Before I begin, I would like to note that I am a Christian, but there is something I would like to get off my chest. Why is it when somebody says that they are a Christian, it is seen as a "good" thing to society? Why is the term "Christian values" used so often? I mean, values that we all agree on...such as doing good for others, being kind and respectful, etc...aren't those values that EVERYONE can have, no matter what their beliefs?
This notion of Christians being "better" people is somewhat arrogant and condescending to those who aren't Christians. It makes it sound like Christians are supposed to live by higher standards than everyone else, which isn't true. I know many self-proclaimed Christians who treat people like crap, and I know many people who aren't Christians who are warm and friendly. You hear all the time about people who convert to Christianity..how they are "getting their life turned around"...who's to say that being a Christian automatically makes people "better"?
2007-11-29 14:00:48 · 13 answers · asked by Dee 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am agnostic.
I do not steal.
I do not lie, but I might soften the truth if it might be hurtful.
I have laid my life on the line for a few people who never seemed to appreciate my actions.
I have never cheated on a woman, or hit one.
I never been with a hooker, and I don't go to strip clubs.
I help people in need.
I have a solid reputation, and a number of people introduce me as a 'stand up guy'.
Most Christians that I am exposed to look down on me.
Why?
2007-11-29 14:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is in your question. Being a Christian announces that you have Biblical and social values that allows people to understand who you are quicker than someone who doesn't claim to be a Christian. They know you probably come with a certain degree of honesty and morality. Basically, like a bad pitcher, you 'telegraph' what's coming from you.
Are Christians better than non-Christians? Not necessarily but they are expected to be if they claim to be one. And that's because many Christians practice civility, compassion, charity and respect. Sorry to say that some Christians do allow themselves an attitude of superiority.
There are many people who hold and practice Christian values but do not advertise it to the world.
2007-11-29 22:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by bv1999 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so glad to see a positive and respectful bit about religion here!
Maybe this attitude has roots in the persecuted Christians (Pilgrims, Puritans) who came to America to believe freely and also from all the denominations that sprung up in the US (Pentecost, Methodist, Baptist). You get attitude if you're persecuted~you may come to think too well of yourself. If you break away and form a new branch, maybe you feel too much that your way is the true way. I mean, everyone can get haughty about their beliefs, but maybe that's the unique American Christian spin.
2007-11-29 22:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by Thenne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you in that most people, Christian or not, are good people who have high morals.
I am sad to say that a few atheists have made it seem as though Christians are among the most evil people on Earth. There is one in particular who does nothing but spread hate and animosity towards us. This human shows NO respect for anyone who is not an atheist.
Therefore, please be fair.
2007-11-29 22:06:07 · answer #4 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dee because unfortunately most "christians" that I've met are not like you. They have no interest whatsoever in respecting me or my beliefs. Since I'm a Pagan I'm automatically evil and damned to hell in their eyes. It doesn't matter how many good deeds I do either. I've given up. People like that will never change.
2007-11-29 22:10:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Put into it's best and most concise form I really do subscribe to this following idea. sorry if you fall into the pitfalls of something else.
Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.
Albert Einstein
2007-11-29 22:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why are athiests the least liked minority (supposedly)? I think there was a recent survey that said that an athiest president would be voted on least. Out of all minorities, athiests would be voted least. I don't really understand why athiests are so disliked by thiests.
2007-11-29 22:07:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually, everyone does have value, but many Christians seem to think they don't because they like to judge others. Bravo for you.
2007-11-29 22:03:55 · answer #8 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because you never really know how trapped you are - I mean you don't even understand your own captivity - until Jesus Christ sets you free.
You think you are free now - in your unbelief - doing whatever you please - fulfilling all your own selfish desires - but you are in bondage, a slave to your own wills, lusts and desires - only when Jesus Christ sets you free will you even begin to understand how trapped you are right now, how your life is nothing, how lost and lonely and confused you are....
The great irony is the devil has convinced you that he doesn't exist, that you are free and if you believe in God you are in bondage - when of course the exact opposite is true.
We are NOT better than you are my friend - but we are FREE. And one day I hope you know this freedom too.
2007-11-29 22:09:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
i agree, i know of sevral christians that are not very nice ppl, and sevral athiest that are wonderfull ppl.
we should all be kind to one another, for the sake of all mankind.
2007-11-29 22:04:59 · answer #10 · answered by Hedgi Hufflepuff 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