why are so many christians prejudiced?

Question

doesnt it say in the bible "judge not lest ye be judged" yet all the christians i have met have been the most prejudiced and judgemental group i have had the misfortune to come across

and after reading some of these answers i see that a lot of christians are pretentious martyrs as well

Answer 1

"When I am right and you are wrong then I don't have to explain myself." -A typical Christian response

Answer 2

Wow, that is a pretty prejudicial statement, LOL!

What do you mean by, "prejudice"? Do you mean racial bigotry? or do you mean disapproving of certain behaviors?

As for racial bigotry: I am a Christian in an interracial marriage. Many of my friends are also. Cross-cultural and interracial marriage is extremely common in Christianity, because we believe that the only thing that matters is your "heart" and your faith, not your skin. That being said, I am sure that some Christians are racial bigots, just like a lot of people are prejudiced. Of course, there is "neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female for ALL are ONE in Christ...." is the ACTUAL BIBLE teaching on this issue.

As for disapproving of certain behaviors: Yes, Christians believe certain behaviors are "sinful" and might say so. Being "judgemental" as in looking down on someone is wrong. However, sometimes there is just a perception that you get that isn't actually there. For example, if you know someone believes that abortion is wrong, and you have had an abortion, you might FEEL judged by that person just because you know what they believe. If you actually get to know them, you might discover that even though they believe something you have done is wrong, they don't look down on you or hate you at all. They might actually care about you, but you can't get past the fact that their beliefs are the way they are.

Why are so many non-Christians prejudiced?

Answer 3

first of all, to say "ALL of the Christians I have met, are the most prejudiced and judgemental group", you are in fact making a prejudiced and judgemental assumption. even in reading some of the responses to this, i can see how many people are indeed ignorant to what a true Christian is. i am in fact Christian, and i would say that if you feel you are being judged by someone, or if that person is prejudice against you, they are not a true representation of what a Christian is. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, and while doing so, he also gave the command to love one another even as we love ourselves. if they aren't doing that, then they may want to take another look at their obedience to the word of God...BUT please don't let that cause you to fall into the trap of doing the same thing. the bible says "a wise man will hear and increase his learning" ... so take what you experience and learn from it. in the meantime, understand that none of us are perfect. everyday we ALL fall short of God's grace, but knowing that His mercy is new each and everyday helps me to constantly renew my mind, and my ways. we all have to do that in order to not fall victim to the desires of our flesh. if i could give you some advice... next time something of that nature happens, learn how to be gracious. don't back talk.... don't get funky... don't curse that person... don't judge them... but encourage them. if you yourself know that's in the bible, but don't believe it... why would you even care to bring it up? just some food for thought.
God's peace be with you

Answer 4

I am not sure. I am a Christian and some of the harshest criticism I have received has been from fellow Christians. I also know however that the Christian walk is a journey and none of us is perfect, just forgiven. The Bible says we are to speak the truth, but we are to speak the truth in love. That is what I strive to do. I don't always make it, but I try.

Answer 5

You're claiming that because you've met a handful of prejudicial Christians that ALL Christians must, by default, be as prejudiced as well as they. That sounds like a pretty prejudiced assumption, if you ask me. :P


EDIT: "and after reading some of these answers i see that a lot of christians are pretentious martyrs as well"

Are you claiming NOT to be? If I didn't know better, I'd say that you rather ENJOY being "persecuted" by all us hateful Christians. But in all seriousness, how can you expect for one group of people to not be defensive when you openly insult that entire people? Just curious.

Answer 6

It seems to me that many of the patriarchal based religions are taught that their religion is the only true religion, rather than all paths lead to the One.

Others seem to not believe that any religion outside of Christianity is valid. That is like telling a practicing Buddhist that his religion isn't real, so I can see where people think that Christians are prejudiced. I believe everyone is entitled to their own belief system - whatever works for them - and it's not up to me to judge them or try and convert them to what is right for me. That would be like trying to force my size 14 neighbor into my size 6 jeans. :-)

I was raised to be tolerant of all other religions, and by the Golden Rule. What mattered was if a person was good person by nature and striving to be that way, not what their religion was.

Answer 7

Maybe you are not in the right group? I would think that anyone professing to be a Christian would be using the fruitage of the spirit as quoted in Galatians 5:22?
True Christians are not the way you describe. To be a true christian a person needs to know his Creator and his son? See john 17:3. This will also extend a person's life. After knowing them, then a person would need to imitate them. I know we are imperfect, but its not impossible to do?
I think if you see the hypocrisy's of the people you describe then you must be more honest than them? To find the true followers of God you need to search scripture? You also need a guide? Someone that shows you where to look, not to tell you how it is , but to only show you where to find answers to your questions. See Prov 1:5 [e-mail]

Answer 8

A lot of people claim the name of Christ for lots of different reasons. So you get a lots of people claiming the name of Christ but leaving like Christ. Don't let that effect your opinion of true Christianity. Try to find some one who does make a good attempt to live the bible as it's written and learn about Christianity from them.

Answer 9

I understand exactly what you are saying. I have met a good amount of Christians who are like that too. I have come to conclusion that maybe I met them for a reason and when i found how judgmental they were i decided to let them see the good that i hold and hope that they would follow. You can't change someone just as much as they can't change you.
It's hard sometimes but sometimes you have to have a smooth and soft talk with them and hope that they carry the advice you gave them.

I'm not perfect and on that note, no one is. We all fall and we all lose the good that we should hold tight to but that is why God is a forgiving God.

I know that others should change for themselves but i do not think that it is wrong when i pray at night and ask God to forgive those who have sinned and to cover them with the love that he has covered me with.

Answer 10

In ones sense that is a prejudice statement, to categorize Christians in a group of prejudice. Though I understand what you mean. It is because they are not actually Christian. A true Christian does not see the bodily designation they recognize the soul in every living entity (like saint Francis) He even loved the animals as much as everyone else. So What about prejudice to animals. It is many Christians who own cattle farms and sell the animals for slaughter. How prejudice is that to the poor cows. We have to get off the bodily platform. google gospelofthenazirenes.c for the original teachings of Christ (the original New Testament -He taught Karma, Reincarnation, Vegetarianism and love thy neighbor too.

Answer 11

People who are religious are not necessarily
Christians. Religious people focus on the outward part of Christianity. Yes, we are commanded to tell people the good news of Christ and let them know when they are doing wrong. No, we are not supposed to treat them differently because of it. You are probably not being judged.

When they are judging you, they treat you badly. They look down on you.
When they are helping you, they are just talking to you about what's right and wrong. You feel judged because you feel guilty about what you are doing and don't want to change, yet. That is what it most likely is.

Refer to the Scripture in the Source list below.