Why do Christians get so frustrated?

Question

You guys feel like it is your duty or something to convert people right? Then you get mad when people ask valid questions. Although there are immature people of every faith on here, most Atheists make valid points and ask real questions. You can't expect intellegent people to just believe in something and not ask questions first.

Also, I hear a lot of comments about how atheists need to get out of this section. Why would any Christians say that?

Also, it seems like many Christians on here think even if people aren't Atheist they still have no right to be on here if they aren't Christian. If you want to talk on an only Christian forum where everyone agrees with you, I'm sure some exist, and this is not the place. All religions and spirituality, and those curious about those things should be welcome here.

I hope everyone will help make this a mature peaceful area, that we can disagree in and learn from each other as well. Does anyone have any comments, responses?

Becky I'm not an Athiest.

I know not all of you are like this, but enough are to make the rest of us feel unwelcome much of the time. Unless someone is outright being mean, questioning your religion is not meant as an attack.

I don't expect people to agree on things, just to be respectful. And people know if they are being respectful or not.

It isn't considered evil by Atheists to spread your word, although it can be a little annoying to some. Atheists are here to educate themselves on peoples beliefs, at least a lot of them are. What's wrong with that? Is it any different than Christians being here as opposed to an all Christian forum?

Answer 1

You have a good point. I have to remind people several times a day that this is religions and spirituality section and that includes much more than just christian, even atheism.

Most of the anger and hatred I see comes from Christians because we question their actions and beliefs. I think people are threatened because they may fear their faith is wrong.

I am Wiccan, former Christian. I make comments based on experience and bible knowledge. This intimidates some. People cannot understand how I know scripture and was a Christian for 25 plus years but left Christianity. I have even been accused of following a religion instead of Christ.

It seems they always have to judge in some way even though the bible says judge not, and since they are christians the bible is for them to obey, not us.

The thing I like is I know that pagans like myself and athiests are here to stay and that irratates the you know what out of those people.

Answer 2

Okay here I go trying to defend people I don't know.

Let's start with the "frustrated" part. The frustration can arise from people asking absurd questions or making outrageous statements for the sole purpose of creating a riot on this site.
Some are "babes in Christ" and aren't able to defend their beliefs and become frustrated.
Even Satan knows the scriptures. He debated with Christ when Jesus was in the wilderness. More Christians know the names of NFL quarterbacks and designer clothes than they do the disciples or books of the Bible. They end up reacting to the questions and aren't able to defend a belief held dear in their heart.
However, attacking a person's belief is like attacking their child. It doesn't matter if the child is wrong, it's their BABY.

A note to all Christians: respond, don't react!

In my opinion I feel some of the people who claim to be atheists, aren't. They are just people who haven't decided what they believe and have labeled themselves to have some form of identity. If you are an atheist, a Buddhist, a Muslim or non-believer, I welcome your questions. Through civil dialog and learned conversation we are able to bridge the gap. Through understanding we are able to debate without anger or hatred.
I can only ask, if anyone has been offended by me or a "Christian" that you please forgive and accept a most sincere apology. Just as I forgive those who made disparaging remarks about Christians.

Finally you asked, "Why do they think it's their duty?" Because it is. The gospel says "to go into all the parts of the world preaching the gospel".

I have a friend whose beliefs and mine are very different. We have sat and discussed differences in our religions and never became angry or bitter. Others around us would ask how we could do that. Our answer was the same. We love and respect each other. It is why we are close friends.

At this time I would normally pass the offering plate while the choir sings us a song, but alas I bid you all a peacful happy new year.

Answer 3

As a Christian YES, it is our duty to try to proclaim the truth. As Christians it is also our right to ask questions, weather your question is valid and mine is not is not for anyone to decide. If you have a question it is valid and meaningful to you and I can respect that. However can you respect if you ask a question I will give you the best answer i can with the knowledge I have?

You are right, Atheist are welcome to visit any site as are Christians, Bud dist, Hindu, Jewish, Islam, Pagan etc.... But we are never all going to agree on anything. Although I do have to admit if Atheist do not believe in ANYTHING why do they bother with this site?

All religions and views should be welcome here but the reality is that if we anyone is seeking a serious answer, and they get a sarcastic remark it can sting a little. When people are hurting and confused sometimes they turn to strangers. If someone is looking for an answer about Islam a Pagan shouldn't taunt him/her for that. but it happens all the time. You just have to weed through the "haters".

