^ Hey...I'm not like that.
I'm very open minded.
I can tell you why many christians want to impose their views on the world. It's taught that once the whole word hears the "good news" of Christ, then He will return.
Like I've said before you can't be judgeful...The problem with many christians is that they can be. But not in a hateful way, they just want you to go to heaven..
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
I did not state that American is the only ideologically diverse society.What I did state is that I believe that this phenomena of dislike for Christians is limited to those ideologically diverse societies, [b]such as
America, in which Christians share society with atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, neopagans, and so on, yet try to dominate public life. [/B]
And again, you talk about America, because thats the only thing you know - Why dont you mention for exampl England. Country is ''officialy'' Christian here, but the Bible doesn't rule our country nor are Christians trying to dominate public life?
Or doesn't England fall under your idea of ''idologically diverse society''
Also the most vocal "Christian nations", like the US and parts of Europe, are quiet liberated in how they are allowed to express their opinions. In the US there is the whole separation of state and Church, and people can be as vocal as they want. Likewise flaws are well publicised, like the whole debate between evolution and Biblical creation. It always as opposed to the bible.
However, in the most vocal "Islamic nations" etc there is not a great deal of room for people to object to the Korans teachings and so on, as really, its not in their best interests to make their dislike of their religion so open.
Christianity just like other religions is a victim of stereotypes, misconception, assumption, and lack of understanding from certain indivuals. It maybe one the of the biggest organized religion but it can be also the most least understanded. To make it even harder to understand Christianity breaks down in groups. We have the lutherans, mormons, Catholics, Protestant...etc. which makes it harder to comprehend since is so big and tends to get complicated.
Simply put is about reading and trying to understand what Christianity is as a whole. The average respond you get from person about Christianity is the assumption that there is a heaven and a hell. And if you're a good person when you die the reward is heaven. Or if you're a bad person when you die you go to heaven. Well, that maybe the final conclusion. But is very far from the definition of Christianity. Is much more complicated and difficult to understand. Is not as easy as it seems. What is good? What is bad? What do you consider a good thing? What do you consider what is bad?
All religions are complicated and Christianity is no different. Sure we can draw conclusions, but to define and try to understanded is what makes it difficult. That's why we see dislikement towards Christianity and other religions. People either have the wrong assumptions or they just don't want to learn or care about what the religion really offers.
I am a Christian but I do know what you mean about the hypocrisy and judgemental attitude. Not all Christians are hypocrites and Christians should not be judged or label insignificant because some people ruin it. I've seen alot of people (especially the older generations) praise the Lord on Sundays and feel almighty and good about themselves but during the rest of the week, being cold hearted and judgemental. Even the Lord himself said "He who is without sin, cast the first stone". Christians (among other religions or even races) should not be labeled as one way because there are people who don't practice what they preach and they like to belittle other people. And yes we, as humans, make mistakes ( I'm sure every will agree) but we need to learn from them and change our ways or for those hypocrites they need to change their way of thinking too. Even the Lord acknowledges this people in the bible. Unfortunately hypocrites are around just like they were as stated in the bible. P.S.- I am not trying to push my religion onto others just stating the misconception that Christians = hypocrites is not always true! God doesn't want us to judge others. =-) W.W.J.D?
Yes it is unfortunate that so many Christians are hypocrites. I see them on a daily basis. But I also see more sincere Christians than I do hypocrites. Its just that the bad stuff is what gets talked about and publicized. Its sad really since Christianity has alot of great things to offer, but because of hypocrisy many will not even attempt to understand it.
As to why Christians seem to be criticized more than other religions I think that until someone of a different religion posts in here we really wont know the answer.
Originally posted by lil bitchiness
And again, you talk about America, because thats the only thing you know - Why dont you mention for exampl England. Country is ''officialy'' Christian here, but the Bible doesn't rule our country nor are Christians trying to dominate public life?Or doesn't England fall under your idea of ''idologically diverse society''
Again, I believe that this phenomena of dislike for Christians is limited to those ideologically diverse societies, such as America, in which Christians share society with atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, neopagans, and so on, yet try to dominate public life.
By your own admission, Christians do not try to dominate public life in England. Does this mean that England is not an ideologically diverse society? No. It means that England is not an ideologically diverse society in which Christians try to dominate public life. Therefore, this phenomena of dislike for Christians may not be as prevalent there as it is in other places. Read thoroughly before you post.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
Again, I believe that this phenomena of dislike for Christians is limited to [b]those ideologically diverse societies, such as America, in which Christians share society with atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, neopagans, and so on, yet try to dominate public life.By your own admission, Christians do not try to dominate public life in England. Does this mean that England is not an ideologically diverse society? No. It means that England is not an ideologically diverse society in which Christians try to dominate public life. Therefore, this phenomena of dislike for Christians may not be as prevalent there as it is in other places. Read thoroughly before you post. [/B]
I have read it properly, yet I still fail to understand how you can generalse the your dislike of all Christians as a group based on American Christians?
