Why are the most "religious" Christians also the most Racist People ?

Answer 1

Rather over broad statement. I am white, my girlfriend is black. My three best friends are black, Hispanic, and white.

The church I attend is quite a mosaic of various skin tones. I think that your generalization is offensive.

Answer 2

It is funny that you are coming on here and stereotyping Christians when you obviously think racism is wrong. Ultimately, racism is simply an extreme form of stereotyping.

That said, I think I know where you are coming from. It does appear that many (though not all) fundamental Christians tend to be racist. Still, this is a gross oversimplification that does not address the real problem. It does not address the fact that many "religious" Christians are NOT racist. It does not address the fact that many "religious" Christians are black or hispanic. It does not take into effect region or social status or economy; all of which play a significant role in racism.

In any case, I consider myself to be a deeply religious Christian. I am white. I am male. I fit the most basic stereotype of a Christian... except that I am certainly no racist. You can check my answer record here. All I ever do is stand up for immigrants, blacks, women, and liberals... in addition to stereotyped religious people.

So ultimately it is difficult to answer this question. Although I understand where it comes from (the Christians that ARE racist sure do make a lot of noise, don't they?), I don't think it is a totally accurate accusation. The ones that ARE racist are likely racist first, religious second.

Answer 3

A more accurate question would be:

"Why are the most racist people also such religious Christians?"

And this was answered pretty well, they are the type of people that need a clique to feel good about themselves. They eliminate other groups to look down on, and usually choose religion and racism to make themselves the "elite" group.

Answer 4

Firstly, let's clarify your question -- you're not talking about all Christians here, just the most hard-core Fundamentalist Christians. I understand that. To some people, it sounds like a generalization.

I don't think "Race" is the right word -- they aren't prejudiced against other races, they're prejudiced against other religions. And, often, Religion and Race go hand-in-hand -- like with Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism -- so it may appear that these kinds of Fundamentalists are racist whereas they're really just prejudiced against other religions.

Religious Bigotry is one of the "warning signs" of Fundamentalism, along with an unquestioned certainty, inflexible dogma, and an unwillingness to listen to other sides of the debate. Not all Christians are Fundamentalist, and not all Fundamentalists are Christian. There are Fundie Muslims, Fundie Jews, Fundie Atheists, even a few Fundie Pagans! It's one of those "take the log out of your own eye before removing the speck from your brother's" situations. We all have to watch our thought patterns closely, least we ourselves fall into the trap of Fundamentalist thinking.

Answer 5

Nice job generalizing an entire group of people. Generalizations like that really make you appear quite ignorant. First off, what is a "religious" Christian? Is this different from a regular Christian? Second, when you make an outrageous claim, try to back it up with something, at the very least a specific example, I know the fact is you can't because you are merely trying to stir things up.

Answer 6

Not true... in fact, I find that the people who cry racism are usually more of a racist than most people. Sin is another matter... because Christians know that there is a living God and the effects of sin in our relationship with God and other people.

Answer 7

That is not necessarily true. There are some very devout Christians that I personally know who are actually pretty open-minded about others' personal choices (sexuality, religion, etc).

In extreme cases, like the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, they impede other people's way of life. Those people are nothing but bigots acting under the guise of religious righteousness.

Answer 8

alot of us i admit are big hypocrites, but i'm not racist i just feel sorry for all the lost people out there that are too stubborn hearted to turn from the cult they are living in to find the living water and the Holy Spirit that can save them from eternal pain and suffering. even if we seem racist and maybe some of us are, we just want that you come to God and share in the rewards that God wants to share with us, so i apologize for the way some christians act...

Answer 9

This is not a question. It is an opinion. It appears by your "question" that you have some negative experiences with Christians. I apolgize on behalf of those who have built this perception for you because it should never be the case.

On another note, the term "religious" to me personally implies an empty, ritualistic, and fake viewpoint on living a Christian life when it should be a life of integrity with RELATIONSHIP, not religion.

Answer 10

Yes, and of course that is why our Christian nation is the most diverse nations in the history of the world.

So all the black, hispanic, French, Chinese, Arab, Indian, African, etc, Christians are racists? I never would have known. Thanx for telling me.

Answer 11

Most of us are not racist because God is not racist. God loves all people regardless of what color they are and that is how we as Christians are to view others who are of a different race than us.