Why do so many people justify their hatred with religious rhetoric?

Question

Before anyone says "Why do you think all religious people are hateful!?", let me make it clear that that is NOT what I said. I asked why SO MANY people do, not everyone. I know a great many people who practice their religion the best they can and try very hard to be accepting of other's opinions. My question is, how can some people justify hatred and bigotry with a book they can't prove is accurate, or by quoting their preacher's opinions? Do they not see the conflict in this "logic"?

To Bubba-
I smell what you're steppin' in. But the hatred I'm referring to is, as I said, not inclusive of all religious folk. I also know that many churches teach and encourage outreach, as I used to be a card carrying youth group evangelist (shudders). When I talk about hatred, I am talking about HATRED. Calling gays "fags" and telling people that it will be a pleasure to see them burn in HELL because that is what the Bible tells them will happen. I am talking about people who justify speaking down to people this way with their religious text and rhetoric.

Thank you for your answer-I appreciate the time you put into it.

Answer 1

The basis for all of it is fear. These people cherry-pick their thoughts and opinions from these ancient scriptures, and twist them to their own meaning. Like many good people since him, the teachings of Jesus have been usurped ad infinitum into something that barely resembles its original meaning. It's like a centuries-old game of "Telephone".

Very, very few people in history have died in the name of atheism.

Think about it.

Answer 2

"For by grace are ye saved through faith". Notice that it does not say that you are saved through logic. When you come to a fork in the road and one way is faith and the other is logic - choose faith. Logic is using our finite minds to reach a conclusion - faith is relying on God's infinite mind to work things out. Now to the other point of your post. Pointing out sin is neither hateful or bigoted. You only see it this way because you don't believe in the Word of God from either His book or His servants. My guess is, one of the "sins" that Christians shine the light on, is probably one of your own pet sins, and you feel as though we are picking on you for condemning it. We are neither hatemongers nor bigots. You seem to think that our religiosity is something you should warn others about. Does this mean that you are hateful and a bigot? We think sin is something we should warn others about. Please give us the same option that you are exercising.

Answer 3

They do it because it's convenient. The same way right-wing conservative males like to tell women what they can and cannot do with their body. Because it's convenient for them. After all, they'll never have to come face to face with that problem, so why not totally rip on someone who does? It's a great boost for the ego.

Answer 4

hatred is often times miscalled. if im intolerant of something that god has called wrong than im just following his laws...if you see it has hatred its propably because you are uncomfortable with having your lifestyle questioned. But i agree that too many people cross the fine line between bold and rude...hate the sin not the sinner

Answer 5

I hate egg plant.

I dispise it.

I can't look at it.

It's disgusting outside and inside.

Nothing you can say or do will ever get me to like it, yet alone tolerate even being around it.

Answer 6

Why even attempt to justify it at all? Why does it need justification? Psychological perhaps?

Answer 7

I agree with you-I have noticed that too.

Answer 8

i tottaly agree with you,but maybe some people ,i dunno why,hate other religions becouse they have diferent "Rituals",you undersetand me,maybe...

Stay cool !

Kiss :)