Fellow non-Christians: Are we incapable of peace, joy, and love?

Question

Just minutes ago, in response to this question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071129194436AAya5bE&cp=3

a Christian on this board stated that: "They can't live as a christian because they don't know Christ. They will lack the true peace and joy and love for others that a Christ-like person does. "

... really? So only Christians are capable of "true" peace, joy, and love? What do you think of that statement? Where does that leave the rest of us?

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to respond.

Leith C: The question was indeed deleted, and it was something along the line of: "Should homosexuals, witches, and atheists be given the same rights as Christians?" It was probably a troll question, but it was pretty offensive nonetheless.

Answer 1

I am a Christian and in answer to your question: Of course non believers are capable of peace, joy & love!!! Just because someone is not a Christian doesn't mean they are not human!! Peace, love and joy come from all different places, different things make you feel those emotions, it depends on the person. I personally find peace,joy and love in Christ and what he gives me, like the ablity to feel those emotions. I'm not preaching, just giving my thoughts.

Answer 2

"They can't live as a christian because they don't know Christ. They will lack the true peace and joy and love for others that a Christ-like person does. "

That's a rather arrogant statement, especially considering that the person who said it has no idea of what it is like to not be Christian. How can one say what anothers experience is like if they've never experienced it themselves?

Here's a little news flash for all those out there who think the way this person does; peace, joy and love are HUMAN emotions, ALL humans are capable of experiencing them regardless of what religion (if any) they follow. (Yeah that's right, Atheists experience these emotions too.)

Answer 3

Funny that I have felt more peace, joy and love after acknowledging the Greek Gods and their presence in my life than I felt when I was trying to be a Christian.

One is defined as Christ-like by their actions. These actions are dictated by Christ himself in Matthew 25:31-46.....

To say that someone is not capable of peace, joy and love is being judgmental in a way that Christ would be appalled by in my opinion

Answer 4

"They will lack the true peace and joy and love for others that a Christ-like person does."

Show me a Christ-like person who would actually write something like that and the issue might be worth examining. I've never understood why so many Christians are so eager to judge others, especially in light of what Jesus supposedly had to say about doing that.

Answer 5

Who WANTS to live as a Christian anyway?
Its such pure arrogance to assume THEY have the monopoly on peace and happiness.
For me, happiness doesn't result from being told I'm a dirty low down rotten sinner and, unless I'm subservient to the deity who made me the way I am (a dirty low-down etc...) ,then I'm going to be punished for it.
It comes from loving and accepting myself for me and realizing the true Deity within, and in that I can see the beauty and Divinity in everything and everyone else.
I guess some people are happy with being told they're no good all their lives.
Each to their own I guess. If they want to believe they have to wear tires on their heads in order to be "saved" (whatever that implies) then go for it. Just don't tell me I'm going to be punished by the Sky Pixie if I don't.

Their obviously NOT happy with the deal they have from those rules, so they want everyone else to have to deal with it too.

Base all your ideas on one book and your knowledge ends at the covers. Listen to the Universe and your Wisdom will fill it.

BTW, the question has been deleted now... what was it?

Answer 6

See this is eactly why religion isn't right for me. To sit in judgement of another person the way this "christian" has done shows they don't understand the teachings of Jesus.

I do live in peace, joy and love. Everyday these things are mine because I don't need to have someone telling me that I have to believe as they do or I can't.

Answer 7

The idea that only Christians (the religious, theists, or the devout) are capable of experiencing "peace, joy, and love" is absurd! Of course, WE can! I am agnostic, nonreligious, and irreverent, but I am also happy, hope (futilely, perhaps) for world peace (particularly the absence of religious wars!), and love my family members and friends! Perhaps my emotions, by the definition of the quoted (intolerant) "Christian" are not "true", then!

Answer 8

They are sadly mistaken with blinders on. They can't conceive that someone can live a noble and honorable life without their religion. There's a majority of the world that lives peacefully and in love for mankind throughout the world everyday that aren't Christian.

I strive to live by the Noble Virtues which include: Family and community responsibility, Hospitality, Truth, Wisdom, Courage, Honor and others.

Answer 9

I just tucked in my baby with love, said a prayer for our family, had a joyous family + puppy cuddle goodnight and am currently having a peaceful tea with Hubby as we read YA.
We got it all. We're not Christian. I'm Pagan.
Can't say I'm sorry to disappoint the narrow minded Fundie.
Peace.

Answer 10

I've seen a few of this man's questions.
He doesn't appear very peace-loving to me.

But to answer your questions, I've always felt pacifism was pacifism and hatred was hatred. Atheists have been known t commit atrocities and so have Christians. I think we are all capable of these things. Perhaps we are looking in the wrong place when we look at beliefs.