Open for everyone. Is it really just a few Denominations that cause the problems?

Question

I am referring to the fighting between Christians and non-Christians in America. I should note that I am an Atheist.

Honestly, I can't think of any real issue I have with Lutherans or Methodists. Nothing has ever come up and I know plenty of them.

I have Catholic friends and co-workers, and this is a bit more of a mixed bag.

I can't recall having any problems with the Amish and I have worked in areas where there were plenty.

Actually, if you narrow it down to certain uptight Baptist and Evangelical types, and Robertson, Falwell and their ilk, most of what we argue about is coming from that direction.

Even most religious people in America hate the Westboro Baptists, not that all Baptists are like that.

Comments?

I guess the purpose of this post was to read the responses, especially since I see many non-Christians posting comments that begin with "All Christians...." and many Christians post similar comments aimed at the other side.

I am Atheist, but often I agree with comments posted by Christians, as well as other religions, which is not really a surprise to me.

But the most extreme rhetoric (and I have engaged in it myself) seems to be coming from a small segment in each group, and I wondered if others had noticed this.

Answer 1

Jesus Christ said
"Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets."
(Luke 6:26)

Answer 2

It's true there are a lot of Christians who are rational and nice people, but the evangelicals are a big and powerful group in America. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest denomination. And they have more of an "us versus the world" mentality, which limits productive dialogue. They also tend to conflate political issues (like global warming, gay marriage, evolution) with religion. Seriously, is there a need to assert that the world was created in six 24-hour days?

I find it refreshing that you're not such a vehemently anti-Christian atheist. There's a lot of bile from the atheist camp as well, mostly from folks like me who have turned away and feel let down by religion. It's not too healthy either.

Answer 3

Denominations are man-made and therefore are subject to inumerous mistakes. People tend to focus on denominations just as they do groups they join because being part of a group, i.e. conservative, liberal, Methodist, Democrat, environmentalist, etc gives them a sense of identity. What occurs when we do this is we loose our true focus and become absorbed by the focus of the group they we have aligned ourselves with. Christ never aligned Himself with a denomination, sect or group. He reached out to all knowing that many were closed minded. He never shunned anyone as too many denominations do today. If one would only look at the incalculable complexity of the universe and then look at the the love, mercy , kindness and the free gift He offers , then we would see the truth. But, too often we are the Pharisees and feel we have all the knowledge because we are so learned. The thief on the cross speaks so loud. So, do some denominations do more harm than good. Yes! Because they have lost who He really is.

Answer 4

I think the problem is that when people just get into discussions like we do here on Yahoo !answers without knowing the people personally. I have many atheist friends and family. We get along great, and I am one of the more odious brands of Christian. When we just clash over ideas with strangers - that we all feel really strongly about- it is bound to be contentious.

When I am with my Atheist friends, we don't talk religion or evolution much, and we never do with disrespect. When you get to really know someone and see that they are just like you with hopes, fears, trials, loves, etc then there is love and graciousness in the mix, that cannot be there on a blog.

Answer 5

I don't think that the issue is which religious background one comes from unless that religion dictates that you should hate - a concept not found in any religion, but rather by the culture of those who seek power in that religion.

Differences will occur between siblings, and if they are raised to talk and compromise, then problems are solved. However if they are raised to beat each other senseless, then they will take this attitude to their relatives and neighbors, then further to strangers.

Answer 6

Yes, you only have to look at events such as the Crusades, the Thirty Years War, Inquisition, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Shi'ite - Sunni atrocities and others to realize that man's interpretation of God's word has resulted in much human misery.

Conversely, we witness every day countless acts of charity in God's name, put forth by Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. There's your mixed bag.

Answer 7

I am Roman Catholic and agree with your assessment. Thank you differentiating between us and the fundamentalists. I will go further and tell you that due to extremism there seems to be a developing schism in American fundamentalism and the ones who do not hate us for believing differently are considering renaming themselves foundationalists to be distanced from the insanity and hatred of a bizarre minority. Peace be with you

Answer 8

Christians have a higher than thouness about them, they think they know it all, and are the only ones who are right. I am sure that god if there was one would not want them going about being so nasty to every one even if they did not follow the same way of life.

Answer 9

.


I think you answered a few of your own questions.

For all of those infinitely loyal Christians out there

who forgot that one detail: God did not want

Christians to have all those denominatioins.




Kind of like Gandhi thinks, but that is sacriledge, right?

against the Holy Ghost and all the numerous church

groups.

Answer 10

I think the extremists of any denomination cause the problems. Although I will grant you that some denominations seem to have more than their fair share of extremists.

Answer 11

This is sort of like a question I just asked a while ago. Basically the answers I got said that nothing will ever change, so I should just live and let live. I suggest you do the same.