Who has done more damage to Christianity - Religious people or Atheists?

Question

I think the hardcore, “burn in hell” shouting, condemning, religious have done more damage to the beliefs that they hold so sacred than the atheist ever has. We’ve all seen them from time to time and quite often here on Y!A. Christ himself never told us to go Judge, condemn and preach that non-believers are going to hell. He told us to “Go into all the world, and give the “good news” to everyone.” Mark 16:15. In other words, be a friend, not preach Hell Fire and Brimstone. Nobody ever won someone to their beliefs by being rude, condemning, and full of themselves. The people that Christ had the biggest problem with were the religious leaders that were so full of themselves and condemned everyone who wasn’t like them. This is not what Christians were called to be.

Matt 23:13 But a curse is on you, scribes and Pharisees, false ones! because you are shutting the kingdom of heaven against men: for you do not go in yourselves, and those who are going in, you keep back.

Answer 1

Religious people.....We need to be Jesus with-skin-on. We may be the only Jesus some people ever see....If they can't see Him reflected in us they may never come to know Him in a personal relationship.

Answer 2

Religious people and more specifically speaking... "Christians". Too many people today are just pew warmers and are not truly living a Christ Filled life. Most people going to Church have no idea what the Scriptures teach and/or take them out of context as you've done above. That verse is speaking about the Pharisees judging people based on the Laws that they themselves didn't follow. They were under the mindset that the Law saves and that we could somehow "work" our way to heaven. Paul tells us that the Law is a schoolmaster and thus I believe many street preachers use the Law to teach unsaved people about sin and hopefully lead them understand their need for salvation. I'm guessing that your one of those folks that thinks we're all saved though...

Answer 3

People from within are always more dangerous to religious groups than outsiders. This is true for any group or organization.

It is also better for the group to chastise its own members and bring them into line.

When outsiders criticize errant members, the group may loyally come to their defense and things may get worse.

We can see this happening all over the world today.

With love in Christ

Answer 4

Religious people have really dug their own grave with their hypocrisy and their condemnation of those who don't share their beliefs.

VLR

Answer 5

good point. check out this song called "all the king's horses" . it can be found at this link:

shoutlife.com/boochieshepherd

i think you need to sign in to hear it, but it's worth setting up a quick account to hear this song. this song speaks about the question you're raising here.