Christians, do you know why you make non-believers angry?

Question

Many Christians claim they have the absolute truth and that people who don't have christ in their life aren't capable of real happiness or love. Many of us have taken very different paths, experienced completely different things and have found happiness and love through those experiences. To be told our happiness isn't "really" happiness because it does not involve christ produces a feeling that can only be described as outrage. I hope I'm not sounding rude, that's not my intention. Christians, what are your thoughts on this? Agree/disagree? Should Christians change their tactics if they really want to convert people? Non-christians, are your experiences different than mine?

MANY Christians lilmissy, not all.

Answer 1

you are concerned with your life here on Earth, and that's fine.

you also need to be concerned with how you will spend eternity.

it's your choice, choose wisely.

Answer 2

1. I believe that Christians DO have the truth. There's no reason we should deny this, for denying the truthfulness of the gospel would be denying God.

2. Its entirely UNTRUE that nonbelievers are incapable of happiness or love. They certainly can have both of those things.

However, Christians often try to get nonbelievers to accept by promising them a full, joyful life. There's at least two problems with that: first, many people are already experiencing a happy life without God and feel there's no reason to change it.

Secondly, its scripturally unsound, as Christians are not only promised trials and temptations, but also persecution. So if a nonbeliever "accepts" Christ based on the "prosperous life" message, they'll turn away as soon as persecution comes.

Answer 3

Some people fail to address their evangelism in light of 1 Peter 3:15 ("...be ready to give...a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.") What people fail to realize many times is that you can't share your belief in Christ without offending others, but can share your belief in Christ without insulting people.

You say you are outraged when some Christian tells you that your happiness isn't really happiness. You say this because you have had a different set of experience, implying that the Christian knows nothing about you and how you "feel" your emotions. By the same argument, though, wouldn't the reverse hold true? You know nothing of the Christian's experiences, but you are making a value judgment on how they "feel" their emotions. I am not pointing this out to defend the Christian's behavior. I just want you to see why Christians may be just as put off as you are.

One thing to remember, though is that Christians have experiences both in and out of Christianity. No one is "raised" Christian. They had lives outside of their experiences with Christ. The judgment they are making is based on that comparison. You will be hard pressed to find a Christian who would rather "go back" to their life before their conversion (although I know of a couple of rare examples). This is not because of teaching or "brainwashing" as is often accused by those who don't have the knowledge necessary to make that judgment. It is because of their own personal experiences and knowing what the comparison truly is.

Answer 4

There are a lot of people that claim to be something they are not. I like the way that you asked your question, you had a real question and it was not your intention to be rude. As a Christian, I can tell you about the Joy of the Lord, and I am not going to try to tell you that you are not happy. The way that you live your life is a choice as I have a choice. I don't waste time being angry or bitter because of other's actions. If I did I would be angry every day that I am in this category, because I am sure that you have seen a lot of the negative things that have been said. I just recently posted a question and it was just a simple question, people had a choice to answer it or ignore it. To me, rather than be rude, it would be better to just move on to another question, but a lot of people wanted to show their level of intelligence and answer in less dignifying ways. Now instead of me becoming outraged, I just simply laughed, and I will be praying for them throughout the day. I hope I have helped you with your question and thank you for asking in such a dignified way. Have a good day!

Answer 5

I am sorry if some Christians make you angry.

Most of us are well-meaning. We just don't want you to miss the boat, that's all.

I never thought of myself as having a"tactic." I just tell people what Jesus did for me in life and if they asked questions, I answer them via the Word of God.

So I have to agree with you if a Christian told you about happiness and love on the path you chosen isn't true. There is a saying that the world loves its own. Each can make a choice for their lives. But imagine being truly fulfilled? Happiness and love are fleeting. Maybe that is why we have so many divorces.

I disagree about tactics and converting. That sounds like a cult to me, and we are not about that.

Answer 6

I don't think your question comes remotely close to being rude. As a Christian I am trying to see things through you own eyes and can understand what you are trying to say. As far as tactics are concerned Christians should never try to come across as condescending or belittleing anothers life choices in life. What we should do is try to do is show people what their choices mean for their lives.

Show people how they have sinned so that they understand why they need Christ in their lives.

Answer 7

Jesus did not teach that following Him would secure happiness. Jesus said that there is a day of judgment coming and that He was the only way to the Father, that is, eternal life.

The message of the gospel is not about this life, it is about eternal life. This life is very short and the things we experience in it, good and bad, will one day pass away.

Our focus as believers should be on the good news; that Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost, meaning, us. Each of us has sin and only faith in Christ can wash away that sin.

I cannot convert anyone. All I can do is point towards the savior, Jesus Christ. What anyone does from that point on is their choice.

Answer 8

I really do not care anymore. I have been poked, hasseled, had threats and even if you (not YOU as you are usually very decent) hate me or think I am stupid...it does not matter to me anymore.

I came here to try and be a voice of reason, of love, a mediators between fanatical fundamentalist and well...whatever...to try and love all and help you to see that we can have a world of peace and love even if we believed differently. I was wrong.

So...I am going to come just once in a while, look for the good people and those who have been kind to me. I am not going to apologize to anyone for what I believe...ever.

My love to you
Dusty

Answer 9

I agree with you. I remember having a certain "happiness" and being able to accept/express "love" when I was an atheist. But now my happiness (a temporal thing) has been replaced by joy (a permanent thing) and my love has no selfish motives - it seeks no rewards. There are four types of love - companionship, erotic, brotherly and agape (unconditional - undeserving).
We should practice more agape love. In my opinion, only this love will convert someone.

Answer 10

Many terribly rude things are said with good intentions and in the name of the Love of God.

Judgementalism, piousness, and self righteousness make it difficult for may Christians to effectively approach others.

One should work on the development of his own spiritual wisdom and wisdom of purpose then be a calm witness to others.

Answer 11

well then what exactly brings you happiness - then try to think about your life without that thing, person whatever - can you still be happy or will you need to go out and find a replacement of some kind
my joy cannot be taken from me b/c it is not rooted in the material world - that is why your happiness is not "real" as you put it b/c it is temporal and material