Can't We Love God Without Hating Others?

Question

I see so many times here on yahoo answers so much hate spewing, mainly from mainstream Christians on beliefs that don't coincide with theirs (including Catholics although they too are a branch of Christanity).

I was raised Catholic, I consider myself a spiritualist who tries to keep an open mind for the most part. I am so tired of so-called Christians claiming they are going to be saved just because of their beliefs. I see so many strict Bible-belt types who are absolutely mean as snakes to other people, especially ones who don't agree with them, and I personally feel the only "abomination" God sees is hatred. God never created hatred, only man did.

If you really follow Jesus, then look how he lived. He loved, he never preached hatred. He was kind and caring. And he's suffered under religious persecution as well from the Pharisees. Regardless of your beliefs, can't we just love God without shoving our beliefs down others throats and be at peace with others' beliefs?

Really, live and let live. I know I'm going to get some answers revolving around Psalms and people who claim they know all that about God, but really, none of us does no matter who you are. But please, last time I checked I don't need a human telling me what I have to do for "salvation". A relationship with God & being the best person I can be without judgment is more than enough for me.

Answer 1

Not everybody does. My pastor never preached hatred as well.

Answer 2

I'm a Christian and I don't believe in hating anyone. I do know that I am saved because I have accepted God into my heart and asked for forgiveness. I don't preach hatred to anyone. I also don't shove my beliefs down peoples throats. But if someone asks a question, I give an honest answer. I am not mean about it or hateful about it. I personally do not "bash" other churches beliefs because I do not know what they believe. I don't feel it's our place to judge people. But I do think if someone asks a question, and I do know the answer I have a right to answer it. I do not answer questions on subjects I have no idea about.

Answer 3

I am sure that this is literally untrue. Figuratively, it may appear this way, especially in this type of unmoderated forum where all sorts of persons are free to hide behind anonymity and act out. The question could be reversed to include the opposite side of the issue just as easily.

I have taken a position that if a question is explicitly targeting "atheists", "non-believers" or something similar, that I will not answer (but may read for my own edification) the question since I obviously do not fit these labels.

Likewise, if a question is labeled "believers", "theists", “Moslems”, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, etc., it would be polite if those not fitting the label would not respond unless the question specifically fits. I also ignore questions that obviously violate the new community guidelines posted at http://answers.yahoo.com/info/community_guidelines.php, and especially those that are flippant, hate-mongering, vapid preaching, or are just chatty.

It seems to me that only if a question is non-specific should responses be expected from any and all persons.

We all learned this behavior in kindergarten but seem to have forgotten how to play nice with one another. We were taught to not speak unless spoken to, answer the question asked, and be polite. We also have learned, as George Elliot noted, "Blessed is the person who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us worthy evidence of the fact."

Why is it that when some are older they feel they can reject all semblances of politeness with shallow and strained arguments for free speech, just having fun, etc? In truth, these are not the salient issues, but only excuses for bad behavior.

The real issue is what enables these forums? The answer should be clear--it is the questioner. The questioner is the driving force in these forums and should be able to designate a specific population for the responses they are seeking. For if there are no questions, there is no reason for a Q&A type of forum. If we respect the questioner’s specificity this forum will be something worth spending our precious time in.

Answer 4

Yes, we can love God and still hate people. I am not defending Christians (I am not exactly the stereotype), but of course we can love God and hate people, but it certainly is something we all have to work out very hard.

Anyway, concerning your further statement, you're right. I see a lot of hate from Christians and I see a lot of sarcasm from non-Christians here. They all say "what do you expect when we talk about religion? Religion is the only motive for wars... bla bla bla", but it is definetely a good excuse. We should be here more respectfull and avoid throw all our frustration for a bad day (or a bad week, or a bad month, or a bad life) upon other people, religious or not.

Well, breathe, count to ten and dont take it personal.
Peace!

Answer 5

I hope I'm not on that list of "know all about God" Christians. If I am and have offend you, please forgive me.
We are all called to love one another. In fact, Jesus summed it all up for us. When asked what the greatest commandment is, He replied that we are to first love God and our neighbor as ourself. If we cannot see past our own petty little minds (I include myself at times) and see that we are all God's children, then there will always be ill-minded, mis-guided and misled people who feel that their way is the only way to Heaven.
If Jesus preached peace and unity, then I will too. After all, we are to be like Him in every way if we are Christians.

Answer 6

yes! it makes me think "i bet god doesn't mean this", nobody wants to hear of your beliefs but they want you to listen to theirs.for example a christian group was singing on the streets "spreading the good word of Jesus" but when i stopped to have a conversation with one they asked if i would like to be "saved" i said i have a wonderful religion as it is and they tell me it is the wrong one. no religion is right unless it is theirs and that not just for Christians

Answer 7

The commandment of God is to love. That means love everyone. Even the people you do not like
I Cr 13;8a

Answer 8

If you still are a catholic and worship Mary... STOP! Mary didn't do anything great, she wasn't the one who went on the cross and died for our sins. Ya, my friend is catholic and I like her better than my christian friend because my catholic friend doesn't have a attitude. I'm not friends with my christian at the moment because shes being an idiot. I don't know if I answered your question,sorry if I didn't.

Answer 9

Perfectly said. I pray daily that we all find the road to God, each in our own way and time, as God sees fit.

Answer 10

I certainly hope so. I am an atheist, so I can postively tell you that it is indeed possible not to love god (as I don't) and not hate others. Being an atheist certainly has given me the freedom not to hate anyone.

Peace