Is 2 Corinthians 6:14 a source of hatred towards Nonbelievers?

Question

(2 Corinthians 6:14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Hatred may be a strong word, how about cause people to segregate themselves?

Answer 1

I think this is a verse, (written by Paul, who else), pretty much sums up the problem of western religions including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It's this mentality that there can be light without dark. One cannot know light without understanding the dark and visa versa. It is this sense of singling out and separating based on ideology. Casting those aside who are different and catagorizing them as dark or evil. This is the beginning of prejudice unfortunately.
Although I consider myself a Christian, I do believe there are many theological issues with the writings of Paul that are not the same as the words of Christ. If we look at the writings and the life of Paul we find many contradictions to the life and actions and the words of Christ. Christ mingled with believers and non-believers, Jew and Gentile alike. But in this writting we do not see that being advocated by paul. Unfortunately, much of this analysis remains in the theological and seminary schools and the rest of the masses and congragents are told to follow the pastor and not analyze the writings themselves. They are told that the bible is an infallible book of God. I think this is the wrong path. If one's faith is so weak as to not analyze the Bible or the Quaran, or the Torah, then the believer is simply a blind sheep and mindless follower rather than one who is willing to have their faith tested with analysis and knowledge. In other words, they are rather shallow.

Answer 2

2 Corinthians 6:14 (New Living Translation)

14 Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

What God, Paul, or Peter not sure you wrote it. Are trying to say nothing about hating non believers. That's what the world wants you to believe, what they want you to think as a Christian is that don't hang around people who may talk you in or influence you do or sin against God as a Christian. It's simply like say no or just walking away.

Answer 3

That verse does not mean that we are to hate non-believers, far from it. Example: two horses that are yoked (attached with a yoke) *have* to go in the same direction. That doesn't work too well with a believer and a non-believer. Marriage is the prime example of that. I could not have the same kind of connection with my husband if he was not a Christian, and I have seen many couples that went against this and seen the problems it has caused.

Answer 4

No. Its actually a good piece of advice for believers not to entwine their lives with those whom, ultimately, they will be at cross-purposes with. If you read the last three verses of the chapter, it contains admonishment to believers to live lives consecrated to God. Throughout the New Testament believers are encouraged to live as compassionate and peaceloving people towards all. But In terms of marraige and close association with people who you will be sharing important aspects of your life with, a certain amount of discernment and detachment will be necessary. "Bad company corrupts good morals". And to a certain extent, such a close association is not fair to the non-believer either. There are things which he/she will simply not understand about your' choices in life (see 1 Cor 12-14). I think the whole counsel of the Bible can be summed up like this; By all means, live at peace with all men, be compassionate, be kind, be salt and light, DONT be hateful. But yes, be a seperate people. Read Romans chapters 12 and 13. They sum this up very well.

Answer 5

Um, no. It's common sense. When two people disagree about something as important as their faith, it causes tons of problems. You don't marry a person whose beliefs are opposite your own. How would you raise your children? It would be disastrous! If an athiest wants advice on how to deal with a problem, and a Christan says some advice about Jesus, and athiest won't really accept that as helpful, and the same in the other direction. When people have opposite opinions of truth, they can't really function as a team.

Answer 6

Yes an no.
In context, Paul differentiates "believers" and "unbelievers" based on the practice of moral virtue, and not on a membership roster. He is not talking about "Christians" and "non-Christians." This passage is also written about marriage specifically, and not about friendships, jobs, families, or other social connections.

But yes, this passage is often used to generate hatred toward members outside a particular sect.

Answer 7

No. It simply means that by connecting yourself by covenant with a nonbeliever will create problems in your life. Remember it was written in a time when the nonbelievers were Romans and Greeks and many of their religious practices involved sexual acts as well as animal sacrifices and entrails reading.

Answer 8

Not in context. In context dealing with marriage it's good advice. Marrying someone who doesn't agree with you on what you believe are the most important truths anyone can know is just a formula for certain divorce. Obviously it doesn't matter to a nominal Christian who doesn't particularly believe or practice their faith, but for one who does marrying someone that thinks their most important beliefs are a bunch of crap is a real problem.

Answer 9

I take that to mean that you should not hang out with unbelievers on a regular basis...makes perfect sense to me. When I find myself amongst them I can tell we don't see eye to eye on things so I choose not to occupy my time with them. Where do u get hate out of that??

Answer 10

No,it's not a source of hatred,unless you want to perceive it that way.It is just admonishing Christians to not consort with worldly,carnal people in their affairs.