Christians: Why do you think your religion should be sequestered from criticism?

Question

My experience with Christians here and in the "real world" is that they somehow believe that their religious beliefs should go without criticism. I remember in college a girl asked me about Christianity and I said "No, I don't believe it in it. I think the bible is full of fallacies and historical inaccuracies," and then she said "HEY! That's my faith! You should have some more respect."

So I wonder, what gives you these special rights to sheild it from criticism while you are without problem of converting others, criticising atheism, and even mocking other religions that aren't as prevalent?

P.S. The thumbs down will be a reflection of what I say, and before anyone says, no, I do not mean EVERY SINGLE christian; just those that do; who I believe are a majority.

Answer 1

Christianity should never be segregated out for special treatment. That girl you encountered was caught off-guard by your response and reacted in a psychological manner -- defense mood. The majority will because they haven't mastered their faith that well and they do not know how to effectively share their faith. But ultimately we are accountable and should be.

Answer 2

Alucard you are simply angry with Christianity it does not matter how any of us answer your questions you will still hate Christianity, what I do not understand is when will people try and learn about our beliefs without the hidden agenda of proving it wrong.

I don't say don't criticize me, but research means being bias and learning both sides of a matter with the same open mind on both sides of an issues. I read scientific research, I watch every National Geographic showing on the Bible that is aired I have 3 saved in my dvr right now even the ones that offer up proof of contridictions, but in the end it will still be my choice to believe the God that I serve or what I have seen or heard... Bottom line is I was open minded enough to listen.

I can not answer for anyone but myself, I can not save anyone, I can not convert anyone, if you have one ounce of respect in your body I ask that you please stop generalizing all Christians and tell it like it is.. You base most of your judgments of Christians based on your experience with those Christians you have met.

Why don't you try being open minded enough to stop bashing the Christian faith until you can give an argument based on Christians who do not stand up to your standards, as well as some that do... I'm sure you will say there aren't any because you can not admit you may be wrong about that.

Answer 3

Christians who are strong in their faith and knowledgable of the word should have no issues about their faith being questioned. As far as history goes the Bible is remarkable accurate particullarly the New Testament gospels. For instance the account of Jesus' crucifixion matches the historical record of Pontias Pilate being governor of Judea at the time, the reason for his execution which matches the records of Roman historians and the records kept by the Sanhedrin (executed for heresy) and Roman historians document the formation of the church as chronicled in Acts and Romans and the later books of the New Testament (the letters). The Jewish historian Josephus for example lists as does the Bible that Joseph Caiaphus was Jesus' judge during Jesus last days. In 1990 the Caiaphus' family burial ground was discovered during digging for a water park and one of the ossuarys that was found was a very ornate box listed as belonging to a Josephus Caiaphus.

I criticize evolution and am ridiculed but the truth is evolution is still a theory. It's fine to ask questions but it must be done respectfully by either side.

Answer 4

I think your question is fair. What disturbs me is not so much the questions or doubts of others, it is the gross rudeness of some. The Bible has stood the test of time and it has changed lives, so if some people speak against it that is nothing new and it will remain an important part of the Christian faith. I only get mad at atheists who say vulgar things against Jesus and that is not called for, in mature dialogue. You on the other hand are my favourite atheist and I did not give you a thumbs down, It was a fair question.

Answer 5

Your judgment is broad. My experience is that Christians are very open to conversation, debate, and discussion about their beliefs IF each person is respected.

That does not mean that criticisms are not allowed, but more about rudeness of presentation.

In my senior high school years, our teacher invited many different faith tradition into our classroom to preach, teach, or simply reflect about their faith traditions and relationships with others and God.

Hardly a closed environment to explore belief, philosophy, and meaning of our world! I attended a Catholic private school but felt that I was afforded a broad perspective of community beliefs in our school.

Answer 6

It sounds like you have a lot of narrow minded friends. You're welcome to read my Bible and ask any questions you like. Please try to remember that the Old Testament is a history book and the two commandments in the New Testament are how we should live our lives today. Much has changed since the Bible was written, so be careful not to take things out of context. The best way to interpret the Bible is to use the Bible itself, by looking for other places where the same phrase is used. This isn't too hard today with search able Bibles on the Internet.

Answer 7

Christianity has been criticized since its beginning, why stop now? The thing is, people should have respect for other's beliefs. You apparently don't comprehend that, but maybe thats because atheists don't believe they have souls, so there's no inner voice helping them understand things like empathy. And hey, maybe you really don't have a soul, or a very weak one. It's possible. I don't insult or put down Hinduism or Buddism to people of those faiths, because I have respect for the people who hold those beliefs. You just don't have that ability. Maybe something you should work on.

Answer 8

I'm not a Christian, but it seems to me that most criticisms are not worded nearly so eloquently and respectfully as you put it....on this site I've seen more Atheists insult and judge believers for their religion then the other way around. Most seem to think that believers are inbred rednecks who are mental for believing in a sky fairy.

Answer 9

I don't mind criticism at all. I quite enjoy a robust debate, and I think my beliefs are defensible in an honest give and take. What I don't like from either side (although I am occasionally guilty) is angry rants, and unreasonable, unnecessary insults. Good question.

Answer 10

I think you are right in one point. Why should Christians be angry or surprised if they are criticized? Even Jesus was criticised, ridiculed, rejected and crucified for His teachings. And He said, that if they do it to their Master, they should not expect that they will escape the same treatments. In fact they should be happy and rejoice. Christians who do not accept criticism are contradciting themselves and are not good Christians but hypocrites. Especially if they retaliate and persecute others who don't agree with them are not Christians at all and should not claim to be followers of Christ.