Is there any way to effectively tell staunch Christians they are being intolerant?

Question

And that this intolerance may be hurting their cause? In a pro-life organisation I am part of, every week, the Christians there condemn the people going into Planned Parenthood to hell. They also say that Jesus could probably smell the purid stench of their souls, and they must repent.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but HOW is this helping anything? A young woman came up to me yesterday and said she was annoyed that every time she walks by is told of her destiny in hell unless she gives her soul to Jesus and that she was horrible for not approving of Bush. My reply was
I am fully aware that standing outside praying and protesting doesn't do anything, but I go because I think that the anti-abortion movement is a good cause.
I think that these people are only hurting their cause. I've tried to tell them before, but I get told I know nothing. How can I let them know?

Please don't just say I should be pro-abortion.

Edit to wildflower: There are many non-Christian people who are against abortion.

Answer 1

you're right. it doesn't help. people that do that in the name of christianity are not doing anyone, especially Jesus any favors, nor they advancing christianity. it turns off more people than it helps(if any). It may be because they do not have a full understanding of the gospel. How soon, they forget the mess God brought them out of. As I said in another answer session, how come they only focus on one thing and forget the weightier matters. Is abortion wrong, I feel that it is. but what about adultery?, fornication? lying?stealing? not honoring your parents? spousal abuse? child abuse? the best way to reach people is through Love and not condemnation, or guilt. we need to be more loving and less offensive if we are to reach to others

Answer 2

Christians believe that they have a moral obligation to be intolerant. Just take a look at OregonFlower's response.

The ironic part is that they're going against practically everything in the bible to push what are literally social agendas rather than religious ones. And if you make a point that Jesus probably wouldn't have spoken that way to a young woman seeking out an abortion, but would have approached her with kindness instead, they'll bring up that "money changers" incident.

Answer 3

Honoring your request not to try to convince you of the merits of the Pro-Choice position, I think you should choose your friends more carefully. Telling people they are going to burn in Hell is hate speech -- no different than calling a black man the N-word. Do you really want to be associated with that kind of people?

Suggestion: Instead of working against something which you can't really do anything about because it is perfectly legal, why don't you try working for something positive. Find a positive way to support your point of view. For example, work with an organization that provides the kinds of support a young pregnant woman needs so she's able to choose a non-abortion alternative. In other words, do something positive -- always much more satisfying than envolving yourself in a hopeless and futile crusade. Try doing some good, for a change. Help a pregnant teenager bring a new life into this world, instead of expressing your outrage by beating up on those who make choices you disagree with.

Answer 4

That's a difficult situation. It would be very hard to convince those people that they are causing harm because they are wearing blinders. Sometimes I wonder if all they are really looking at is the reward they think they'll get at the end of their lives for doing it and not at what they are doing right now. I don't know why they protest at places like that when it's the people who vote that sort of thing into law under the "Issues". They need to be more political about it, instead of harrassing every day people who are looking for comfort in their time of need. Obviously they are overlooking that and possibly don't even care about the person (I feel they don't, but they claim they do), but just care that they are making a scene to show how "Good" they are while trampling on people who are emotionally vulnerable.

I honestly wouldn't know what to say to those people. I would probably end up in jail though, because there definitely would be a debate going on in the street. Even if it meant I had to bring a Bible with me to do it.

Answer 5

Silence is Golden. Abortion is wrong but if you wish to show the Love of Christ, you need only hold up a sign. People have free will and if their hearts are hardened or they are looking for escape, then you really need to try to be understanding. Jesus would say, Neither do I judge you. Go and sin no more.
You might think about putting that on your sign.
People can be so cruel to others. Tell those who are passionate about their cause, that they need to be passionate about the Love of Christ. Maybe if you have to go there with a sign you can write on it, I'm sorry you feel forced to do this. It is wrong but Jesus Loves You no matter what.
Until a person kneels on Holy ground with their stinky shoes off, they cannot and should not be the judge angels or man..
I'm not pro abortion but even God does not interfere with peoples free will. Chances are that those people going into the clinic really don't need someone pushing their wrongs in their face and you are doing more harm than good.
Again Love people enough to let them alone!
Rev. TomCat

Answer 6

I am anti abortion but would never do what they are doing.Prayer is enough and if someone asks for a different choice with help for adoption,and with the pregnancy that is far more Christ like.Do they ever offer to help someone with this crisis,or do they just condemn,Jesus always offers help in and through a situation.Ask them to offer help to these girls and woman,not just condemnation,Jesus said you will know them by their fruit,theres sounds rotten.They have no love or compassion.Good luck and be greatly blessed

Answer 7

I have always considered myself a conservative christian but these people are beyond help. They can't even see that Bush just uses their children as fodder for his corporate war. Now the GOP is again pushing their war and fear policies for the next election. They think a woman is only good to turn out bodies for them to use. They care nothing about those already here. Remember how fast they cared about the people of Katrina. Some people refuse to see the truth.

Answer 8

There are always those that, though well-intentioned, detract from a good cause by their zeal. People like to feel important. By using that harsh language, it is possible that they feel like they are being like the prophets of old. But the prophets of old lived in an entirely different culture than we do. People can still be strong and steadfast in their beliefs, but in a culturally appropriate way.

I don't really know what you can do. My advice is that you should remind them of the subtle way in which Jesus taught his lessons. "Let them that hear, hear." Sometimes, louder is not better. At times when you have the opportunity, you can pull them aside and let them know your thoughts on this matter.

Answer 9

I really don't think there is any way to explain it to them. The fact is, they make Christianity look bad when they talk like that, and they have probably been told that dozens of times by now. They go on saying it, so the only thing I can figure is that they don't actually want to convert others, they just want to be smug about being in the Jesus Fan Club. They figure they will be Raptured and we will be Left Behind, and they will sit up in heaven and laugh at us.

Answer 10

You are commanded by scripture to judge the behavior of other Christians and to call them on the carpet if their behavior does not align with scripture.

Remember proverbs where is says, "a soft word turns away wrath". Tell them tactfully and backed by scripture. If they do not listen to you and continue in their self-righteous way, then all you can do is pray for them, and ask God to deafen the ears of those that can hear them.

Also remember that there are many who cry out "Lord, Lord" but do not do as Christ commands. Unfortunately, there is nothing much we can do about the impostors among us.