Why do most members of other religions, and atheists, regard christians as overbearing?

Answer 1

Disclaimer - I am a Christian.

Because most Christians ARE overbearing. They are nothing like the example that Jesus showed in the bible. They spout verses and yell hurtful things from street corners. They wear Tshirts and bracelets that scream "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO", and they dont even know themselves.

They should read the bible and follow the example that Jesus showed. Humility, sacrifice and love for sinners.

If "Christians" would act like this, then people would stop thinking of them as so negative. Of course, there will always be those who hate Christians, but at least we wont deserve it.

Answer 2

I'm Jewish, non-practicing, but I don't really find the vast vast majority of Christians to be "overbearing". I would say overbearing , vaguely, might apply (if it applies at all) to perhaps only the "evangelical / born-again / Baptist" types of Christians. And really that's probably only if they're asked, or if religion comes up at all. I haven't met any (well, in all fairness I have not ever MET very many of them at all) who have been "overbearing" about religion in general, without it coming up as a topic first. And then, as I said, usually you'd find that more with your real right-wing type "moral majority" sort of Christians, as I said the "born-again" types, etc.

Most of the people I work with and know are (nominally at least) Roman Catholics, and to be honest they don't seem very interested in religion at all. Most are just like me, non-practicing in their religion, or only for xmas , easter, and / or weddings and funerals. That's how a lot of we Jews are as well -- non-practicing, or "agnostic", and/or only "culturally" Jewish, or only go to synagogue for high holidays or major life events.

Answer 3

Because there are a lot of Christians that are overbearing. But there is also the fact that just because someone doesn't want to hear what another one has to say then they consider it to be overbearing. It's annoying to be told something that you have already heard or don't' want to be told. So that person has no patience to hear it again. Therefore, instead of being understanding they find it easier to just be insulting.

Answer 4

Personal experiience leads me to believe that there are many Christians who are overbearing and intolerant of other's religions. Otherwise they wouldn't try so hard to convert us. Look at those freaks at Way of the Master or one of the many other Neo Con institutions that wants Christianity to be a state religion. That frightens me.

I also know that there are many Christians who are decent folk who just want peace.

Answer 5

Just as the statement that Christians are overbearing is a wrong assumption, so is your statement that most non-Christians believe this. I think that people who do believe this, think it because they have seen very vocal Chrietians in the media trying to force their ideals on others as law, and have likely dealt with Christians in their own lives who have tried to "save" them. I am a Christian, and have even had Christians try to save me. Most Christians aren't that way, but many of our representatives are.

Answer 6

Some Christians are a bit overbearing. Most are not really so bad. The annoying ones are those that come to my door and start preaching to me uninvited and unwanted. If I want a sermon, I will go to a church and get one.

Answer 7

i am a Christian, and unfortunately I know many Christians who try to "save" people themselves. Rather than set good examples and show Christian love, they judge homosexuals..., try and force their beliefs on everyone around them, and constantly remind people of their sins. I believe this has given us the "overbearing" title...We should love others and let them come to Christ after seeing the fullfilling life He has given us.

Answer 8

Because a lot of Christians tend to try to convert all around them. They cannot conceive the fact that there are people who exist that do not believe in God.
Whereas many who do not believe in God, do not try in vain to change the veiws of a Christian.
Just because you have a belief, does not mean that that belief is to be the truth. (that goes either way)

Answer 9

Because generally Christians can be unbearably obnoxious in the declaration of their beliefs. They are very pro-active about converting everyone around them. Fortunately they're no longer using murder, torture and genocide to spread their beliefs, but they're still just as self righteous and brazen about it.

There are plenty of christians who are quiet about their beliefs, but many aren't. Being a majority religion they flaunt it without qualm and believe themselves justified.

Answer 10

Because so many of them tend to be. It's part of the Christian religion to go out and try to convert people. They call it the "Great Commission", which comes from a verse in Mark that was tacked on later: "16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Previous versions of Mark cut off chapter 16 earlier.)