You should recognize that such an attitude is a breach of Jesus' commandment and is therefore sinful.
I'm sure we agree that it being a sin doesn't prevent the attitude from being prevelant. People will just deny that the attitude exists, or excuse the attitude for some Holy reason.
Taking that line of thought it is reasonable to say that Christianity itself doesn't call you an enemy, but those of us who haven't learned that lesson yet may still be prone to putting a foot wrong.
That doesn't make me feel any warmer.
Don't misread me, I'm not saying that I'm a better Christian than pinkputter because that can't be quantified, but rather that our personal walk with Jesus has us learning various lessons at different times. Furthermore, I wouldn't presume that Jesus didn't orchestrate our actions in order to make a point clear to you. Notice that pinkputter has apologised and wised up,
Where? I see where she apologized for "any misunderstandings," which is a step above saying "I'm sorry you're stupid."
For that matter, I don't expect her to apologize. I'm merely using her as a rather local example of the thread's thesis. She and I both clearly recognize that atheists are the enemies of Christians whether that's sinful or not. She demonstrates that she's aware of it, and I verbalize it. Frankly, I think if you're honest, you know it too. You yourself, in the past, have told me that I'm anti-Christian, and that we're all either with Christ or against Him. That clearly draws a line in the sand.
The general feeling is that contention goes both ways and you can see plenty of that if you go to atheist forums. You can't just blame Christians for that, I maintain that atheism has the responsibility of establishing a respectable image.
Yes, on the one hand I believe that's sort of true. But, do you think that with everything we've talked about and seen here, do you think Christianity has a respectable image? Should it have one?
You demonstrate a lot of condescention in your attitude toward "modern Western Christianity", and then you wonder why Christians become contentious toward atheist's.
Let me ask you this: Look at Modern Western Christianity: With its book deals, pastor worship, mega-churches, leaders with Lear Jets, scandals, and television programs. Look at the comments I've shared, and that other posters have willingly contributed. Look at those who use their faith as a shield for hate. Tell me that this is the same Christianity that Christ speaks of.
In the end, no. Christianity doesn't look down on me because I'm condescending. If I'm condescending, it's because Christians look down on me. I read what Christians say about me. I could repeat it, but I think you know it too.
I meant to mention this before: Some time ago, I went looking on Amazon, for a book written by a Christian that made some allusion to comraderie, equality, acceptance, general getting along, something which acknowledges that atheists are human too, and genuinely makes an attempt to understand and/or defend atheists themselves to believers. I actually found some written by atheists, but that didn't qualify. I found one that may have counted, but it is no longer in print. However, if I wanted to find a book about atheists and their "agenda," or the various number of reasons why "Atheism is Wrong" (a statement that doesn't seem well-thought out), well there are pages of books for that, and I've already read enough of them to know what the others say.
I googled some phrases, and surfed the net thinking it might bring up some positive results: No luck. Negative results? You Betcha!
My point is the same as it was earlier: Christians are sending a message whether they intend to or not. Demonstrating love means more than just saying it, especially when you're required to say it, and demonstrating your hate is so ridiculously easy and common. I'm just explaining to you that the message has been received. Maybe not yours personally, but the message of your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. If you find that condescending, I'm sorry, but imagine how it looks to me.
Pinkputter actually said this before: "my attitude will always be dependent on how you treat me". Now she may have been referring to how you specifically treated her but I think it is fair to say that her response was a result of her general experience with atheist's.
Not exactly. As you explained, she had some one else tell her to take that approach, right? In other words, you yourself claimed that she was taught to have that attitude. Is it not possible that others have been taught that?
I know I was. When I was a kid atheist was a dirty word. Atheists were akin to satanists. I just knew atheists were bad. However, now I know that someone taught me that.
I know it's not fair that the stereotype affects you because you are a unique individual, but taking that line of reasoning it is just as right to say that it's not fair to treat Christians with the stereotype that you are observing.
Technically, it's not a stereotype, it's more of a generalization. Like saying that birds fly. Some birds don't fly, but for the most part, they do. Rather than split hairs, let's just say birds fly.
In all honesty, I have barely scratched the surface in terms of literature, and evidence that demonstrates the contempt in which Christians (in general) hold atheists. But as was pointed out, it is incredibly difficult to show that Christians do anything more than talk about how much they love us. Possibly because that's all they really do.
If you feel that the generalization is unfair then I urge you to show me some practical example, or some practical reasoning that would genuinely challenge mine. Show me that message that subverts the one I'm getting.
And remember, even God hates atheists!
I am sorry if there have been any misunderstandings. I don't want you to think badly about Christians or religion in general, of course. But like some one mentioned, don't look to others fr an example of Jesus exactly. 'Cuz if we did, we'd be in a pickle
