It isn't true. In fact, there is NO Christian better than another Christian, and NO Christian better than another person who is not Christian. Everyone was created equal. It says so in the Bible, and it says so in the constitution. I know there are many corrupt Christians out there or people who claim to be Christians but aren't, but I'd like to hear YOUR answer.
2007-01-01 14:20:29 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think that what you are seeing is the characterization of "all Christians" based on a large samples of such.
People believed ferrets to be vicious creatures because some of them attacked children in bed.
People believe Pit Bull Terriers to be vicious dogs because many are so. Would you go up to one and pet it without assurance that it was indeed friendly?
People believe things about "groups" because of the evidence that a "sample" of that group offers. Intellectually, a person may know that the entirety of a group is not necessarily representative of each of the individuals within the group, but one treats the group as a whole in a manner in which the sampling indicates warranted.
This is why people hear comments such as "You're not like the other (_____) " that I've seen when they experience behavior outside of that which has been experienced from the group as a whole.
2007-01-01 14:27:36 · answer #1 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While there are texts in the bible, primarily the wisdom literature, that point to equality, there are also scriptures that suggest that those who are Christian have a special place in God's thoughts. I think that's what Christians are referring to. I'm not a Christian, but I've heard Christians tell others they are going to hell. Threatening eternal torture is an extreme element of arrogance and one-ups-manship.
Personally, I'm on your side. We all exist on a level playing field, and the more we accept that, the better we can respect one another.
As a non-Christian, I've never been able to discern what is meant by the phrase "People who claim to be Christians but aren't." It seems to me that if you say you're in the club, you are. Granted, you can be excommunicated, but otherwise, if you are a church member in good standing, have been baptized, and attend church at least occasionally, this sounds like a Christian.
When people are asserting that ALL Christians think they are better, recognize that once you've been chastised repeatedly on the same day by different people, it becomes hard not to generalize, no matter that if you took a poll, your generalization would probably be inaccurate.
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2007-01-01 14:28:17 · answer #2 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am refreshed to see your outlook on this, because being a Taoist I have had trouble with Christians thinking they are better than me. I think it is because I have not been converted yet, people have tried but I can see past it.
I think it is only certain branches and extremes of Christianity that believe that, but as far as what you said about everyone being equal that is 100% true, don't let anybody tell you otherwise!
2007-01-01 14:27:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not that they necessarily claim to be "better". It's just that a lot of them give off this attitude of "I have all the answers, you don't" or "I'm on the right path; don't worry, I can help you get off your wrong path" or "I know where I'm going after I die; it's a shame YOU don't". They act as if they have the most important truths in the universe and that all other people who are following other truths are somehow wrong, just because. Many of them act VERY condescending, and that's apparent everywhere you look, especially on sites like these. Honestly, I don't think a lot of them even realize that they do it.
2007-01-01 14:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by . 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What you are asking about is an age old tendency of people. When ever some one feels bad inside, they will criticize others. Have you ever heard, for example: who ever is most weary of cheating in a relationship is the one who is already cheating. Social and psychological sciences have explained this over and over again..
Or like when someone chooses to correct all your grammatical mistakes or pronunciations, that person is trying to gain status on you because they believe they are below you.
I love this : Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
2007-01-01 14:26:51 · answer #5 · answered by Akshun 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably because they have met "Christians" that tell them they are better. Some of them condemn and put others down even if they meet someone who is a Christian but in the "wrong" denomination.
2007-01-01 14:25:06 · answer #6 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
EGO...
Their society plays a part as well, like if you are the majority(in terms of religion) living in US, and US happens to be the most powerful country, you've got more say, and you can ditch people. Religious people simply use that, bush is an example...
2007-01-01 14:26:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe for the same reasons some Christians say that ALL non-Christians are going to hell--ignorance and arrogance.
2007-01-01 14:26:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is because many people find it easier to accept stereotypes than to get to know people as individuals. Any time you see ALL anything, no point in reading more. This is not somebody that values the individual.
2007-01-01 14:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some don't come in love and come with the holier than thou message....it doesnt sit right with people. But on the other hand, if they really categorize 2.1 billion people with a generalization, they are also in error.
Which is worse? G-d will decide.
Happy 2007
David T
2007-01-01 14:28:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