Why do people get so upset when their faith is derided/mocked/criticised?

Question

You're always hearing people going on about a 'war' on Christianity, Muslims freak out about once a month about some perceived slight to their prophet. It seems to me if people really had any strength to their faith these things wouldn't matter! After all, if you really believe in your god, who supposedly created THE UNIVERSE and everything in it, what would the carping of some malcontents matter in the big picture? What power do mocking or disrespectful words have against the almighty creator of everything? If your faith was sincere the obvious answer would be 'none'. The fact that people react the way they do has a lot more to do with temporal Earthly matters than sprituality, and their defensive behavior a clear sign of a faith that is immature; still fixated on symbolism and ceremony than what really matters, their soul, which lies out of reach of any Earthly influence, let alone some silly mocking words...

*Chad* and others who agree with him-

-I disagree! If your hometown sports team was having a losing season, then mocking and criticism would sting and make you defensive. If they were winning and headed for the championship, then the taunts would have no power at all, would they?

*Chad*

-If 'you dont know for sure if your faith is correct or not...'

Maybe you have the wrong faith...

Answer 1

I agree with much of what you're saying.

But is this a question, or your blog?

Answer 2

Regardless, people shouldn't mock someone for what they believe in. We should all respect everyones opinion. If it so happens that the group being mocked feel strongly offended, then it is only right for them to say so. For example, the Mohamed cartoons that created such controversy last year. It creates a negative image of the people who associate themselves with Islam and its teachings. One thing always leads to another. Its the same for the Jews, Christians, and all other religions that get made fun of by those who just don't get it.

Answer 3

when you consider which you assert which you have faith that's completely in basic terms for everyone who does not think of precisely as you do to be punished ceaselessly. you're, in result, asserting you approve of our eminent suffering. the shown fact that i think of your faith is a fairy tale does not mean that I excuse you from reason or human compassion. I nevertheless carry you to the comparable standards as everyone else. playstation different than Muslims, the persons with the ideals you stated, does not help you recognize this form of element. Even some Muslims would say that hell is allegory. Evolution isn't a theory; btw, that's a scientific theory, like gravity.

Answer 4

Because people's beliefs get deeply internalized, as a part of their 'self-description'. So, when those beliefs are challenges, it is perceived (subconsciously) as an attack upon the self, and it is responded to as if it were a vital existential threat.

This is one of the pitfalls of establishing one's world-view (subjective reality) on the basis of self-deception and self-delusion (religion)... the whole thing can come tumbling down with the slightest whiff of knowledge, reason or logic.
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Answer 5

Because people hate to be wrong.. However, if you know it's true, and you feel content and safe about it. Then? why worry... I don't worry what people say or people think. Why,? Because......... people have opinions, they are negative and ignorant, and have these opinions of things that they know nothing about. I don't trust mans opinion. I rely on the bible and the bible only... I don't let any human tell me how to believe or what to believe! I pray and ask My God how to direct me, and like I said im not ignorant to the bible. I will never throw a bible verse to someone unless I have studied it thoroughly for myself. It doesn't matter to me what atheist, Muslims, Islamic people think of me, or my beliefs. God has proved Himself to me often, who cares what everyone else thinks. I AM so confident in God and myself it doesn't matter what the rest think... Anyway, it doesn't hurt to believe, because if Im right, Im going to Paradise! If Im wrong! doesn't matter, at least Im Enlightened, happy, strong and confident.

(Praise to God for a Living Hope) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Answer 6

You don't have to insult most Christians to make them mad,
almost any honest question, that an innocent child might ask, is enough to tick them off and cause them to insult you; and tell you to "mind your own business".
Yet for as far back as anyone can remember they didn't hesitate to mind other people's business, and tell them "you're going to hell".
The fact that they're so defensive shows how shaky they are in their "belief".----Their biggest fear is to admit that they've been duped. ---They're too embarrassed to by their naivete'.

Answer 7

I could care less what anybody says about my faith.

All I can say is 'you will have to account for every word'. As for me...Im comfortable being a Jesus freak.

Answer 8

If I had gods that you mocked, I would just feel sad for you - like a retarded little brother. I wouldn't be offended, especially by someone I felt had no clue about the world.

Answer 9

I don't care. The gods can take care of themselves. I get mad when I personally am ridiculues, insulted or whatever. I am not stupid, I am no "decieved", etc. Other then that I could care less what people think of my religion as long as you aren't lying about it to make yourself look right. If you have to lie, then you dont' have an arguement.

Answer 10

Religious beliefs form a strong part of our self identity. When our beliefs are attacked, it feels as if we, personally, are being attacked. I know this probably won't make much sense to non-religious people.

Answer 11

Ya know, I don't know. It's the same thing with political affiliation. When the conversation turns to politics, and/or religion, and the voices begin to escalate, I just excuse myself.