Controversial question: In what way does Christianity increase suffering in the world?

Question

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In what ways could Christians alleviate that suffering?

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jesusfreak102794:
Your (apparent) Christianity has increased my suffering through your response.

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Small but Fierce:
I don't think I've ever heard annihilation equated with reduces suffering exept in fascist governments. Interesting that you equate Christianity with such actions.

Answer 1

It makes people feel immensely guilty for being human and makes them fear the afterlife so much so that they make what might happen after death the main focus of their life.

The very basis of Heaven and Hell themselves, of sinning and forgiveness, are horribly cruel things to impress upon a person. No matter how good a person you are, no matter how sincere or kind or generous, if you do not obey every command in the Bible or given by your church, you will burn in Hell forever. It is, bluntly, a leash to keep people in line. Because they are naturally wrong and dirty, they need constant guidance to keep them on the "straight and narrow" -- guidance provided by either a church or a book, and always at the sacrifice of individuality. Don't wear this, don't say that, don't think, don't speak, don't do -- this is how to be a good person. Your natural desires, be it for sex or for sweets, are denied to you; your natural emotions are stifled, and you are told what to think at all times. If you do not think this way and wear these clothes, you will be punished forever. If you do not accept Christ as god and take up the guilt of knowing an innocent man was slaughtered for you, then you will burn in Hell. Again, how can this be beneficial to teach someone? That they must either give up their own minds and own lives, and not suffer; or that they can be themselves and be human and be punished?

On the other hand, if you are a believer in Christ, then you can do no (permanent) wrong. You have no true personal accountability or responsibility. If you do something bad, the Devil made you do it! It is because you were under the influence of Satan, not because you were short-sighted or just plain wrong. You can blame this external force for all your wrong doings and keep your own conscience clean and clear -- you do not have to feel bad about what you did, nor have to make serious amends for it. All that is necessary is to ask God to forgive you (which God, of course, always will), and you are free of all wrong doings. What a wonderful way to destroy a healthy sense of accountability! What a marvelous way to warp a balanced moral fabric of right and wrong! While Ghandi goes to Hell for being a non-Christian saint, Jeffrey Dahmer can repent and go to Heaven to eat supper with his victim's parents. This is, in fact, the main driving force behind various types of religiously-inspired hatred and murder: if you are killing for God, or repent while you are killing, then you are really a "good" person, while the "bad" you killed are going to Hell. But it's okay, because they aren't Christian. We saw the results of this in the Inquisitions.

Answer 2

False promises of a false security as in the fools paradise syndrome tend to pacify and confuse the believers into an apathetic stance on the evils of the world creating a set of pat answers from an ivory tower thwarting free thinking and action
that are much needed to help solve the problems of the world rather than leaving it up to an imaginary being. The classic example is the Holy wars which some say are still in progress today in the middle east.
Plus judgments based on antiquated dogmatic biblical or outdated teachings of morality that fall short of present day needs .

Answer 3

Luke 2:34-36 (New International Version)

34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

I picked this verse for a reason. The message of Christ causes suffering. We have to realize we are sinners and at heart, bad people. Having this realization we must then decide what to do. Never again will life be the same for us no matter our choice.

As to how decrease this suffering. Nothing. Change brings pain and if it did not I doubt we would do so. Also, the good that comes out of this suffering is small in comparision to the rewards.

If it makes you feel better it will get much worse at the hands of man before the return and will far out weigh what the Christians did.

Answer 4

Faith in elders when they hold the flock with corrupt point of views and will not eat and drink and sleep healthy causes the suffering of many. Make the old ones do this. The middle aged ones, that won't shut up, as if the kids are benefiting, and the devil is being kept at bay, need to do that, quiet. Fix the elders. Little kids, well, they need to learn the discipliine of staying still and listening to lessons and scriptures. That should not be difficult if the middle age ones quiet. Its the main religion, so, if you follow my three point plan, I'll probably feel better in the future.

Answer 5

They increase suffering by being saviours of those that do not want to be saved, we are not charged by God or anyone to change or save other cultures in the world, every country has it's problems, and we wont mind our own business we keep sticking our noses where it dose not belong.

Answer 6

Unnecessary guilt.
Using blame and threats to carry its message rather than getting its hands dirty to get down on the ground and help people.

Note: These do not apply to all Christians or all sects equally. But these are techniques that have been used by some Christians of some sects at some times. (Also by people of other worldviews at times too, of course).

Answer 7

Christian people, communities, churches do not increase suffering. do you know that over 85% of ppl still down in the Katrina devastated areas and in the tsunami areas are christian organizations? Long after every1 else forgot about them and "did a good deed" then moved on to the next thing in the news. Christians reduce suffering.

Answer 8

Oh yes,us Christians are such horrible people.We try to stop mothers killing their babies in the womb,we try to stay moral,we help the sick,work in AIDS-afflicted countries,build hospitals,schools and clinics in third-world countries.In the meantime,over two imllion Christians have been killed in Sudan,and no one seems to know.
Yes,us Christians reallly are the worst,aren't we?

Answer 9

By imposing itself unto other nations, invading and disrupting self-sustaining communities.

By filling the human personality full of shame and guilt - and exposing it to be exploited by untrustworthy people.

By preaching against everything that makes us natural, normal healthy people, and enslaving ourselves to an outdated, unnatural philosophy.

Answer 10

It teaches people that they are sinners and can never be free of sin, which essentially just gives them no incentive to do anything good. It makes people who have nothing to feel guilty about feel guilty. It promises them a pleasurable afterlife, which makes them throw away their only life.