Why do Born-again Christians not understand human nature?

Question

I've been observing a conversation between Molly Mormon and Betsy Born-again... (yes, names have been changed to protect the idiot).

Betsy told Molly that she's not Christian, that she's going to hell because she hasn't accepted Jesus as her savior, and that she's going to question and basically attack Molly's belief.

Betsy has also claimed to know more about Molly's belief than Molly does.

In self defense, Molly has responded with something along the lines of, "Bring it on!"

Betsy then called Molly rude, and expressed the hope that no Mormons like Molly ever come to her door.
The thing is that I've come across the mindset Betsy displays quite often. She's not the first or only! I've heard many born-agains tell non-born agains that they (sorry, just about wrote probably the worst pun ever posted... ok, I'll write it anyway, cuz it's funny) don't have a chance in hell because they haven't accepted Jesus as their personal savior...

Who is the better example of Christian behavior, if any?
Was Betsy appropriate to attack Molly's belief?
Is Molly reasonable to get defensive?
Why do some Christians (born again or not) feel that they know more about what another believes that they?
How can Betsy know more about Molly's heart and beliefs than Molly?
Isn't it kinda hypocritical and arrogant for Betsy to usurp God's position as Judge?

I was under the impression that God was the only one able to look at and judge a person's heart.

Does Betsy really think that attacking Molly will change her mind??

Yes, I'm reposting this... The original question is posted in Social Science, Psych...

Mark- I don't think you quite get it.

If someone told you that you weren't Christian, how would you feel? Would you feel they were acting "Christian"? Would you be willing to listen to what they have to say?
... Or would you feel hurt and angry that they were denying an intrinsic part of your identity, that they were so arrogant as to assume that they knew more about what was going on in your heart than you did?

Clarification--
Betsy and Molly have never met in person. This conversation was via the internet. Betsy has never had the opportunity to observe Molly's behavior. The only thing Betsy is basing her claims on is the fact that Molly is Mormon.

Has God delegated the judging of souls to Betsy?
I'm sure that Molly is as capable as Betsy of reading the Bible. Is it appropriate for Betsy to say that her interpretation and understanding is correct and Molly's is not? (Unless Betsy is a prophet of God and therefore called by Him to speak for Him....)

Is Molly wrong to defend what she believes (especially considering that's exactly, word for word, what Betsy has asked her and all Mormons to do)?

Why is it inappropriate to be bothered by those who make baseless assumptions about you?

Hey, she's got big breasts, so she must be a slut.

Answer 1

My response is more of a question..."how can someone else tell anyone else what they believe in?" I find it fascinating how this happens so much with those who oppose Mormonism. If I had a nickel for all of those people who told me, "No, you don;'t believe that. You believe this...." Ahhh yeah. I am glad you know more about my faith than I do. It sounds so arrogant to me. I feel so much more comofrtable with those who will take the more humble, more Christ centered approach, thank you. Like, find the answers for yourself. Pray and pnder it and god will tell you what the truth is, if you seek it. He speaks with a still, small voice.

Answer 2

Who is the better example of Christian behavior, if any?
Probably neither since one is instigating an arguement and the other is "bring it on" instead of ignoring her. This is probably a bad example of christian/non-christian behavior.

Was Betsy appropriate to attack Molly's belief?
Attacking is never appropriate.

Is Molly reasonable to get defensive?
Reasonable in a humanist way, but not neccessarily in a Christian way.

Why do some Christians (born again or not) feel that they know more about what another believes that they?
Because some are blind to what their religion says and what they are taught and how it goes against what others believe the Bible says.

How can Betsy know more about Molly's heart and beliefs than Molly?
By watching her actions and studying her religious books.

Isn't it kinda hypocritical and arrogant for Betsy to usurp God's position as Judge?
If she was judging then yes. But if she is simply saying that her beliefs are in contradiction to her own, then that is not neccessarily judging.

Does Betsy really think that attacking Molly will change her mind??
Probably not, but probably hopes so.

If someone told you that you weren't Christian, how would you feel?
Puzzled and would definitely question them on why they think that way.

Would you feel they were acting "Christian"?
Depends on HOW they acted towards me and not totally on what they said.

Would you be willing to listen to what they have to say?
Sure, why wouldnt I.

Or would you feel hurt and angry that they were denying an intrinsic part of your identity, that they were so arrogant as to assume that they knew more about what was going on in your heart than you did?
HAHA... everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you are going to get your feelings hurt because of what a human thinks... then maybe you need to talk to God more.

Answer 3

Who is the better example of Christian behavior, if any?
In this instance, neither, really.
Was Betsy appropriate to attack Molly's belief?
Absolutely not. It is NEVER okay to attack another's religious beliefs.
Is Molly reasonable to get defensive?
It's best not to, but it is understandable.
Why do some Christians (born again or not) feel that they know more about what another believes that they?
Because born-agains know everything. You haven't gotten the memo? ;)
How can Betsy know more about Molly's heart and beliefs than Molly?
She can't... And she's a narcissistic moron if she thinks she does.
Isn't it kinda hypocritical and arrogant for Betsy to usurp God's position as Judge?
Yes.
Does Betsy really think that attacking Molly will change her mind??
Who knows. She probably just enjoys hearing herself talk about how Christian she is.

