Has the title Christian gotten a bad rep?

Question

I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ and it seems like the title Christian gets a bad rep from the secular world.

You might say, well yeah-they aren't Christians, of course they are going to give us a bad rep.

I guess I just wonder what kind of person an individual met to make such poor generalized statements about Christians, then again, I guess that goes for any group of people.

When people ask me, "Are you a Christian?" I reply with, "I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I try each and every day to live my life according to His will. I try to take up my cross daily. Yes, I am a Christian." Because I know if I say yes first they will quickly redirect the conversation.

Do you face the same kind of bad generalization?

Answer 1

On the job no one ask me if I was a christian. They notice that my character is quite different from their lifestyle. The questions my co-workers ask: What did you do on the weekend?, What do you do for fun? etc.... I responded depending on my weekend - I went to a women's retreat and had a great time, we went bowling, had a service for the senior citizens....etc.... and the questions stop. My co-workers watches me like a hawk - I believe their looking for me - to do something out of character. But a statement was made and I remember saying look at the life of Jesus and preceded to share what took place and Jesus only went about doing good and He got a bad rep. - So, it doesn't bother me because Jesus said: St. Matthew 15:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. St. John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil and St. Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
If someone ask me the question and I said: Yes! and they redirect the question - I would use wisdom - and not get into an argument with them - just walk away - no sense giving pearls to swines and letting them trample all over it - because God word is too precious.

Answer 2

Yes you are correct, however there are lots of people who go by the name of "Christian" and really are not at all.
A true Christian is someone who follows the teaching of Christ as laid out in the Scriptures, and NOT someone who follows the teachings and tradition of a religion.
i.e. RCs are NOT Chriatians as they are worshippers of Mary and saints and anyone else who is dead, this is contrary to Holy scripture and therefore these people cannot be Christians.
If a person is not a Bible believing, born again, Holy Spirit filled Christian who spends time regularly reading the Holy Scriptures, then they are NOT Christians.
Just because someone goes to church does not make them Christians.

Answer 3

Christians have always gotten a bad rep. Truth is not something people usually like to hear. There is a vast difference in a Christ follower and most Christians. Most are just church goers.

Answer 4

Christianity should have a bad rep. It is just a superstition, like all other religions. There are no gods.

Unfortunately, there are enough Christians that the government and media cow-tow to them. There's a baseless bias for Christianity, and even other religions. You can't say anything bad about any religion in the media, or there will be a huge backlash, even if what is said is true.

George Bush Sr. said, while campaigning, that he didn't consider atheists to be citizens nor patriots. Image if he said that about Christians, or even Jews or Muslims. A recent study showed atheists to be the least regarded religious sector. You can discriminate against an atheist with impunity, but cross a Christian and you'll be lynched.

If anything, Christianity doesn't have a bad enough rep.

Answer 5

Only in the sense that Christians have been trying to pass their religious laws as secular laws in the US. If it weren't for the evangelicals who are doing this, most would not see Christianity as having a bad rep.

Answer 6

I'm a liberal Christian. Which means I support Gay Rights, believe in Evolution, don't believe that the Bible in an inerrant document, and believe that everyone will be forgiven of their sins and find eternal salvation (Everyone believes they will go to Heaven. I just believe all my enemies will get to go too.)

So for me, "Christian" does carry very negative connotations. There are people who have been hurt, belittled, and oppressed by people who claim to act in a "Christian" way.

And that sucks.

Answer 7

Christians have always gotten a bad rap and we always will. If people start treating you fairly and are fully accepting your stance, then you're not portraying what Christianity is all about. Expect opposition...that means you're on the right path.

Answer 8

try not to worry. Jesus died for you and me and the atheists will stand gawking when Christ appears in the eastern sky.
Of course you and I will too. The Bible says it will be a dark day.

Answer 9

Xians have a bad rap because of all the preacher types out there trying to halt the advancement of scientific and medical research, as well as trying to block the teaching of science in our schools, as well as trying to interfere with the freedoms of women in this country.

Answer 10

Nah. Most of us tend to think "fundie", but when people hear "muslim" that tends to generate the ick factor.

You guys are cool. Just lay off the door to door prostelyzing and keep on being peaceful as a whole.