If believing in Jesus offers peace, then why do so many Christians seem so pissed off all the time?

Answer 1

Because it doesn't really offer peace.

Religion relies on emotional manipulation. Among other things, it offers the hope of peace. Christians expect that they are more at peace because of religion, and they'll rationalize any non-peace they have to not being religious enough. This causes people to fill the pews more and empty their pockets.

Any peace that the Christians (or other religious people) do find, they'll attribute to their religion. So, to themselves, they will think they are more peaceful even if they aren't. And they get upset if you suggest that they aren't peaceful.

There might also be some peace that comes out of any ritualistic service. That, at least, offers something akin to meditation. So, after a Sunday service, they may feel they are at peace.

Personally, though, I've had more real peace after becoming an atheist, just because the world makes so much more sense now. There may be many things I don't know, but what I do know seems to fit together nicely. My peace takes no real leap of faith.

Answer 2

Haha, good one. I'm a Christian and I agree with you fully.

I think the reason is that many Christians have a false idea of what faith in Jesus looks like. They hear he'll give them peace, but they don't realize what kind of peace.. The peace that comes from him is in knowing you have a place in heaven. That's about the end of it. He never promised peace in this life, in fact he made a point to tell his followers many times that they would be mocked, degraded, humiliated, and at times even hated and killed for what they believe. Christians today seem to forget that. So at the slightest hint of a wave, they freak out and lose their peace. There's really no excuse for it.

Answer 3

The attitudes of Christians varies from person to person. Some don't have a good attitude, so they're pissed off. For whatever reason, they take offense when they disagree with an answerer and some answerer's give their opinion in an antagonistic way.

Christians aren't perfect. No one is for that matter. A Christian who is defensive is not setting a good example of tolerance and patience.

Answer 4

Because it doesn't stop with just "believing." I've used this analogy so many times it's starting to become cliche to me, but it still works:

I believe in art. Does that make me an artist?

Many people who profess to be Christians are doing so only with their lips, but not actually living it. Their "religion" goes no further than belief. Unfortunately, for Christianity MORE than belief is required.

And THAT is why so many Christians don't have the peace that God gives us.

I hope this makes sense.

Answer 5

Because Christians want to have peace with other Christians, not with people of other religions. From the bible, Jesus wasn't preaching overall, worldwide peace; only peace between Christians. It's a mistranslation. Jesus also commanded Christians to go out and preach to people of other religions, and that would of course create a lot of conflict. It still is creating conflict today. (Iraq)

Answer 6

Because Christians are human, not perfect. I haven't met too many in my 29 years in church that are really mature and seem to have it together. It takes a lifetime of submitting yourself to God for purification.

A lot of Christians suffer from the basic human condition called pride, just like everyone else. Pride says "I know the right way, why don't you other people get it?" The attitude is wrong, but it is human. We are hopefully all working on letting Jesus change us to be more like Him. If you want to know what Jesus is about, read about His life. Who He was is what we hope to be like more and more as we mature.

add: Bad attitudes about things around us that we don't like can be translated as not trusting God. God allows trials in our path, and regardless of the right or wrong of the other person, God wants to give us the opportunity to grow in maturity by handling our own reaction the right way. When we choose to get mad or indignant or offended, we have missed an opportunity.

Answer 7

I think to get peace you gotta actually read and follow the scriptures. A lot of Christians get saved but don't live it out. The benefits and blesssings of God within Christianity come when the Christian is being obedient to the word. Jesus said that those who love Him hear his words and do them. If you're not doing those things which bring peace like God said then you won't have peace. I've been there. You gotta draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Answer 8

I agree completely with Primo. I would also like to add that while Jesus takes away our sins, He doesn't take away our *ability* to sin (there's a difference, actually). That's why Christians must live *moment by moment,* actively CHOOSING not to sin. In this way, we are told that we "overcome the world" in the same way Jesus did.

While anger in and of itself isn't sinful, it can *cause* a person to sin. (For example, losing one's temper and physically injuring another person is a sin; but the sin didn't happen when the person became angry, it happened when he or she lost control and struck out.)

I'd say that a Christian who is continually angry hasn't properly connected with God, who is able to give a peace that surpasses all understanding. This person needs to seek God with his or her whole heart and get back to a relationship with Him instead of relying upon religion.

Answer 9

it offers peace then turns around and says that the only time there will be worldwide peace is when the antichrist is ruling.

so why would the antichrist bring peace instead of war?

and Cricket (above me) doesn't "believe" in art. She "sees" art. We all can see that it exists.

Answer 10

Out here in the real world, I see just the opposite. Well, okay actually it's a mixed bag of folks and attitudes....
But in here? A fine Circus it is.......

Answer 11

Because The Devil still tempts us to do wrong things and God isn't a person that does bad. most people blame God for what the Devil did! Thats one reason people don't want to get saved. but anyways read John 10:10 (its calling the Devil he theft)