Answer 4

Personally, if it had happened to me, I would be extremely offended and upset. I have had the privilege of having some born-again friends. While a lot of them are nice and are understanding about my beliefs, some are not.

Case in point: I had a friend in high school that was born-again. Her dad was the pastor of the local congregation. She was nice to me, at first, and I went to a few bible study sessions with her. I thought it would be good to get another religions perspective on the bible. While there (apparently, she had told the group leader that I was LDS.), the leader proceeded to point out all the things in the BoM that was wrong. He was an ex mormon, and so as such, thought he had a greater understanding of things. Apparently, he had forgotten a lot about our beliefs, or didn't know them in the first place. Anyway, here I was, sitting there listening to what SHOULD have been a bible study session, but ended up being an LDS bashing session. They told me that God loved me and wanted me to "see the light". I was really upset by the personal attack, and never went back to bible study with her again.

I gave her the benefit of the doubt though, and was still her friend. Her dad though, thought he also needed to tell me where I was wrong. He pulled out this really elaborate, decorated bible that had to weigh 200 lbs!! Little did he know, that I also brought my scriptures with me, since it was a friday, and I had seminary during school. Anyways, he started listing scriptures about different things, and I also showed him places in the bible that talked about what we believe. I actually got him so tongue tied that he quit asking and left in a huff. But again, I felt attacked and belittled and upset by this experience.

I would have done the same thing that Molly did to this girl!! If she wants to belittle her, and make her feel inferior, then Molly has every right to defend her beliefs, and to tell her how un-Christ like she is being. The question is, can Betsy deal with criticism herself? Is she going to pull the victim card, or stand up and deal?

Answer 5

I have had people tell me I am going to hell because of what I believe and I used to be the person who would be defensive and fight with people about my religion. I now realize that it is useless to fight with people over religion, people are too sensitive about the subject and usually what they believe means a lot to them. When people come at me with the same attitude that Betsy did with Molly, I listen to what they have to say and simply stand up for what I believe without fighting. It's kind of similar to politics to me; people feel differently about different issues and they have the right to feel how ever they wish, but I'm not going to fight them about whose wrong and whose right. I will stand up for my position and leave it at that. So, I think both of them handled this the wrong way. If Betsy had a concern about Molly's religion she should have told her in a calm concerned way and Molly should have responded with why she believes what she does and just leave it at that. I've learned that not everybody will agree with my beliefs and sometime you just have to accept that.

Answer 6

God's judgements are not like man's judgment.
Man his distorted God's word to suit his own ego and lifestyle.

Born agains, or what I like to refer to as " fundies" (Fundmentalist Christians) take the scriptures literally.... too literally... and that is what I believe to be the distorted source of their ideas.

there are many profound and highly spiritual ideas in the Bible and sadly, many of these are overlooked by the newly born again Christian who is oftentimes more interested in the concepts of condemnation and punishment, rather than the unconditional love and acceptance of God.

To Molly and Betsy, it's not about being right.... it's about loving them anyway regardless of their opinions.

Answer 7

I love your question. I believe your take on the situation is absolutely correct. Putting faith and belief aside, an imposible thing to do when discussing religion, it boils down to what I say against what the other guy says. Each professing to "know" that they are right. Therefore, it is presumptious of either of us to get into some sort of fit about it. In the end, it will be Christ that tells us which one of us is right or wrong. Then, if you want to add in those that don't believe in Christ, it will be a sad awakening for them when they do face Christ and have to admit their error. On the other hand, if the Christians are wrong, and there really is nothing beyond mortality, then we won't have to face anything, nothing to worry about and we won't have lost anything and will have left a good life behind us for history to remember and record.
So, being objective, again impossible in religious discussions, We will all have to wait for death to determine which of us is right. In the meantime, let us all follow our hearts and consciences to do what we think and believe is right. Let the rest of us be tolerant and understanding of our differing opinions. We claim the privilege of worshipping almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and afford all men the same privilege, let them worship who, what or where they may.

Answer 8

As a very liberal Christian (i.e. I believe something like teh Virgin Birth is a metaphor and the the Bible is quite fallible), I get told very often by Evangelicals that I am wrong and going to Hell if I do not think like them.

[Note: However, I consider myself born-again. I think you mean Evangelical instead of bron-again. We liberals do not like to us ethe term the same way we say progressive instead of liberal when in mixed company, but born-again is exactly the right metaphor for it.]

Answer 9

Good question.

I've observed the same thing in many Christians of various stripes.

Their zeal and over-eagerness blinds them to the things Jesus taught- love, kindness, patience....

In my experience, pushiness has never changed a mind.

Answer 10

The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name, and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell shall rage against thee;
..If thou are accused with all manner of false accusations;
...if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou... that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. [D&C 122]
Seems to be, we're keeping pretty good company... I have a friend who anxiously awaits the opportunity to meet the Prophet Joseph on the other side and shake his hand for the amazing things Joseph did to gain his exaltation -- until he realized Joseph would then look him square in the eye and ask what my friend would have done...
Remember too, Nephi testified that the world would hear the Savior's teachings and consider them a thing of naught - and would crucify him.