I know as Christians we are human and sometime slip into unloving behavior, but suppose there was a person here on R&S who regularly answered questions, but all of them -- consistently -- showed hate and a sneering attitude?
Suppose this hypothetical person never asked questions and never answered any except from the people he saw as his "enemies," i.e. people whose opinions were different from him: would you wonder about his committment to preaching Jesus's tenets of love? Or would you assume that love of one's brothers and sisters, either in cyberspace or in the world, wasn't an important aspect of ministering to one another?
2007-10-26 03:10:45 · 25 answers · asked by Acorn 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would say that person intuits that his own religion is weak and built on sand and the real truth that others have threatens him.
The tone of voice of answers are allways telling to me. The hatefulness and sneering gives the pseudochristians away immediately. Jesus and Paul never had hateful or sneering attitudes. Fundamentalists are the only ones I know who do that and call it "love."
2007-10-26 03:20:09 · answer #1 · answered by Bearcub 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I don't know. For one thing, it is mighty hard to exhibit love in cyberspace. Speaking with a kind, respectful tone is about the best you can do, isn't it? You can't accurately judge someone's character by their online persona.
That said...if their tone was consistently hateful and furious and it seemed like they were spoiling for a fight, it would make me wonder. Maybe are they going through some kind of situation that we don't know about? Someone they love is dying of cancer, or maybe something ugly going on at church (I have seen how that can affect people...it's not good). I would also wonder if maybe they had a serious character flaw and needed an overhaul. Maybe they go to a church, or are a member of a family, where this type of attitude was common.
Who knows? I ain't a shrink. All I could do is speculate.
And I sure hope you weren't thinking of moi when you wrote this question! LOL I don't hate people who disagree with me. I hope I don't give that impression.
2007-10-26 10:23:42 · answer #2 · answered by Blue Eyed Christian 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, Christianity isn't about fighting on internet - except when you want to help somebody.
Like you say, sometimes we do fall into unloving behaviour (I repent!!!, I'm a sinner saved by grace alone!), but a real Christian should also show respect and love towards his opponents!
2007-10-26 16:59:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As Christians, we shouldn't be doing that. Of course, I would also consider that given the number of obnoxious people here on R&S - mostly, but not exclusively, militant atheists evangelizing for their non-religion - it should not be surprising that the person's natural man takes over. But I agree that he should fight against it, and if he has no intention of doing so (for we can't read his heart), I'd question whether he was truly a Christian or not.
2007-10-26 10:36:07 · answer #4 · answered by Gary B 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
That sort of attitude definitely goes against the principles of christ's teachings, so it wouldn't really be very christian of them. But, that being said, according to christianity, jesus had a pretty big advantage being perfect and all, so it was probably easier for him than it is his followers. That, and some of us make it pretty easy to not show love to :)
(I don't believe in jesus, but I do think his story and his teachings are meant to teach love, not hate. And everyone can benefit from a little love)
2007-10-26 10:18:14 · answer #5 · answered by Nea 5 · 4⤊ 3⤋
The thing is this,we love people enough to tell them the truth
2007-10-26 10:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 9⤋
Here is something I've learned through the years.
A person who is faithful is FOR his or her path and will do all they can to FURTHER their own path.
A person who is hateful is AGAINST other paths, and will tear and claw at (including telling lies about) other paths in order to make their path appear better by comparison.
So... judging by that, you can see where their true focus lies. For their faith because they love their faith, or simply against other faiths to make theirs seem better by comparison.
2007-10-26 10:29:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
He probably has no idea he is doing this. He thinks he is helping.
I had a minister I truly loved. He used to say, "There is no reason for a minister to ever be boring." Behind his back we would all laugh because he was very boring.
Jesus was capable of tossing people out of the temple and he bad mouthed Jewish leadership plenty.
Maybe we are judging him and should not be.
2007-10-26 10:20:30 · answer #8 · answered by Ruth 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Well, with no one around, how good of a Christian is a Christian? I mean if he or she is on the internet anonymously, then perhaps they tend to let their christianity slip somewhat. Or it could be they are good christians but they are very close minded, if there is such a thing possible.
2007-10-26 10:17:17 · answer #9 · answered by Gabi ng Lagim 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
We don't know how this person behaves in the real world, but in the context of what you describe, he/she has no understanding whatsoever of Jesus' commandment to treat others as we want to be treated.
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (I John 4:7-8)
2007-10-27 08:12:39 · answer #10 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