You're doing exactly the same thing you are condeming American Christians for...how hypicritical.
Most people in England don't care much about religion one way or another.... what we dislike is people who don't mix (such as , unfortunately and understandably, some muslims) and people who try to ram stuff down our throats... I have been told on many occasions by born againers that my religious beliefs are plain wrong... that I will be a Christian in the end, because everyone will be.... that I am evil because I'm not bringing up my son to be a Christian.... a Born againer even burned some books I lent him, and would not even pay me back for them, because he was sure I'd thank him in the end!! My mate Blossom, who is a devout Baptist, has the same opinion on born againers as me.... as with anything, its the few that get the many a bad name, and when we talk of hypocritical christians etc its the fanatical ones we're referring to... and we tend to treat all fanatics the same....
Originally posted by lil bitchiness
I have read it properly, yet I still fail to understand how you can generalse the your dislike of all Christians as a group based on American Christians?You're doing exactly the same thing you are condeming American Christians for...how hypicritical.
Where did I state a dislike for all Christians or any Christians for that matter?
In fact, what I did state is that the phenomena of dislike for Christians is limited to particular societies in which Christians try to dominate the lives of non-Christians.
Try responding to what is posted and not what you want to see.
Originally posted by Adam_PoE
Where did I state a dislike for all Christians or any Christians for that matter?In fact, what I did state is that the phenomena of dislike for Christians is limited to particular societies in which Christians try to dominate the lives of non-Christians.
Try responding to what is posted and not what you want to see.
And what you posted was an article with no explanation, and therefore, I was refering to what the article said, since apperantly thats your thought. And im persuimg you have READ the article because the article you posted as the asnwer to my questions of ''Why do you dislike Christians'' was the article talking exclusivly about American Christians.
I rest my case.
JP> Your first post "(Americans, Christians)" is ignorant, because not all Americans are Christians &/or Catholics, so you should not group them so. 😉
Lil B> You see this as "prejudice" against Christianity, but what about the absolute hate against Judaism & Islam? Do you see that as normal?
I post "prejudiced" comments against Christianity because I believe it is a crock of-guess. 😉
Plus, I've had some pretty bad experiences w/ Christianity, and I hold grudges.....
Originally posted by DCLXVI
Lil B> You see this as "prejudice" against Christianity, but what about the absolute hate against Judaism & Islam? Do you see that as normal?
I post "prejudiced" comments against Christianity because I believe it is a crock of-guess. 😉
Plus, I've had some pretty bad experiences w/ Christianity, and I hold grudges.....
JP ever posted in this thread.
Who is prejudiced against Judaism and Islam?
[People always persecute the truth! The Bible says Jesus himself was persecuted and many would be persecuted for his names sake. You can judge a tree by the fruit it bears, if it bears rotton fruit, the whole tree is rotte, I will not name names, but if you have eyes and ears you can figure it out yourself!
I dislike all religion in general. Not their beliefs, simply their existence. I do however bash Christianity more so than others. I do this because Christianity is the one religion I am bombarded with on a daily basis. If I were to live in the mid-east, I'm sure Islam would bare the brunt of my discontent.
I dislike all religion because I find them unnecessary. Ideas and beliefs are good for people to have but there is no reason for millions of those who share similar ideas and beliefs to get together and form gangs. A man can choose to believe in and honor any god he sees fit. I have no problem with that. That promotes internal thought and character growth for that man. Would that same man not feel just as loyal to his beliefs if he were the only man on earth who had those beliefs? Would he not choose to live by the word of his chosen god if he were not surrounded by others who share in worship of the same god? If he truly believes what he claims, he would. Therefore an actual religion devoted to worship of his god or beliefs is moot, unnecessary. It serves no good purpose. The very fact that religions have evolved and consist of millions of individuals suggests to me that personal growth and worship for each individual is not the primary goal. It appears to me that the reason for all those who believe similar beliefs to congregate in one place at one time is for two purposes.
1. Maintain the flock. All these true believers gather together to make sure other members are acting in accord to the religion's belief system. If a member starts to wander....starts to change his ideas....starts to believe less in the religion it is the purpose of every other member to "council" him, to lead him back to the life set in their religious doctrine. Instead of promoting personal growth of ideas and beliefs, the religion is there to do the exact opposite. It exists to surround an individual with millions of others who are expected to show that individual the errors of his ways, confining him to the beliefs set in accord by religious doctrine. It's a prison for the mind. All members keep an eye on all other members to ensure no free thinking can occur.
