i'm a little concerned about religion?

Question

I'm not religious and up to reading some of the answers from 'christians' in the religious section i didn't have a problem with religious people. Since then all i read is hatred, condemnation, discrimination and prejudice? are these not supposed to be the loving, caring people of society?

Getting down to business i have 3 questions:

1) is religion all about what we are lead to believe on the surface such as forgiveness and equality; or is it all about fitting into a stereotype unless you want to be condemned to hell?

2) Do religious people believe that the only person who can judge is god, if so why do they feel compelled to criticise and judge and generally spread hatred in his name?

3) If religion is about love, and god is the only one to judge, should the people on here spreading hatred and condemning others to hell be made to go to extra bible lessons or church meetings cos they seem to be missing the point?

good point cinnamon, i suppose i'm talking about christianity as most answers i read which i relate to this question were people talking about god and christianity. I'm not offended personally it just seems to be a confusing contradiction of what i thought the church was all about.

betty boo, i'm agnostic not athiest and i'm not attacking the bible.

Bernard, im not asking anyone to justify their beliefs, i'm asking for clarification on what is rapidly becoming a confusing and conflicting subject. There are a lot of people on here spreading hatred, including some people who claim to be christian.

Answer 1

There are extremes in every situation. I'm, a christian, but I don't believe that it is our God-given right to abuse those who don't believe. neither is our place to judge. The thing with Christianity is that there are some many different groups and denominations. But I believe it is all about forgiveness and love, judgement should be left to God and those who are condemning others should read the bible again. I'm not trying to be mean, but Christ never abused anyone, His role was to set an example for us. If He didn't why should anyone else think they have the right. He never pointed to the Pharisees and said ' I condemn you to hell's fires' did He?

Answer 2

No need to worry.

Nowadays there are lots of groups and groupuscles who fancy themselves as Christians, but are outside the Christian tradition. It's not that these people have bad intentions (at least this is what I hope), but they lack the structure of a tradition in which they could learn little by little, with God's help, how to be forgiving, loving, and caring, and how not to be judgmental and hateful, and how to keep a low profile while working on these issues. Or if they have such a tradition, I would like to hope they at least try to live by it, because some of them don't seem to succeed. These are, of course, sweeping generalizations: I think there is only a small minority of big mouths among the religious party here.

Back to your questions:

1) Christ our Lord wouldn't have went to all the trouble (torture & death) just to makes us fit into a stereotype, or to condemn us to hell. He calls us, and His calling is positive; only at times does He become negative and warns us that we are free to answer the call or not, but we should be ready to face the consequences: with Him our eternity will be heaven, without him, it will be hell. Some Fathers of the Church actually wrote that the fire of hell is, just as the light of heaven, the flaming fire of God's infinite love for mankind; it scorches the first and illuminates the others.

2) God is Judge, but human nature (the "fallen" variety) has these urges to play God which have surfaced since the forbidden fruit.

3) People (Christian or not) should never, ever, spread hatred. This is why it would be wiser for them to stay away from the missionary game until they at least learn some manners. I'm not sure about extra church meetings, since usually these people belong to communities which actually send them in these "missions" of aggressive preaching. And by reading the Bible with a bias, it is the bias which is reinforced, and not biblical teaching. People have found in the Bible "proof" for some of the craziest and most absurd ideas ever.

Answer 3

I completely understand what you mean. Sometimes I'm scared to say my religion because I was raised Christian, and I don't remember ever being taught to discriminate against other religions. I think we should let everyone believe what they want to believe.

1.)It depends on the type of person and what religion they are involved in. For example, when I was young I was invited to go to a Catholic church by a friend, where everyone was told "If you don't believe in God, you're going to Hell." It was ridiculous. Again , people should be able to believe what they wish without having someone shove a religion down their throats.

2.)Another reason why I am almost scared to say what religion I belong to. Who am I to say that your relion is wrong and mine is right?

3.) Apperently, yes, they are missing the point. If a sixteen year old like me can figure that out, wouldn't an adult be able to figure it out too? I guess not.

Answer 4

I'm sometimes surprised that there are so many Christians who seem to really be into the whole thing. I think Y!A just attracts extreme people on all sides.

1) I think it's a mix of both
2) Yes, but I think a lot of them feel they are defending God rather than playing God.
3) They are just extreme people especially when with a keyboard. I don't think all of them are as bad in person. I doubt bible lessons or church meetings would change how they act online.

Answer 5

Yes, there is hate and discrimination on this site, as there is everywhere. But if that is all you have read here, I have to think that you are selectively reading to fit your preconceived ideas.

