Can someone enlighten me?

Question

I have an issue with the fact that some religious people get offended like crazy when someone doesnt believe what they believe to be right. Such as, the Da Vinci Code put every Christian I know in a hysterical fit. They rant of blasphemy and picket lines. Ok, so, when someone differs of thier opinion, its wrong and they are deemed an evil atheist.....but if the church does things that an atheist doesnt like, do we hear a lot of hoopla and protests? Who is the more peaceful group? I thought that Christianity preaches of understanding of others. Let me have my opinion as you have yours..

Stephen Henry Roberts (1901-71) once said: "I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."

Just adding: I understand that Dan Brown's movie /book is a work of fiction...That is why I cant believe the insanity around it....It was an enjoyable movie...fiction or not...Point being...let Dan Brown believe what he wants...if you dont like it, dont watch it, but why not leave him to his opinion...I think that it scared some christians...

Oh, really sorry, I did not mean to say "every" christian...Really sorry...I dont like sterotypes, so I appologize for that part...

I also believe that if someone wants to put a cross in a public place, that is fine. I think that they are beautiful and symbolize a beautiful thing. I am not saying that I am atheist or christian. I am an undecided.

Answer 1

actually both are just as equal. you are telling me that atheist dont come on this calling christians names and stuff? i see that more often the christians saying names to atheist. i do agree alot of christians do get offended. however myself and some that i do know also dont. i can care less. i want everyone to be saved but if not at least i told them the truth. da vinci code is just a movie and no facts. if someone wants to believe it that is there thing. if someone says they dont believe in God i dont get mad. i have done what God told me to do. however if i try to even talk about God people get mad. just like at work a buddy and i were talking about some stuff in the Bible and this guy got mad and said it was offensive. he could have left and gone someplace else. however the whole time he was talking about how his week was and how drunk he got and that he screwed this chick and did not even know her name and all. and cursing. i not once said anything to him. like i said i know there are some who think they are better because they are christian or say they are. however the Bible clearly states we are all epual in Gods eyes. and we are not to judge anyone. look at the questions section it is for christian stuff and so many non believers come onto it putting christians down because we choose to believe the Bible and that God created us.

most of the christians who do that stuff also dont read there Bible everyday or pray or go to church all the time.

and look up more. someone else just said that christians are ignorant hatefull people. is that not rude. how many answeres on this do you see a christian saying how mean and awfull atheist are. we dont. maybe some say they are full of hatered or sin. but you know what we all are according to the Bible full of sin.

and yes i am offensive if someone asks me questions. but i dont get rude about it. with the da vinci deal i was asked a lot. i just stated first it was a fiction and second i dont believe it. but if you want to then that is you. yeah that is offensive but not rude about it. just like if you were an atheist and i asked why are you one. you would explain it. well that is being offensive. but not being rude. once in a while i get the whole you believe this and thats wrong either from non believers or someone of another church. so i will get the Bible and show why i believe.

here is another question. we may get offended but why? is it because non believers come at us trying to prove to us God does not exist? like the da vinci deal. i had a lot of people who know i am a christian who came up to me and were all so what you think of this and this. or in general with anything to try to prove to me what i believe is wrong. yeah i get offensive and answere them. just like what if a christian walked up to you and said you are full of sin. some will say ok yeah your belief i am. or say whatever and some will defend themselves and say welli dont believe in the Bible and what not. why do non christians have to try to prove christians are wrong and then get mad at us for defending ourselves

and as a christian i believe in a hell and i am just trying to save anyone going down the wrong path. i dont accuse anyone and i dont judge and say you are going to hell. i just let everyone know i am christian and what i believe rather they are christian or not. if you saw a blind man about to walk of a cliff most people would save him. rather they would yell and say watch out or run and grab him and let him know what he was about to do. same thing as a christian i am not ashamed to be christian and to share the Word with anyone. just like a non believer does as well. the differance i talk about God they talk about how they got drunk, or how they beat up some guy or they cuss. the Bible says as a christian for me to share the Word with everyone. i just dont shove it down everyones throat. like some will do. i let them know and then i live my life. a lot of people realize how my life is and that i dont have all the problems and that i am happy and they come back and ask for more info. we as christians can be a good witness just by how we live. more so then telling someone of all there faults.

Answer 2

The truth of the matter is that Christians have very little left in which to hold onto their beliefs with. In a religion where, a thousand years ago, religion and belief and faith were everywhere, it is now down to just a few threads, and those threads are being drawn very tight.

With books like the Da Vinci Code and Misquoting Jesus, one of those last few strands has broken. The way Christians act today is a lot the way a child acts when their belief in Santa, or the Tooth Fairy or other belief starts to wither. They fight it. They go down kicking and screaming and they lash out at anything and anyone who threatens that last thread they hold onto.

I am an atheist. I am open minded. I can use my brain with logic and reason. Every time the FACT of evolution changes or is modified or updated, I study it and accept it for what it is. Too bad religious people can't do that. Even with a book like Misquoting Jesus, people STILL accept the bible as real and true. It must be so sad to live in a religious prison of your own mind.

