I'm a little upset- gosh Christians!?

Question

I mean, it seems like you don't get it that just because other people believe differently doesn't mean it's the devil working in us.

Do you realize how angry that makes people?

And for heavens sake, what is more important- spreading Jesus' way- love, pacifism, non-discrimination, and peace, or the threat of hell?

I asked a sincere question about how I could get along with you better, and how I could just get you to understand that I don't believe and still have you show respect for me.

But it doesn't seem like that's possible.

Dawm-It's exactly the fact that I don't believe in the Devil, and I make that clear, and people act like the Devil is an absolute whether I believe in him or not, and not only that, that they think he is the reason I'm not a Christian- that's why!

Sorry, I meant Nicole, I had your avatar confused with someone else.

The Boss, I can do that. I'm not the one trying to convert them. I just wish non-Christians weren't beyond respect. It makes me sad.

Vox- I don't see a response from you on that.

Answer 1

As a Christian, I've never once told someone of another faith that the devil was working in them, nor do I go around threatening people with hellfire.

Answer 2

It's amazing to read some of the answers to this post.

"Do what you feel is best for you."
"Christians are intolerant."
"Christians are on shaky ground because they are at 80% or 90%..."

I wanted to address these posts.

If you do what you feel is best for you, how are you doing living up to your own moral code? Are you really doing the best you can? In this circumstance, we still fail our own moral code.

People are entitled to believe anything they want. Most Christians are called intolerant because they supposedly do not "respect" other people's opinions. Christians do want to earnestly contend for the faith and they must do this with an attractive manner; character.

Most of all, Christians are called intolerant because they have a point of view that they think is right. The funny thing is, everyone has a point of view that they think is right and everybody judges at some point or another. There is no moral nuetral ground with this argument.

I would have to say that if 80 or 90% of the world is Christian, then Christians are not on shaky ground considering Jesus was crucified almost 2,000 years ago.

3 essential skills to be an Ambassador for Christ:
1.) Knowledge - An accurately informed mind.
2.) Wisdom - A tactful method.
3.) Character - an attractive manner.

Satty

P.S. People are judged by God based on their behavior and we all fall short. Jesus said He is way to God and Jesus is the atonement for our behavior. We have to believe and follow Jesus.

If you read Jesus' claims...You would know that Jesus is not a complete pacifist.

Answer 3

Problem with spreading JUST the love of Jesus, etc is that that IS NOT the whole truth. It may be what some may just want to hear, but that doesn't help them. The Word of God is a BITTERSWEET message that some candy preachers do not want to preach, probably in order to keep their congregation happy. Some people, like children want all the love without the dicipline. But even loving parents know this is not what they need. God's message is of Love and Hope, but also of warning. And because I want others to share in eternal heaven with me, yes I will warn of the lake of eternal fire. Sorry, but this is the truth and nothing but the whole truth so help me God!! And the devil is the father of lies who deceives you so that you don't even realize how much influence he can have on you. Sorry if this makes you angry, but I'd rather you be hell scared than hell scarred!! And by the way, Professor (person ans before me), The Word has MUCH to say about Hell. Get your bible out and read.

Answer 4

Happy kid doesn't seem too happy. I didn't see where anyone said that the devil was working in you. Not sure where you get that Jesus' way involved pacifism, as He also got angry. Being a Christian doesn't mean we are to sit back and let folks walk all over us when we don't agree with them. I also have a right to defend my beliefs.

If you choose not to discuss your beliefs or lack of them with others, when the subject is brought up, just tell them you don't want to talk about it and then don't. If you want respect for your beliefs, then make sure you show respect for others.

Answer 5

I show respect for you but I'm a Wiccan. I agree with you, people frown upon my religion as well. Even my own family, but they either live with it or not. I choose my own path, people will respect it or not. Honey it's not about them respecting you. Some people are just very close minded on there own beliefs. Many people think because I'm a Wiccan, that I worship the devil, well that's not true. I worship the earth and all it's elements.
Some have their own images of what is right or wrong. Thank goodness we all have a choice and we all are different. Many blessing to you. Don't change a thing about you unless you want to and Have a Great Day!

Answer 6

Happykid, it is possible! I mean it! I really want to be clear when I say that Christians are humans too. Sometimes, we might say something and it be taken the wrong way, but not intending on being offensive. (I noticed some of the previous answers are borderline offensive...) And, as humans, we stick our foot in our mouths...though i think we are all guilty of this, regardless of religion.

If you really do have a desire to get along better, why not try to listen to whoever it was that offended you? Maybe by being respectful back and making an effort to understand where he/she is coming from, you will get along!

I hope none of this rubs you the wrong way, I just thought I'd putin my two cents worth! Blessings!

Answer 7

Sounds like you need to get over yourself and get rid of the chip on your shoulder.

That being said, I don't care how angry anything I say makes people.

If you want to get along with people (whether they are Christians or not) perhaps you should just be yourself, if they like you fine, if they don't, that's fine too. You don't believe, so what? It sounds like you make it a point to go out of your way to let Christians know that you don't believe and then if you get one that comments on it you suddenly feel slighted in some way.

Answer 8

Well it does dissapoint to see those who don't believe, but Jesus never preached of hell, fire and brimstone, and I don't think we should either. If you are bothered by those who yell at you because if you don't belive your going to hell, well I would doubt that they are even christians. It bothers me that there are people that they think they are doing a good deed by yelling at people and saying that you will die if you don't believe. Its a free will that god has givin you, and its a free will that you may use. Back when I wasn't a Christian, I thought that if I have to act like that to go to heaven that is was just an act, but Christianity is nothing like that... It took me 6 years to learn that lesson. If you don't get along with these people, then they may not be christians themselfs...

Answer 9

You don't believe in the devil. I can respect that.

As a christian, I do believe Satan is real and that he is the source for all evil and all misunderstanding in the world.

So if I say that the devil is working in a person, it's not an insult, nor should anyone take it as such. It's just my understanding of what I observe.

Answer 10

I don't think I read your first question but I will try to answer your issue anyway.

Unfortunately, people who preach only the hellfire and brimstone side of God are not very good at planting a seed of faith in anyone.

When I first became a Christian, I got heavily involved in reading the Bible and by the time I had read through the first four books I was beginning to doubt if I wanted to worship this nasty God at all. He seemed to me to be jealous, picky, and egotistical to the max. I saw little of love. Thankfully, I kept reading and soon learned to understand that although God is very demanding of his followers, he also is very good to them. It is kind of like myself as a parent...I love my kids but demand a lot from them...because I know that until they reached adulthood and were experienced enough to live on their own, my experience had to be the control factor. God is like that. He set up a lot of rules and punished those that did not follow them but he also set up their "college funds, bought them cars and clothes, gave them wonderful gifts and promised to write everyday when they were away at school". I am of course being facitious in that description of God but I hope I make my point.

Yes, to a Christian, hell is a reality but that is not why we worship our God. I do not fear Him...I think he is totally awesome. He walks with me every day and I would not want to live one single day without my hand in His.

I'm truly sorry that the picture of God that you were given is so out of focus. As I said, mine too was for a bit. If you are truly interested in knowing more about God, I would suggest you start by reading some of his promises...not just his threat of punishment. Proverbs are wonderful because they come from a man who has been there, done that.
Then move to the prophecies of Daniel and then on to the New Testament...especially the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You will see the character of God in every word Jesus speaks and in every action he takes.

At least think about it...okay? God Bless.