I like your idea though, but I don't think it will ever happen. I would like for this to be a place were I as a Christian can understand what other religious view point are, but bottom line is I want everyone to know my truth and that might hurt feelings.

Answer 4

It isn't just Christians. You're pretty much talking about most people's core belief, which could be unbelief (atheism), doubt (agnosticism), or belief (relgions or metaphysical practices).

In any belief system, from Jewish to Muslim, there are going to be the hard-line zealots, and the more moderate practitioners. For whatever reason, the zealots are the ones that get all the media coverage and seem to be the biggest bullies.

For myself, if I'm cruising questions or responses in this arena, I tune out the more vitriolic or nasty ones. The unfortunate (or fortunate, depending on your attitutde) thing about the Internet is that EVERYONE has a voice. And there are a lot of really really insane people out there.

So I do agree with your contention that this would be a much more productive community without so much nastiness. Let's do everything we can to make that happen!

FP

Answer 5

I think they (christians) have some valid frustrations, just as all of us do (I happen to be pagan) on here.

Trolling is a huge problem on this site. Some who proclaim to be christians are just trolls trying to cause a commotion.

Then, if someone posts "To (insert your faith or lack thereof here) ONLY please" it's like an open invitation for all kinds of attacks from those who don't agree.

There are some christians who spout hate and discontent all over the place here, and that is annoying to the rest of us.. including those christians who don't behave that way. It tends to make all christians look bad.

Most of the atheists I've seen on here are decent people, very intelligent, and are asking questions or making statements as an exchange of information (give AND take).

I think those of us who are not christians would greatly appreciate it if those who are would take time to get to know what we believe, stop labeling us and actually contribute to the conversation without the constant preaching, perhaps we could all get along better.

Thank you for this question and the additional information. It's nice to see someone trying to make peace for all.

Many blessings on your path...
Kallan

Answer 6

I don't think that it's a Christian thing. People don't like to hear dissenting opinions or to be questioned on matters of faith. That's what led me away from the church in the first place - I asked questions and no one could give me an answer. They would always write "FAITH" on the chalkboard and it would somehow end the discussion for them. Maybe it's because they don't have all of the answers.

Also, Christians do feel that it's their duty to spread Christianity. That was what the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition were all about. We think that Muslims are inventing this with the jihad, but they didn't.

Not all Christians are unreasonable. My best friends (a married couple next door) border on being religious zealots. Either of them will engage in conversation about religion with me and one of them likes to be taken to task because it causes him to read more scripture so he can answer me. My questions strengthen his faith and he has invited me to speak at his Bible study group several times because he thinks that it would be beneficial to the others.

Answer 7

uh, who are you talking to? I mean, yes, that has happened to everyone in the past, but what are you going to do about it? Atheists disagree with Christians, and Christians disagree with Atheists, that's because nobody is a strict atheist, and even strict christians make mistakes. Pardon my comment, but I think calling someone an atheist or assuming they have the tendencies of an atheist before getting to know them is discrimination.

So what is your question? Why do people get so frustrated? Well answer that one yourself, why are you frustrated at the people you are talking about? Is it because they are not being nice? And if it is, the fundamental question is, what will you do about it?

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I completely agree. I would not want anyone to accept Christ without asking questions first, because how would you understand. I apologize for any brothers or sisters in Christ who think that atheists should not be on this site, or any other belief. I feel that God is leading people to Him, and this site may be the only Christians that some ever see, and I pray that they see Jesus in me.

Answer 9

yea, as for any religion, it is the members duty to recurit and convert and as many people as possible. not only because it is a duty but because if u sincerely believe it is right then you would want to save and share your ideas with everyone, its only natural. being a Christian myself, i agree that some of us are kinda of aggressive or can become frustrated when asked several questions, and thats not very comforting. i believe that answers that are satisfying to me may not be satifying to some else, and thats okay. no one has all the answers and i'll be the first to admitt that. i hope that a few Christians hasnt runined your perception of ALL Christians.

Answer 10

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Not everyone on here is a Christian. As a professing Christian, I try my hardest not to judge anyone, because when Jesus died for me he didn't judge me. His love instead was unconditional. When people make great statements then I note that they do. If the statement is ignorant though, then I'm gonna say it's ignorant. I do that whether the ignorance came from a Christian, a muslim, an athiest, buddhist, or whoever utters the foolishness. Feel free to speak your mind. Peter always did that in the bible and Jesus gave him the keys to heaven for it.