Answer 3

I am a christian and I did not rant and rave about the Da Vinci Code... why? Because it is a movie, and I do not care. I am responsible for me...not everyone else. I did not see the movie - however...why? Because it is ridiculous.

As far as understanding of others... it refers to understanding and loving people...but not the actions they take that are sinful. Often people misconstrue that concept...as believers and as non believers...

Those who do not believe in Jesus often think that they are being accused, when it is the actual sin itself...the choice that is being pointed out.

Those who are believers often do point at the person, instead of the choice... that is just as off base.

So, since you asked to be enlightened...there you have it. Take it or leave it, it is and has always been...your decision one way or the other.

Answer 4

Unlike your self not everyone knows its fiction.
Typically Historical fiction is based on real events and the story is built around those events thats not the case here Dan Brown portrays is information to be facts with a story built around it which isnt true. In fact the author of his so called facts addimitted that they were a hoax.
As christians we have the great commission, a responsibilty to go out and win souls, to take the gospel to the whole world. Every soul is preacious no one wants to see thier friends or family go to hell. Or worse yet have the guilt because they never spoke up and did what we are commanded by God.
By confusing people especially the unsaved with a propigated lie or corrupting the faith of spirtual infants those not well versed in the Bible, it's very damaging to our faith.
Christians have been silent way to long and allowed our Christian nation to become a secual society. It's long overdue that they finally take a stand for there faith and there belief in Jesus Christ.
We are to love one another what better way to show someone you love them by presenting them with the gift of salvation and standing up for the truth.

http://www.rbc.org/uploadedFiles/Bible_Study/Discovery_Series/PDFs/the_da_vinci_code_separating_fact_from_fiction.pdf

Free booklet by Dr. D james Kenedy
http://www.coralridge.org/CRMResCtrdetail.asp?cat=sermon&pc=105299

Answer 5

Well as a Christian I try to be as open handed and minded as I can, bu the problem with the Davinci code is that Dan Brow took two stands, one that his information was at least somewhat historic, and that it was complete fiction. This is very misleading and many people have become confused about what really happened. I know its hard for alot of people to accept, but there is alot of historical evidence that say Jesus lived pretty much as the Bible says he did. And all of Dan Browns source are historically either inaccurate or fraud, that's the simple real truth. Check out Sony's own website. If someone made derogatory remarks about any other religious figure everyone would have a fit with them, remember the pictures of Muhammed? What if someone wrote a book obviously lying about Buddah, or your grandmother? We are just taking up for someone we love, and for one of His favorite disciples Mary Magdalen. She went form star student to wifey pooh.

Answer 6

As a Christian, I believe there really is a hell, and most people are headed down that path. Jesus said "Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and MANY are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it" (Matthew 13,14)
As one who was lost and hell bound, I can confidently say I have, by God's mercy discovered that narrow gate. Some errors are much more serious than others. If a nurse fails to give you your vitamin pill, probably no big deal; but if she fails to give you your insulin, you may die.
I believe there are damnable errors, which if embraced will eventuate in the damnation of the soul. The denial of the divinity and the blood atonement of Christ are such damnable errors. As such I do what I can to persuade men.

Answer 7

I completly agree with you even though i'm a christian. Alot of christians including my self have a tendency to act this way, because we try explain ourselves, when in reality it dont matter at all because in the end it boils down to this you are a believer or non believer periode. the Christian faith is the hardes path anyone can walk millions to vouch on it. Jesus Christ is not easy to follow because we have to deal with others but thats why he told us to take the Gospel to the World so others could SEE the difference in our lives.

Answer 8

I have an issue with the fact that some people don't know the difference between fiction and non-fiction. Dan Brown's novel is a work of fiction, although it puts forth real theories.

Thank you for attributing the quote to its source. I have seen it here and there, and like it very much, but didn't know it was Stephen Henry Roberts who said it.

Lisa
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/secularhumanism/

Answer 9

While I tend to agree with most of what you have said, I disagree with one point - atheists are increasingly becoming vocal in this country and complaining about religious symbols in public places. I will also admit to some "schadenfreud" over the fact that they succeeded in damn near ruining Christmas this year as well... LOVE IT!

Answer 10

It's called hypocrisy. We're all human - therefore imperfect by nature. All we can do is try to be good people in all that we do. We all have the freedom to do and say what we want, and though it can get quite crazy, some just choose not to let it get under their skin.

People act in certain ways only because they may be insecure in there own beliefs - misery loves company.

I feel that if you're secure in your religion, than it doesn't matter what others may be, or what they believe.

I still love ya. =)

Hope that helps.

Answer 11

You should read the Bible and see how the church blaspheme the Bible.
The religious leaders in Jesus day put Him to death so do you think it would be any different today. Religion is the Bible's worst enemy why do you think they burnt people to the stake for reading the Bible.