2. Strength in numbers. A man can live in solitude his entire life with nothing more than a bible and his mind and be the most devout Christian to ever walk the earth. That is a noble man. He cares not if others do not believe the same as him. He knows what he believes, he knows his god and knows he is serving his god. Religions, however, are not comprised of such devout individuals. Most Christians defy the beliefs of the religion on a daily basis. Some are alcoholics, some are drug addicts, some even break commandments......such as Jim Baker, who devoted his entire life to preaching the word of his god. For those less devout members, the sheer numbers of the religion help to maintain their belief that what they are doing is right and all others must be wrong by default. It's all about reassurance, something no person who is truly devout to any belief would need or want.
Religion is all about reassurance. When you start to doubt your beliefs or form new ones there will always be millions of people there to sit you down and set you straight......to let you know that their chosen religion is correct. If confining personal growth of ideas and beliefs of individuals wasn't bad enough, there is also a deadly side affect. While all this "we're right" reassuring is going on, they are also proclaiming any who don't share the same beliefs to be wrong.....which causes a superiority complex to arise. I can tell you now that I am not a Christian. That does not mean I need to be saved. It simply means I do not share your beliefs. Christians can read their bible all they want.....I've read it many times myself, it's a good book. It makes them no better than I. Perhaps I am not the one who needs to be saved.
Alot of my problems with Christianity are those present in all religions/cults. I'm not well versed on many religions other than Christianity so I do not know which are universal and which are unique to the Christians. Here's a short list off the top of my head.
1. You believe ideas and beliefs that are not your own. You did not come to your current conclusions of life, god and purpose on your own. They were dictated to you be someone else. You, being a follower, listened and decided , "yeah...that sounds like it could be true". You live your life based on a millenia+ old religious system that was dreamt up in other's heads.......and you never even met these people. I would be horrified to think that if I wrote my ideas and beliefs about life and purpose down that 1,000 years later millions of people would be living their lives based on MY beliefs......conclusions I personally came to while pondering existence.
2. You believe in a book that is laughable at best. The compilation of texts occured long ago, before much about our natural world was known. As each year passes and knew discoveries are made you choose to ignore the impact it has on the book's validity. Adding all time together as recorded by the Bible, the earth is merely a little over 6,000 years old. Why? Because those who dreamt up the stories had no clue as to the actual age of our planet. The only species to survive the great flood which covered the planet were those Noah had on his ark. How many millions of insect species are there alone? How did Noah collect specimens that are only indiginous to the Americas when the Americas themself were not known? Why did god creat Adam and Eve, the first two Homo Sapiens? What about the other 13 or so known species of human ancestors, where are they in the bible? What about the Dinosaurs who ruled earth far longer than we humans have? I missed the verses on them. I could go on like this forever. Every question I've asked is easily answered. The reason the bible contains such a vast quantitiy of things we know today to be untrue is simply that the writers of the bible, those who made the stories up, did not know about such things. They did not have the resource material to base their stories on. That's the problem with the bible. If it truly was a text written by god, dictated to man to record it would include such things as a god would know about all of the above mentioned and include them in his dictation. Since it is simply a collection of books written by common, every day story tellers who had no access to the information we have today, it doesn't. The bible and everything in it comes from the mind of man, not god.
3. Brainwashing. You raise your children to believe what you believe. You don't say, "well, honey...me and your daddy believe ______". You say, "well honey, _____ is fact". Children listen to their parents in their early years. It is the primary inlet for information about the world around them. They don't believe in Santa Clause because they truly believe that a fat guy MUST travel the world giving presents to children. They believe in Santa Clause because you tell them a fat man travels the world giving presents to children. Same with god. The only difference is that as children get older and start to doubt Santa Clause based on the physically impossible feats he is supposed to accomplish, you let them. You finally give up and admit to them he does not exist. With god on the other hand you never let their doubt grow. As a good Christian it is at that point your duty to shepherd them back to the flock, to show them the errors of their thinking.
4. Pick and Choose. You base your life on a religion, and religion on a book. You pick and choose which parts of the book are physical fact and which parts are merely tales, translatable. You know it's absurd to believe that a man could be swallowed alive by a fish and survive for days inside. You call this a morality tale. In the same breath you will say that Jesus of Nazereth is physical fact, despite the equally absurdness of the tale. You admit a man can't live inside of a fish but won't admit that a man can not walk on water......or turn water into wine. Why do you not proclaim the Jesus story as merely a morality tale? It's a much better one.
There are many more but I'm tired of typing.