All right. Fine. Here are my problems with (many) Christians:?

Question

1) I've never seen a bigger group of people preach unity, but act more divisively.

2) Many pick and chose quotations out of the Bible to support their beliefs, but when others do it, they tell us, "Well, you can't take it out of context." (Muslims do this, too.)

3) Many assume that as a non-believer, I haven't considered or tried to be a Christian.

4) Many keep approaching me in parking lots and trying to peddle their religion on me. NO OTHER RELIGIONS TRIES THIS WITH ME! I've never been approach by a Jehovah's Witness, a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindu, etc.

5) They have the most religious buildings in the U.S., they have people in the government trying to legislate their beliefs, yet many claim to be victims of a secular society.

6) Many refuse to have a sense of humor about their beliefs.

Don't worry. I have a complaint list like this for everyone myself included.

My question is: Am I wrong? Obviously, not all Christians are like this. But if I'm wrong, I'll change my complaint list.

Most Christians that I've encountered are like this. Certainly not all. I mean, my mom is one of the good ones! :D

The_Cricket: I said "many" not "few."

Seriously, how many times do I have to say "many"? I qualified my statement by saying that "obviously, not all Christians are like this." And I said that my mom is a Christian who isn't like this, and I respect her approach.

Please read closely. I am not lumping everyone in together. I've heard a lot of people ask why so many people are "against" or dislike Christians. I thought I'd respond.

Answer 1

Yes, you're wrong. Here's why:

1) What do you mean by "acting divisively"? Do you mean the disagreements about Scripture? The various denominations?
WHAT IF Christians everywhere all agreed on everything? What would be said about us? People already assume that all Christians are brainwashed into believing. I think if we all agreed on everything, that would prove it.
We're human, and we bring our human interpretations to everything, and yes, that includes Scripture.
2) Some do "cherry-pick" verses. That's true. However, yet again it comes down to human interpretation. Some will place more value in certain passages than others. It's part of being human. It's sort of like people picking their favorite parts out of a movie. A million people can see the same movie, and yet have different favorite parts, and different interpretations of what they see.
Besides, picking a few verses at random wouldn't work for any other book. Why should it work for the Bible?
3) Some do assume that, perhaps even many. They only do it because they can't imagine a person turning away from it. Please try to understand. When a person becomes a Christian, they immediately realize that they've been set "free" from their sins. It's a WONDERFUL feeling! And many people become Christians because of the research they've done. I'm one of them! I can't imagine a person doing as much research as I did, and not coming to believe in it. I can't imagine a person thinking that science and logic aren't compatible with a belief in God and Jesus Christ.
I try to imagine, out of respect...but it's really hard. And I've only been a Christian for eight months!
4) I've had people of other religions try to convert me. I've had atheists trying to convince me NOT to believe in God, I've had Hindus trying to convince me to believe what they do, I've had Wiccans and pagans try to convert me...
It's true that Christians do it more. Why should this be a bad thing, though? I find it flattering when people of other beliefs try to convince me (respectfully, of course) to believe what they do. It means they care about me. I think it's sweet.
5) Well, some of the laws do go a bit far. But I understand what you're saying. I won't argue with you on this one.
6) Well, doesn't that depend on what we're supposed to have a sense of humor about? I'm not going to join others in making fun of my beliefs. If that's what you're expecting...you're going to be sorely disappointed. Most of us don't want people making fun of our beliefs. However, many of us don't mind laughing at all, even at religious jokes.

So that's my take. But why would you hold the actions of a few against all of us?

Answer 2

1) Agree. 2)Agree. 3) I don't think they even consider that & if you already have a faith, they want to convert you. 4) Where I live, it's always the JWitnesses who approach wherever. 5)That may be the case, pert of the time. 6) Agree. I think those who adhere to more extreme faiths give a bad name to religion in general. There's nothing like tolerance. Why should I trouble myself about a neighbor's, a clerk's, anyone's religion. Faith is a very private matter, & should remain so.

Answer 3

i feel bad for you if all Christians that you have encountered are "stereotypical Christians"

i am a Christian and i do not support my beliefs out of the bible most of the time.

Christians are not the only ones who assume we are not a different species..

because Christians may be more open about their belief many Christians just want you to try it. Some Christians could careless if you be lived but still feel as if they should spread their religion.

i think you are around the wrong time of Christains.

