Why do some "Christians" bash me because I don't follow their exact interpretations or methods?

Question

I believe in God but I don't down someone who may not believe like I do or down non believers. Some "Christians" really turn away a lot of people with how they act. No wonder people don't trust organized religion along with all the scandals too. Yes, it is ok to question God in my beliefs. Maybe not yours, but mine it is. I'm also sick of the hell fire and brimstone crowd too. Scaring a person into believing is not the way to do it.

Answer 1

Though I am a Christian, I do not affiliate with organized religion for the very reasons you described. I do not wish to be associated with so-called "Christians" who blindly follow pastors, priests and other preachers. Christ's church was meant to be a classroom of believers seeking truth through discussion and revelation by the Holy Spirit, not a lecture hall. As Christians, it is our DUTY to question our beliefs! This questioning leads to seeking, and ultimately finding, truth in God's Word.

As for your last point, salvation comes from God's Grace through faith, never through fear or coercion. "Christians" preaching this doctrine are not speaking on behalf of God.

Answer 2

I don't know what these folks say to you to make you believe that they are bashing you. I wouldn't like that either. However, if you ask questions regarding Christianity being the only way to God, we have to tell the truth as told to us by Christ. That He is the only way to the Father, that is what Christianity is all about, Christ. No one wants to think about hell all the time and it is not a pleasant thought. I prefer to focus on the love and grace of Jesus and His willingness to forgive ALL people. With that in mind you don't have to fear hell. Scandals occur everywhere in the world, it is part and parcel of living in a sinful world, you can't blame the whole Church for the actions of a few. There are many good and kind people in the Church also. If you look for evil you will find it, if you look for good you will find that too. What are you looking for?

Answer 3

The beauty about the Millenium is that we are all able to believe what we want because we can. In the 90's and even 80's you would often hear on a regular basis that it's not ok to believe that way, plus the Catholic church was still very heavidly involved in the practice of religion. So much has changed in the past 10 - 15 years that such changes allows an individual to live as they wish to. Live as you wish to live and just abide to the laws of what is right and wrong. Eitherway, only you and whomever you praise is incharge of your life, judging you, etc. :-)

Answer 4

Not everyone's walk is the same - and accordingly not everyone understands this.

I agree that some Christians, some approaches to proselytizing especially, turn off many who are searching for Truth.

I prefer the ministry of good works - I try to imitate Christ, and if someone admires what I do, I tell them for Whom I do it.

I've often questioned God - and often found answers. If you don't question faith, then is it really faith?

I'm not a fan of the hellfire/brimstone/sinners in the hands of an Angry God sermons either, though I sometimes need to hear them. That's a small part of Scripture.

Answer 5

I agree. Many so-called Christians seem to have lost the original message Jesus preached. He accepted all people, even tax collectors. He only said he was the Son of God in one time, that was only in one gospel, and the gospels were written long after the apostles died. His divinity wasn't even agreed upon by the church leaders until centuries later, when Constantine the Great called the Bishops to Nicea to establish which books were to make up the New Testament and to determine the way Jesus was to be viewed. It was Jesus' life and his teachings that we are supposed to follow, not the spin later church leaders have put on him.

Answer 6

These Christians are known as hypocrites and don't really know the true meaning of being one. We are supposed to love our neighbors, pray for them, etc... Did Jesus Christ(when hanging on the cross) accuse the thief of putting Him(Jesus) there, no he prayed for him. If there's someone that doesn't believe the same way you do, you should pray for them. I have a strong religious conviction, but I don't push my beliefs on others. I just pray that they will find the truth. Besides preaching and condemning people to hell isn't the way to bring them closer to God.

Answer 7

No one should be bashing anyone - I've said this over and over. God gave people free-will, so people are free to believe as they choose. No religious organization can claim that they are the 'true' one--as God did not invent religion--man did.

Answer 8

Maybe because they believe your interpretation is a harmful way to look at the scriptures.

Just do what you think is best and follow God's greatest commandment:

"Love Good, Hate Evil" - God

Answer 9

I believe this is where personal testimony plays a power-full role. No person has the right to judge another that's why we are given freedom of choice. It is only by faith that we stand Strong in the Lord. By telling others what God has done in your life will surely make them think twice. keep the faith!!!

Answer 10

Well, they shouldn't bash you but if they see error show you bible texts in a loving way.
And by the way, fear of hell is the initial reason I became a christian. I realized I had sin that was not covered. God does not allow sin in heaven, none. We all sin so we need a sacrifice to cover our sins, that is Jesus.
Later I realized the love that lies only in God/Jesus. His love is sacrificial and perfect. Then Joy came.
†