Why are christians so judgmental of each other?

Question

Its one thing for them to hate me, because I think their religion is absurd and I comment on it alot.

But what would motivate them to openly slander each other?

By the way, I know I'm generalizing. But just bear with me and answer the question.

Thecharleslloyd ... I used to be a christian. I've met plenty of them. My parents are christian.

Answer 1

They think God is on their side in whatever they do. They think the ideas that pop into their head are from God.

One of the first clues I had to Christianity being a hoax, back when I was still a Christian, was when some of the leaders claimed God spoke to them and told them an intimate secret about me. The secret they "heard" was actually completely false, but they wouldn't listen to me because they assumed their God knew me better than I knew myself.

Answer 2

At one time I was a judgemental Christian and here was my reasoning. I believe that there is one God and only one way to know this God and be saved: Jesus Christ. The bible tells us to go out into all the world and preach this. Basically, get everyone else saved. Sadly, many Christians have gone to drastic terms to do this and at the same time become arrogant and believe they are better than many other because they know the right way to God.
What many don't think about is that Jesus never said, go preach the gospel and use any means possible. He only loved and taught others, and that was his way.
Christians seem to be harsh towards others Christians 1) they want to hold them accountable to what they believe 2) there are so many denominations that believe they have all the right beliefs, so they must defend them by showing why other Christian beliefs are wrong. This has been happening since the beginning of Christianity.

Answer 3

Ever hear the saying, "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven"? Christians, like every other collection of individuals, are at all stages of development and maturation. Could it be that the ones with whom you have interacted are adolescent Christians? Ever notice how cruel, sarcastic and petty teenagers can be? They are caught between childhood and adulthood. Sometimes they can behave in mature and sensitive ways. At other times, nothing pleases them and they want everyone to know it! Christ does not impose behavior on his followers. He teaches good behavior, models it in his on life and lets the power of his love, grace and forgiveness lead individuals into mature Christian behavior. All Christians have a lot of growing up to do. Some much more than others. But then God is not yet through with any of us. By the way, did you mean to imply that the individuals in the collectives you belong to never criticize, belittle or slander others in the group? Just wondering.

Answer 4

Not all Christian denominations agree on certain points. Since many Christians believe that their way of believing is the only way to God and salvation (maybe it is, maybe it isn't, who knows?), they will have an "us v. them" approach that can come off as judgmental. There is also a lot of pain in Christianity's 2000 year history, and much of that pain has set in deep enough to cause rivalries.

It's sad, really. Jesus didn't even INTEND to start a new religion and look how many of his followers act. *shrug* I wish we could all be a little more open to sharing and listening.

Answer 5

Historically Christians have been at odds with each other on matters of dogma. Fundamentally we ask the questions of how we are to be Christians and who is a Christan. Our worst fault is we have failed miserably at elevating what unites us, ie. Jesus is or redeemer, and instead we argue about what divides us on things like how we structure worship and who participates in fellowship.

On the same note, we often spew venom on those who do not share our beliefs, Christan and non Christian alike, because we do not elevate the love of God to all humanity over the concept that we believe there is only one way to God through Jesus Christ. While we are Christians, we are called to a higher standard, yet we allow our humanity to rule our actions more times than we like to admit.

Answer 6

First of all, I don't hate you. You can think of me what you will, but I don't hate anyone. I hate things that some people do. And there is a huge difference.

Now, to the question.

I think slander is a stronger word than necessary. There are disagreements that exist amongst the believers of God and Jesus. Some are larger as one that would involve the question of who deserves our worship. Others involve differences in beliefs in what the Bible says it takes to become a Christian and to remain one.

For example, I believe that immersion into water (baptism) is essential for salvation. I see many examples of this in the New Testament. Many however, see it as having nothing to do with being saved. Others don't see it as being immersed, but sprinkled or poured upon.
Another example would be the use of musical instruments. I see music as not being a matter of salvation, others see it as a sin.
I think what it really comes down to (at least the way I see it), is that we want to try to teach others what we believe to be what God wants of us, but we don't always agree.
I have no anomosity toward those who disagree with my religious convictions. I only wish for their names to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Sometimes that takes serious discussion.
And those who share the same views as my own, I try to keep them on what I gleen from the bible to be the right path and to steer clear of what may be false teaching.

Answer 7

It primarily derives from centuries of prejudice which is now based largely on misconceptions. Many Christians have been taught from a young age that certain Christian faiths are not Christian and are fed lies by what people think is done in that faith. It is a bad thing, when radical Christians start making claims that all members of any group will go to hell, much less fellow Christians

Answer 8

Because Christians aren't any different than any other humans. All have sinned (including Christians) and fallen short of God's perfect goodness. Jesus offers hope for mistakes past, present, and future...and forgives everyone (including non christians) who are wiling to trust in Him for salvation. Perhaps God is putting on your heart to pray for these Christians, as you are right they more than likely aren't being the best example.

Also, not all Christianity is based on what you call "religion". Christianity as I know it, is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of my faith. He accepts me just the way I am, and through regeneration I can experience a fresh new life through the blood that He shed on the cross for me over 2000 years ago. Hope that helps :D

Answer 9

I have a friend who told me that "You come to look just like the god you believe in." (He got that from somebody, but I haven't found out who.)

The problem with so many Christians (and muslims and some other various and sundry people) is that they believe in a God who is, first and foremost, all about Judgment. They think Judgment is the defining characteristic of God (even though their scriptures tell them that God is Love). And in their rush to make sure they're "on God's good side", they end up becoming judgmental of themselves and others.

If you look at people who are deeply religious and deeply loving, tolerant and accepting, you'll usually find that they REALLY believe God IS Love.

Peace to you.
and I don't know what it means for atheists... ;-)

Answer 10

Yeah, a few of them seem to really enjoy talking negatively about people in their own religion.

I figure the reason they're doing this is because they aren't secure in their own beliefs (yeah, and who wouldn't be,) so they feel they must pick on other Christians with slightly different view points to try and validate their beliefs. This is where a lot of them start spouting this "true Christian" bull. Yet one more reason I want absolutely nothing to do with that religion...