Christians - How would you deal with this?

Question

Please tell me how i should react and respond to the few of your faith who continually abuse, threaten, ridicule,harrass, and treat us Pagans with disrespect?
Please tell those of us who will not stoop to their level- how do you think we should deal with this situation, when it has gone on for so long and is getting impossible to ignore?
I ask this question with respect, i hope you can see that- i just want to know how to stop these few from offending us continually.Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Answer 1

I am a Pagan~ The best thing we can do is not to respond to them.They are only seeking to anger us and that is something i will not give to them. It is not worth it.
I have gotten fed up with the nasty ones though and i report them every time now.
While i am a pacifist i am not going to allow anyone to treat me with disrespect and not expect to be dealt with appropriately~
I just wont darken my soul with anger or stoop to their level.
Blessed Be
Ariel

Answer 2

I've noticed a lot of back-and-forth negativity between all religions on here, so I'm glad you're saying something.

I'm Christian, and I don't judge those that have different beliefs than mine. But it does hurt when I read the mean things that people say on here about my beliefs, as it is something that I hold very dear to my heart. Although I try to not take it personally, sometimes it's hard not to. So I understand how you feel when others judge your religion.

Unfortunately, there are those in my religion that do judge others outside of the church. When it comes to handling them, I would suggest expressing the fact that you expect mutual respect.

Ultimately, there is no way to completely stop them from attacking your religion. I've realized that no matter what I say or do, there will always be someone attacking Christianity. But if you express the mutual respect issue, then maybe a few would get the point and be more understanding.

Answer 3

Although I'm sure *some* of these harrassers only have the best of intentions, their actions don't always show it. First, if they seem at least reasonable, you can politely reply with a "thanks for the note; but please stop contacting me". If that doesn't work, or with the rest of them, does blocking them prevent them from e-mailing you? Replying with those Bible verses above are also a good suggestion. Otherwise, check with somoeone in Yahoo support about how to handle people like this, because you shouldn't have to deal with it, no matter who they are. And I appreciate the fact that you focus only on the few offenders; not everyone is as tolerant and patient as you. Hope you get it figured out; have a good day!

Answer 4

First off remember this scripture when dealing with these type of people. Romans 12:19 -- Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, " VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. I would suggest using patients and scriptures that will do better then acting with anger. You want to not stoop to their level. A good scripture that you might want to use is Luke 6:41 -- Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Scriptures may not be a part of your beliefs but it is a part of there's so why not turn their own scriptures against them. One last scripture is Matthew 7:1 -- Judge not, that ye be not judged. Only God can judge so they should not act the way they are. If they do then they shall answer to him. I have been a christian for over 9yrs though this may not be a long time in some peoples eyes I know what you are talking about. There are a lot (not all but a lot) of Christians that are so sure of their own beliefs they forget how they should behave when they voice their opinions. God Bless

Answer 5

I once spoke out against the unkindness that some Christians have perpetrated against atheists and pagans in this section. Well, at first, the question was towards atheists, but I realized that pagans have been treated poorly by people of my own faith as well.

Know what I got for it? A violation notice.

I was trying to get the atheists and pagans here to see that MOST Christians here are quite tolerant, and even though we may disagree with your choices, we still love everyone. MOST of the Christians who answered (actually, all but one, and I think she misunderstood the question) pledged that they have never and WILL never number amongst those who have been horrible towards people of other faiths.

My fellow Christians mean well, but some of us can be quite judgemental. I choose to ignore them. You should do the same. Remember, every time you see a rude Christian, they're probably either a troll, or even if they're genuine, not all of us are like that. And Jesus NEVER says to actually truly hate anyone (there are some who might quote a scripture out of context to prove me wrong, but they'd have to quote it out of context to do so), so the Christians who are hateful are disobeying the teachings of Christ.

Jesus said to just love everyone, He did NOT say to love everyone unless they're pagan, atheist, or homosexual.

Answer 6

Try and remember this. Most Christians are well meaning. They believe that in order for you to go to heaven upon your death that you need Jesus in your life, you need a savior.

If they didn't care at all about you they wouldn't tell you and just let you not be saved. Their intentions are good but many times their methods are bad and not Christ like.
Some are newer Christians who haven't learned, some I guess just want to be "right".

Please don't judge Jesus or all Christians the same. Jesus said the 2 greatest commandments are: "Love God with all your heart, and love others as you love yourself." He said all other commandments fall under these.

When I was first a Christian I would get mad when someone rejected Jesus and I just couldn't understand. Now I don't in the least and know they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting Jesus.
Please forgive them.
God bless,
†

Answer 7

There seem to be a few, in any faith, who truly overdo things in order to selfishly cater to their own reputations and egos.
In truth, they should be doing no threatening, no ridiculing, no harassing and no disrespecting.
If somebody offered you the greatest gift in the universe, none of the above mentioned actions would be required for you to accept it, right?
Sadly, it is these defining symptoms which are the true indicators as to whom they are truly seeking to serve - themselves. Let them know this - as the truth - and that they are really doing more harm than good for their cause.

Answer 8

This may be a case for fighting fire with fire. Educate yourself about Christianity enough to have knowledgeable responses. You don't have to agree with what you research, but it helps to have some knowledge of the primary sources (i.e. Biblical texts) as well as some critical analyses (both pro and con) in your cache. There is so much mutual misunderstanding in these Christians v. Pagans debates, and admittedly the Christians may be the most bullheaded of all. Christianity sometimes prides itself on its intolerance. Anyone see the "Education of Shelby Knox" documentary?

Answer 9

Realize that you are not responsible for their actions. Followers of Christ should not, and generally do not, abuse, threaten, ridicule, harass and treat others disrespectfully. This forum offers anonymity - and people who call themselves Christians and berate others are not following the requirements for Christ-like living set forth by Christ Himself.

Although it is difficult, please continue to ignore those who would deliberately hurt, or bait, you - as most followers of Christ must do regularly - (especially here on Y/A). I know that those who foment hate are in the minority and I do try to forgive them while at the same time ignoring the "chum" thrown into the water to pull us into a meaningless debate.

As a follower of Christ, I am called to act in a Christ-like, non-judgmental manner. Your choice is to follow Him, or not. My job is to make sure you are able to see Him through my actions and words. Please don't judge the many by the actions of a few.

You (none of us) can make anyone else do anything they don't want to do. We can't make rude people polite, hateful people loving, and we can't make bullies into caregivers. My apologies - I hope this helps, although I don't really see a solution.

God bless.

Answer 10

This is treatment that nobody should have to endure. To do this and call themselves christian is a shame unto them! There are so many so called "christians "out there, I don't believe that they truly know the definition of the word. I would like to apologize to you if I have ever slighted you in any way. Have a good day.