2007-04-09 19:58:19 · 24 answers · asked by Medusa 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
YES, I am very intolerant of many christian behaviors and dogma. I do not oppose their right to believe as they wish however. I do not need examples of my own intolerance. I am asking for real personal examples of christians intolerance. I find witnessing to be a form of intolerance, many do not. So, I wanted to know what it is that other people see as intolerant in christians behaviors.
2007-04-09 20:13:43 · update #1
I fail to see what is offensive about this question. For the non-christians they get to vent a bit. For the christians maybe they will be able to see what particular behaviors are the most intolerant. We might end up in a better place if we are honest.
2007-04-09 20:15:10 · update #2
It's not an offensive question, and yes, I am a Christian.
I read through each of the answers, and here's my take:
Saying something is a sin is NOT intolerance. Cursing the sinner (which some Christians do, I'm not going to lie) IS.
Preaching the Gospel is not intolerance. If sharing one's beliefs makes them intolerant, then every single person here in the R&S section, including the atheists, is intolerant. I feel that's an unfair standard.
What it all comes down to is INTENTION. If I, as a Christian, say to someone "I'll pray for you," and I say it meaning to be condescending, then yes, I'm being intolerant. However, I NEVER say that as a means of condescending to someone. I say it out of love. I'm not saying, "Your belief system isn't as good as mine." I'm saying, "I want you to know the love I know, and if I'm right, I want you to be in heaven with me!" That is LOVE, not intolerance.
If I say that something is a sin, I'm not saying I hate someone. I'm saying, "I've sinned too, I'm not perfect! However, I do have the right to say whether I believe something is wrong or not. It doesn't affect my love for you, or anyone else!"
I don't disagree with the premise of the question. I disagree with the premise of many of the answers. It's unfair to apply one standard to Christians, but consider everyone else to be exempt. Many of the answers seem to have that double standard implicit, or explicit. THAT is intolerant.
2007-04-09 21:00:26 · answer #1 · answered by The_Cricket: Thinking Pink! 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Every group has the ability to be intolerant. Christianity, like many other traditions, has experienced persecution and abuse carried out in its name (Inquisition anyone?) but it it is not at all unique to Christianity.
I think most often intolerance is a symptom of personal or community insecurity and fear rather than a particular world view or religious group.
2007-04-09 20:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by InSiteFul 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some believe their sect or branch of christianity is the only way to believe, for them if you are not willing to believe the same doctrine then you don't belong there. To me this seems to contradict the teachings of love thy neighbour, and turn the other cheek, etc..., but alot of them believe if you believe in God but not Jesus you will go to Hell, and for that some will try to convert you, some will shun you, some will accept you.
Being a christian doesn't mean your perfect, christians are people, people are imperfect, people are all intolerant to some degree, christians too. Religion doesn't make you perfect, it gives you a place to belong and worship your God, and learn more about Him.
2007-04-09 20:15:34 · answer #3 · answered by Bob L 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He added that he used to be a Christian but it didn't work for him. And he was depressed. Fireball was simply telling him life is rough and Jesus can help in those times. You seem to be the intolerant one here. Why am I not surprised?
2016-04-01 06:35:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fundamental crux of your faith is that salvation can only be achieved through the believe in Jesus Christ as the substitutive lamb that died for your sins. That principle automatically divides the world into two factions, those who adhere to that pillar and those who do not. So, by its very nature, Christianity is intolerant, because there is no room for discussion nor is there an alternate means of salvation, according to Christianity.
2007-04-09 20:04:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
Only some Christians are intolerant. Christians are people just like anyone else and as such we are just as faulty as the next guy.
Examples of intolerance would apply for Christians the same as non-Christians.
2007-04-09 20:03:19 · answer #6 · answered by EisforEverything 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm a Christian and I've seen some pretty shaming behavior from "Christians" at abortion clinics (yelling hateful things, throwing rocks, cursing people). The same at homosexuals (have acutally heard professing "Christians" talking about beating up a gay guy). It's truly pitiful. Mark my work, these people who do these things have no place in God. They're fooling themselves. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples: that you have LOVE one for another." And never mind what they have to say about religions that differ from their own. That's when they get REALLY nasty.
2007-04-09 20:03:15 · answer #7 · answered by Steve 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I do not agree with your question's text. Christians are not intolerant. They are rather very much adjustable to any circumstances. I am not christian. I am Muslim. But I have so many christian friends who have behaved in a very responsible manner at all occasions. We have got family r elation ships. They are not intolerant . They are rather very much tolerant than Muslims even. I am therefore inclined to disagree with the text of the question.
2007-04-09 20:04:28 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
The statement, "I'll pray for you" is very annoying and condescending. As if their prayers will have any affect or effect in any one elses life.
Saying that to another christian would be accepted as a supportive gesture. Saying it to a non-christian shows disapproval. They are basically saying your belief system won't help you, so I'll use mine.
2007-04-09 20:05:07 · answer #9 · answered by Rainman 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Just look at the hate they preach against the gay community. Or you can look at the hate preached against other religions, or even other groups within their religion. Just look to the bible belt where books still get burnt. Just look at the people picketing abortion clinics, and the abuse they yell. The intolerance is there, no matter how nice we are to them.
Atheism. You know it makes sense.
2007-04-09 20:02:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