.Everybody thinks they are right,what is the point in believing something that you think is wrong?
I agree that dicussion is healthy and that the truth should stand scrutiny ,however most people choose a belief that suits them without really examining whether it is true or not or even considering whether god would approve of their worship.

To evangelize is the duty of a christian but that does not mean to force your beliefs on someone but it does mean putting the christian message out there for people to consider.

True faith is not blind,it is a confidence that someone who has always been truthful with you will continue to be so.

Answer 8

I was brought up as a Christian-I am no longer one. He are my 2 cents- as a child you do as you are told and you think what you are told to think-you do not know any better. As an adult, you have the opportunity and ability to study and search for answers to your questions. The Christian faith requires you to have no questions-the bible says it, so it is-there is no discussion.
As an adult, I did have questions and through a wonderful bible study program, I found my answers-although they were my interpretations. God is a vengeful God-almost like a controlling parent. Do as I say or I will smite you! Boy, that doesn't sound like a loving God. Needless to say, some other issues, such as views on gays goes against what I believe. I now follow the golden rule-do unto others as you would have done unto you. (Great philosophy!)
If everyone would just believe what they believe and live their lives with dignity and honor (and allow others to do the same) and stop spewing "their truth" for all to hear, life would be more enjoyable.
Of course, that may never happen-but one can dream!

Answer 9

Well, I can say from my point..Most people are wanting to put in thier views of God..I know God because I took time to know Him..To look at someone elses point of view is to me like saying I don't trust God but I do..When I say I believe that means that without a doubt I know there is a God and no one can change my mind,,I took time to find Him and He took time to love me..To be self-righteous I don't think I am,I know I was once a sinner but now Jesus set me free..I am one of His righteous,does that mean I am perfect,,no way! I make many mistakes but I do my best to learn from them..My faith is believing in something without seeing,,I don't see God but I know He is all around me..why,cause I listen to Him,I love Him..I can't make you or anyone else understand something I believe but I know that the Holy Spirit can,if you take time to hear..It is within everyone to hear Gods voice..I hope I answered you the best I could..Now watch all the thumb downs on mine,,lol.

Answer 10

Not only am I a christian I am a Roman Catholic which is probably one of the most controlled religious faiths around. I do not appreciate you putting me in the same boat as a lot of shallow minded people. I think if you were to open YOUR mind once in a while and stop wasting so much time calling christians small minded you will find there are just as many non christian shallow/small minded people out there as there is shallow/small minded christian people out there. I do not know what kind of christians you know but i suggest you cut all links with these people as they are not what i would call 'small minded christians' but are plain and simply shallow PEOPLE! It has nothing to do with their religion! As i have mentioned I am a Roman Catholic and one big issue within my church is women not being allowed to become priests. Now you may say this is wrong and do you know what i absolutely agree with you. Another major factor in my faith is abortion i do not know where you stand on this but if you were to say it is up to the individual i would completely agree with you as would may christian people i know! I think you need to realise that you have your faith and beleifs and we have ours! No there is no definate proof for our faith but there is none for you to beleive that none of our beleifs are real. How can anyone say I KNOW FOR A FACT GOD IS REAL? simple answer they can not. But i know i have one more strength than you and that is i have the ability to say I HAVE FAITH GOD IS REAL! My life will be a lot better of for it as well. Now stop wasting peoples time with shallow questions after all theres nothing more ignorant than BLIND INGNORANCE!