I am a Christian and don’t feel qualified to speak about other religion, therefore this is limited to Christianity.

As a Christian, I choose to follow the teachings of Christ. Christ’s central message is love and forgiveness.

Yes, many call themselves Christians but do not follow the teachings of Christ. This is not the fault of Christ or Christian beliefs. We are all fallible. This is the reason we need Salvation through Christ.

I can’t change the fact that some pervert Christianity into hate, but I hope you will not think that represents the teachings of Christ. It represents the failings of human nature.

Answer 6

The spreading of hatred, condemnation and prejudice is exactly the opposite of evangelism. Evangelism is spreading the good news about the grace and love of God in that He sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that man and God could be reconciled. For those spreading hatred here, they are wrong. I have been guilty of this here myself! When I read the postings of atheists trying to spread their hatred of God, and all things Christian, it gets under my skin, and I get mad. It just goes to show that I am not where I need to be in God's will. I am just a man, trying to do better. That 28 years of being a mean spirited redneck roofer keeps trying to creep back in. I am truly sorry. Also, I get a little angry when the muslims post their Q & A's, downing Christianity, and trying to force feed their beliefs on everyone about the quran, and Allah. I do not mean to come back so viciously, but I study the Holy Bible, and I go to church, and I know what the Bible says about a lot of things. You see, the Bible NEEDS no interpretation, if you study it with a serious mind and a heart that is open, and receptive to the Word of God! It means what it says! Truth does NOT need to be interpreted - truth is truth! Many of the meanings are spiritual, and will never be understood by people who HAVE no spiritual life! To directly answer your questions, number one - Jesus is very specific about what is required of a Christian to escape hellfire. The opinions of others on this point makes no difference, so they have no right to condemn anyone. It is God who will condemn or allow one into His kingdom. Two - God will judge sinners on judgement day. Christ's twelve shall sit in judgement of the twelve tribes of Israel. We have no right to judge. But as Christians, we DO have the right to admonish other Christians out of love for them when we see them doing things that are not in line with the way Christians are supposed to conduct themselves. Three - yes, people who spread hatred here or anywhere else are not acting out of love, and are therefore NOT acting like true Christians! You have every right to be concerned about this. It is this type of backbiting, and hatemongery that turns people away from God, if the one spreading the hatred is spreading it in the name of Christianity. In fact, that person will be held accountable for each and every person that they turn away from Christ! Good question - I hope I helped, and once more I am sorry for offenses such as these that I have commited. Love in Christ to you, and may the peace of God be with you. DL

Answer 7

My dear you are absolutely right about religion being fantasy and false but it is every religion not just the Christian religion. You will get no where by attacking the Holy Bible it has been around over a thousand years and been constantly under attack. Christianity has only grown and there is no reason to believe it won't continue to grow for some time to come. Atheism is just now jetting a foot hold. I'm not talking about forced Atheism like found in the former Soviet Union or in other Communist countries. I mean real Atheist like you and I. Americans are beginning as we become better educated to take a better look at religion and find it liking. But attacking die hard Christians are a waste of breath. Education=Atheist It will take at least another hundred years to make any progress but we are getting there. As for now you just have to reconcile yourself with the fact that you are right. Don't anger your Christin friends they are all we have. They will convert you if they can. God bless kisses Betty.

Answer 8

1) It should be about a system of beliefs, but it conveniently empowers some to make others fit into their mould.

2) It is true that judging is the reserve of God and those to whom He gives the power. he has not given this power to us, so we are encouraged in the Bible to avoid judging others. However, it's hard not to judge. When one person does it, everybody else ends up doing it. unfortuantely, when many people unrighteously judge, it increases the chances of some one going to extremes in their judgement and the execution of it.

3) No, unless they are quoting directly from the holy book. In that case, it is not the answerer that judges, but God.

Answer 9

Seems you are reading the wrong answers, ....some of the most judgmental, hateful, critical things on these threads are coming from atheist and agnostic...and I have to say that some really nice comments have come from them as well...not many..but some...I think when Christians get so upset is when God is mocked or belittled...you see to us, He is our Father and we do not want him criticized by someone who does not know Him, same as you would not want some one to say hateful things about your earthly parents...Suffice it to say...people are going to believe what they believe...it is up to each of us to search for our own answers...I am sorry if anyone calling themselves Christian has offended you....as I am sorry that anyone calling themselves open-minded are only open-minded with those they agree with...

Answer 10

First major misconception is that "religion" translates to Christianity only. There are many other religions out there so you have to specify which one you are talking about. Your questions only apply to the Christian religion, not any others out there.