Why do Christians have such a bad reputation?

Answer 1

There is a lot of truth behind those who say that it's because of the actions of Christians, and I'm not one to dispute this, being an Atheist, but there is another point I would like to bring up.

For the longest time, Christianity has been the dominant religion, not only in this country, but also the world at large. The history of modern times has, from a religious point of view, more or less been a history of Christianity. No other religion can compare in relation to the political implications of Christianity's spread over the globe, or in wealth and prestige. Christianity is more than a religion: it is an institution and a culture, and, to reiterate, has been the dominant one for an unprecedented amount of time.

Being dominant invites criticism, and Christianity is feeling the effects of this. It doesn't help matters that prominent Christians are also uncomfortable with any compromise of their dominance in domestic and international affairs and have responded with some very poor public relations choices.

Answer 2

Wrong presumption and biased question.If you ever are able to visit some of the remotest,most backward,highly dangerous and inhospitable places in the world,plagued by poverty,ignorance,diseases and what not,you can be sure to find a Christian mission around that place.I have seen Missionaries carrying medicines on their backs and walking for more than a week from a road head through some of the most dangerous terrains including forests.In no other religion have I found volunteers so dedicated as in Christianity and it's going on for more than a century at least.Theirs is still the largest service and relief net work in the world than of all the religions put together.So what reputation are you talking about?Your opinion is based upon what you see the reaction to some of the fanatic and aggressive Christians in cities and may be,large towns where these over zealots have made themselves a laughing stock of not only non believers but of average Christians as well. so,if we are ever ready to give a devil his due,then why not to these decent fellows?Please think again .(note:-I am not a Christian by any chance)

Answer 3

First of all, obviously, most Christians only have a "bad reputation" to a limited group of people--those antagonistic to Christianity.

Because, as Christ's followers, we represent God here on earth; and God, as He really is, scares some people. He is not a God who can be controlled by human beings. He is God and we are not.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?"

All people are imperfect, Christians included, but it is Christ that people really take offense at, just as many people disliked Him when He was physically here on earth.

Our reputation in heaven is more important than our reputation with people. It's God's viewpoint that matters in the end, because He is Truth, and He is the true judge.

Answer 4

Christians think ignorance is bliss(they are right)by believing in what a book tells them
Ignorance has dire consequences
The only consequence they think about is not going to hell
Consequences like:mind control,9/11,wars,famine,no more freedom,death,destruction, fear, insanity, self-destruction, spiritual death......and the list goes on
To any sane,or even a little bit human out there why does Christianity have a bad rep is logical,Christianity IS THE MAJORITY IN THE WORLD,thats why democracy fails and the commies knew that!
Edit:Looks like y!a eaten some of my words

Answer 5

Christianity creates for itself a bad reputation by the unbelievable and ridiculous ideas about hell and who goes there. They as well think that they alone have the total monopoly over anything that is spiritual. In other words they are fanatics who will not open their eyes to the fact that their ``Bible``is riddled with theological abuses down through the ages. Much of the ``Bible``is based on that of ST Poul``s`Letters around the region,and who never even met Jesus before at all.

Answer 6

Perhaps it is because it's human nature to see the worst in people and situations.

For a lot of people who are not Christian, they might see 1 or 2 bad Christians and many good Christians. But perhaps they begin to question the actions of all Christians because they remember the 1 bad Christian.

That would be my guess.

Answer 7

Well Jesus warned the religious leaders of his day and to some extend the same goes for the religious leaders in our days, he told them were such a bad reputation comes from:

"...Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"

- Matthew 15:6-9

"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute."

- 2 peter 2:2

And many of them fail to obey the command given by Jesus in John 13:34,35, thereby not identifying themselves as true Christians.

John 13:34,35"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Answer 8

Because of the religiosity, surely. and all that supernatural stuff - and the way they assume proprietorial rights over every good natural inclination of humanity. Those who have suffered piracy have no affection for pirates. Especially when any attempt at discussion with them usually only brings forth a jumble of catch-phrases quoted out of context and blind assertions largely without any insight at all. But I knew a very nice Archbishop of Canterbury once. He admitted he didn't believe in God any more, but argued that others needed to believe and he could help them. Enough said. Sad.

Answer 9

Not all Christians have a bad reputation, of course, any more than all atheists do...or Muslims.

But Christians are the only politically correct group to bash right now.

Answer 10

I believe - history aside, fundamentalist (Evangelical, McChurches etc.) Christians have given all Christians a bad reputation. This is because they tend to be hypocritical., bigoted, superficial and incredibly self righteous - AND they tend to want to ram their twisted and flawed theology/dogma down every ones throats. I actually feel sorry for other normal decent Christians who get tarred with the same brush.