"Non-Christian" behavior and people...?

Question

I have been to some church groups, meetings and Bible studies where the pastor/reverand and other church members make fun of homosexuals and believers of other religions. I have often heard some say that they will "Pray for these Non-Christians", and that they'll "pray for those who don't believe". It's like if you do not believe the norm in orthodox religion, or if you do not subscribe to a particular belief, you are damned and going to hell. This is my personal problem with organized religion, particularly Christianity.

I admit, I am still trying to decipher everything and find my true spiritual place, but I think of myself as a Christian and believe in God, I just have a problem with many of the things they say in Chruch and some Christian books.

Personally, I do not think that is is "Christian" to make fun of those who are different, or condemn people who do not believe as you do. What are your thoughts?

I understand telling someone you'll pray for them if they are sick, distressed or going through hard times; but what gives someone the right to say 'I'll pray for you' simply because you are gay or not Christian?

Answer 1

Churches who "make fun" of people in such situations are not very Christian in my opinion. We are to take a hardline stance against sin, but not hurt people's feelings! Jesus loved the sinner, but HATED their SIN, so we are to treat them the same way! We are to EMBRACE them and TEACH THEM, not belittle or degrade them in the condition their souls are in! I don't condone homosexuality for instance, but I am not going to join those fools on the picket lines SCREAMING out hate-filled oaths at homosexuals! We WARN them of the prospect of dying in their sins, NOT beat them over the head with it! We don't "soften" the Bible up for them, but we offer it to them in love, hoping for their sake they'll read it, study it, HUNGER for a closer realtionship with God and seek HIS face! You speak of not subscribing to a particular belief and I understand that. But, the Bible DOES say that we are to subscribe to the belief that claims "One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all who is above all, through all, and in you all." There IS a TRUTH that is to be sought for and lived by in God's Word. Our objective is to find it, embrace it, NOT cloud it with our individual morality, and share it with the world with both a sense of love and of urgency WITHOUT cramming it down their throats or berating them for lack of understanding or acceptance! It takes time to absorb the truth and grow in God just as a flower does with good soil, water and sunshine! The Scripture says to the effect that we're supposed to raise a baby (a young believer or searching for the truth lost soul) on the MILK (easiest parts of the Word for them to understand) before they're made ready for the MEAT (the tougher subjects they MUST comprehend if they want to grow in God)."

Answer 2

I think of life as a light switch, it's either on or off. You're either good or bad. There is right and wrong...this in a pure sense and not because you grow to believe in a certain way. That said............A person would rarely say anything that would be derogatory against someone they truely loved unless the get realy pissed off. I feal most attacks against others are because of a sense of threat by that person or group oft times have senseless reasons. The further you get away tree bark ,ie self, and into an "Organized" belief system the more people you run into who do not live the tenants of their choosen faith. It's your responsibility to lead by example and when nessasary remind those who just don't get it.

Answer 3

As a Pagan, I find this type of thing to be sad and funny at the same time. The entire time they are gossipping and claiming "righteous judgement" on all of us Non-believers, they are doing things which their own scripture tells them is wrong... Gossip for one. To make fun of other people in such a way surely doesn't show love of any kind... except maybe the love of degrading other people. I guess this is the only way people like that can feel secure in their own beliefs, by putting down others who are different. To judge an entire group of people based on belief alone is rather silly. I've never quit understood why people do that other than to stroke their ego's, make them feel superior and hopefully gain trust of others who believe like they do. I guess it's a power struggle, though mainly an internal one, but it seems like they would end up empty and cold with the bitterness and hate they show towards those who are different.

Answer 4

I have been a Christian longer than you have been alive. Unfortunately, people have to get older, but they don't have to grow up. I, too, have been to some small minded churches. I pray that you find a solid, bible believing church where you can grow in your knowledge of God's word, and have loving, mature believers help you along in your walk with Christ.
God did NOT tell us to get together as christians in order to mock other people. The purpose of worship is to study God's word and grow in our relationship with him. If this is not what is happening in the church you are attending, you're in the wrong one.

Answer 5

It is that way with other religions also, not just Christianity. Look at Islam. According to them, they have a green light to murder people who do not believe that Mohamed is the 3rd prophet of God. People of other faiths are considered inferior. That can't be good.

It is not "Christian" to act like this towards people of other faiths. Jesus taught love and acceptance. That message has been forgotten for a long time.

I guess in this way religious people can make themselves feel better and more secure in their faith.

Answer 6

I've been turned off christianity for exactly the same reasons you have, the christians around me were so critical of others personal choices. Then I met an atheist, who was charming, intelligent and kind to everyone. Because he was bisexual, my parents hated him because they were catholic, even though he was a childrens rights activist, a humanist minister and was very successful when it came to any business enterprise he got involved in. I'm now an atheist, and I can't ever imagine being anything else.

Answer 7

I'm atheist. Makes no difference if somebody prays for me, makes no difference at all. Praying is just silent thought. It's nothing. You're thinking like an atheist.. kind of. Yes the bible is full of **** and yes the people who believe in christianity talk a lot of ****. :)

Answer 8

I'm a Lesbian and I attend church on a regular. I get very uncomfortable when our Pastor starts talking about homosexuality and how it's wrong. Although I know no one can't look at me and tell that I'm lesbian because I'm very feminine, I still feel like all eyes are on me which makes for a very uncomfortable situation. Sometimes it makes me not want to go at all.

Answer 9

I agree with you. In fact, there are a suprising number of people who think like you do. Though I'm not Christian myself, I know that most of the churches around where I live (in California) would agree with you as well.

Answer 10

You off to a good start. Why not take the next step and live life on your own terms instead of those dictated by an opened end belief system.

Answer 11

I think you are bang on! I'm not a Christian but i also have problems with all of the atheists banging on Chritian beliefs. i know that certain organised religions cause more problems then they solve but the eclusivity of many only further perpetuates the segregation of the people.