Answer 4

I'd like to address point #6. I saw the funniest thing on Mad TV once during their Christmas special. They were doing a skit where they were having a birthday party for Jesus. Jesus came in and said, "Wow, a party for me? Thanks for inviting me." They had made a pinata for him, then they blindfolded him and gave him a stick to bust the pinata open with. Then, from the background someone yells, "RUN, JESUS GOT A STICK!" That cracked me up. Also, there are many stories in the Bible that I find very humorous. I know God has a sense of humor, and I'd be willing to go as far as to say that He can laugh at Himself, too. Peace.

Answer 5

Since you were careful to say "many", not "all", I have to say that I agree with you. Thankfully, it's not "most" Christians who act this way (including number 4; while sharing our faith is part of what we believe, there are many very effective ways to do this without being quite so formulaic and in-your-face confrontational). But we don't often hear from non-Christians about the ones who don't fit these descriptions, which still has the effect of painting all of us with the same broad brush.

Answer 6

1) That's because Christians are all different. The one thing that makes them the same is that they are saved by the grace of God. Not by things they do or what type of personality they have. So yes, as we think a Christian should be is not always the case, although it is God's desire that we become Christ like in our walk with Him.
2)Usually, when non believers quote the bible they interpret it in their own way, sometimes completely changing the meaning. When those verses are read in context, that meaning will change. I quote verses with the understanding to include any verses with it that support them.
3) We are all born non-believers. Some will come to Christ early, others late, some never. I think each person will at least once in their life consider it.
4)I have never been approached by a Christian, but had plenty of JW's and Mormons come to my door. So that's surprising. I'm glad to hear that there are Christians a bit more zealous than most.
5)The buildings don't represent God, but often human nature. God never said we need to have grand churches, that's all man's idea. That many officials are christian is simply because this country was founded on christian principles.
6) I have a sense of humor, but not when it comes to making fun of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, you're wrong. I have met Christians who are nothing but the best people, loving, giving, kind, honest, helpful and so on. I have also met some that aren't as nice. I guess you shouldn't base your faith in Christ on others and what they do, but on God and his word. Do your best to be a good example and pray for those who aren't, because they should be.

Answer 7

I can't argue with what you've said however, there are Christians that aren't as you described. Please understand that "religion" is a money-making entity these days (as are most things). Since I truly believe we are living in the last days, you will see more and more of this sort of thing. The important thing is to know that Christ died for our sins and that through Him we are saved from eternal death. John 3:16 in the new testament will tell you more, if you're interested. If you aren't, then so be it. Your choice.

Answer 8

1) Unity is important to those who profess Christ as their Saviour. This is because Christ is the head of the church, His church, it's ONE church, not many and He's the head. But striving for unity in the church is not about, watering down or finding the lowest common denominator. We should seek to agree what are the most important tenets of Christianity and then seek to agree on them.

2) A practicing "born again" Christian will generally quote God's word from a different perspective than non-believers. They believe it, others do not. If as we believe, the Bible is God's word then a believer ought to have a better grip on the truth.

3) If you have tried and failed to become a Christian I respectfully suggest it may be because you have not fully understood the fundemental truths of the Gospel or have stopped short of completing your understanding sufficient to take a step of faith and commit to the Lord.

4) When a person recieves a revelation of God's love, mercy and grace, it is near impossible to keep such good news to oneself. Our motuivation for wanting to share these things is born out of God's love for the lost.

5) Bottom line for all born again believers should be God first all else after. A Christian can't stop being a Christian just because he happens to work for the government. It is also a fact that society in the west has in recnt years grown intolerant towards Christian beliefs and values. I believing for a "turnaround" though.

6) I havn't stopped having a sense of humour just because I've become Christian. But there are many things that are simply no longer funny as a result, dirty jokes for instance. You do have a point though, there are some pretty aweful Christian Gag's going around.

7) I know you don't have 7 complaints. But I threw this in for good measure. Seven represents completeness in Biblical terms.

We should all turn our focus from the perishable things of this world and seek to know God and the imperishable things of His Kingdom. That includes seeking the favour and approval of God rather than that of others.

Answer 9

Right said, Fred!
But as you say, all sorts of fish make up the Ocean! *

Answer 10

Jesus said " I am no part of this world", because it is Satan's system, otherwise, Satan could not have offered him all the kingdoms of the world.
This is not the real life--it is yet to come--a perfect world where perfection cannot and will not die.