Why do people strongly dislike Christians?

Gwenyfur

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ohhhh I think there are plenty of reasons reflected in this one thread alone...
let alone life experience of experiencing and seeing first hand how most christians just completely ignore 1John 3 as if it doesn't exist...

none more viciously than one of their own...who served them faithfully...
 
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lifeis_myplayground

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Guess I will jump in here with my thoughts,

Personally I don't dislike Christians as a whole, sure I've got personal disagreements with a few. Heck I even seriously, seriously dislike a couple of them, but it has absolutely nothing to do with their personal religious beliefs.

As for people professing to seriously dislike Christians, I've heard it, but I've heard more of Christians spouting out a serious dislike, even going so far as to use the word hate, for any religion or spiritual belief that isn't their own. Maybe it's a product of where I have spent most of my time these last few years, the bible belt of good ol' US of A, but that is still what I have seen in my own life.

Overall people have a myriad of reasons for disliking other groups maybe they were raised to think that, maybe someone from that group wronged them, or the group has views they find unacceptable; perhaps it boils down to a lack of understanding. On that note, the misconceptions people hold about others just do not help matters, especially since very small vocal/active groups can really ruin the name and reputation of the larger community they belong to.

Cheers
 
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Robban

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Why do people strongly dislike Christians? Over and over again I constantly hear folks say that they strongly dislike Christians. Why? Jesus' message was one of love. Christians should be loved, not strongly disliked.

anybody?

love,

tuck
If its true, that there is a "diamond" within each and everyone of us,it is usual to dig for diamonds. Sometimes grime has to be cleaned off, then the precious within every one of us has to be polished so that it shines for all to see.
 
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tucker58

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They might like weak Christians, having worldly tendencies and stumblings, but a true Christian? People hate the messages of God & Jesus. They hate to be told that they sin and need to change. Those close to God are hated by those who hate Jesus' Gospel. It isn't that people hate or not, but it is that true Christians always follow Jesus and love others no matter what. A bright light is very necessary for us to do our work for Christ.

:) Stephen yours is a gift that we all need to ponder. The bright light is the key and without it the love part is very difficult.

Jesus gave us two commandments: "Love God with all of your mind, body, heart, and soul." "Love your neighbor as yourself.", those two commandments replaced the old law. I have no problem with the first commandment because I have met God and Jesus personally. My problem is the second law because I have met my neighbor personally. :)

And then there is Jesus saying that, "The peacemakers shall be called the children (sons) of God." That one is very hard for me also, but I do think that as a Christian that it is worth exploring as a concept. And technically because the Holy Spirit speaks through your mouth it should be a no brainer :) .

I think that most of us as Christians need to take a look at what our Lord and Savior actually said to us and rethink things a bit and I think that Christianity as a religious group needs to take a look at what Jesus Himself said to us and gave us as a mandate and then rethink things a bit.

love,

tuck
 
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PassionFruit

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I hope this is not considered off topic, but there are a lot (and I emphasize a lot) of Native Americans who absolutely despise Christianity. I know (from personal experience) that it's often not the most popular idea to become a Christian, let alone try and convert another Native American.


I see what you're saying here. Christian missionaries have been known to convert people, but also part of that conversion was wiping out that person's cultural heritage (and some other horrible things). Sometimes, they wiped out entire cultures completely. But with Native Americans, yes I understand why they would despise Christians and Christianity. They had their culture wiped out by them.

I also know that there are Native American religions that are far more egalitarian than Christianity. I remember speaking to a Native American woman, she was in my Women's and Gender Studies course I took while attending college and she remarked part the reason why she doesn't like Christianity is how patriarchal it is. Of course I could have argued that it isn't in of itself, but I understood where she was coming from.

And I know lots of Christians like the say that people hate them because us horrible non-believing heathens don't like hearing the truth, but to me I see that's a cop out. It's just away for them to avoid accountability for their actions and why people dislike them. I mean, I see on this very forum, I see so much hate being spewed from self professed Christians. It shocks me to see that kind of hatred is allowed here. Then there are street preachers for example in a popular shopping district that I frequent and they just yell and scream at everyone. And this is supposed to be out of love?
 
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Robban

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I think what it boils down to is the issue, Born with a clean slate v born a sinner. It is impossible to take away sin which is not there.
A woman who after nine months gives birth to a child. What is she holding in her arms, the miracle of life or a bundle of sin?
 
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Tube Socks Dude

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I feel a healthy disdain for extremism and fanatism (regardless of the world view behind them), and have a very low tolerance for people who want to shove their religion or world view down everybody else's throat.
When it's the Christianists exhibiting such behavior I call that talibangelicalism.
 
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Tube Socks Dude

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Rosalila

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I see what you're saying here. Christian missionaries have been known to convert people, but also part of that conversion was wiping out that person's cultural heritage (and some other horrible things). Sometimes, they wiped out entire cultures completely. But with Native Americans, yes I understand why they would despise Christians and Christianity. They had their culture wiped out by them.

I also know that there are Native American religions that are far more egalitarian than Christianity. I remember speaking to a Native American woman, she was in my Women's and Gender Studies course I took while attending college and she remarked part the reason why she doesn't like Christianity is how patriarchal it is. Of course I could have argued that it isn't in of itself, but I understood where she was coming from.

And I know lots of Christians like the say that people hate them because us horrible non-believing heathens don't like hearing the truth, but to me I see that's a cop out. It's just away for them to avoid accountability for their actions and why people dislike them. I mean, I see on this very forum, I see so much hate being spewed from self professed Christians. It shocks me to see that kind of hatred is allowed here. Then there are street preachers for example in a popular shopping district that I frequent and they just yell and scream at everyone. And this is supposed to be out of love?

This is interesting. .I took a Women's History course. A lot of Native American tribes were more than egalitarian. The Iroquois were actually matriarchal and it's because of their creation myth. As a matter of fact, when presented with the opportunity to return to their colonies, many American women and young girls who had been kidnapped by certain tribes chose to stay. They obviously enjoyed the freedom they had.

What about the Christians that do not hate? To me, people are going to hate Christians regardless of whether they are self righteous or judgmental. You can say something in the nicest manner possible and they'll get offended. .it's the message. As one poster said, people don't like to be told they are wrong, especially if they are engaging in a sin that they're unwilling to give up. And this need not be mentioned. .only the mention of the love of Christ and they'll be able to associate the sin factor with it. Most people know by now what being a Christian entails. And more than likely they have had a couple of run ins with the Christians you mentioned so their views are tainted.
 
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Josiah14

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Why do people strongly dislike Christians? Over and over again I constantly hear folks say that they strongly dislike Christians. Why? Jesus' message was one of love. Christians should be loved, not strongly disliked.

anybody?

love,

tuck

How many reasons can people find for disliking a group of people?

I don't think there is only one reason. One person might hate Christians because they live by a moral code that this one cannot accept. Another might hate them for appearing hyporitical. Another might hate them for appearing judgemental. Another might hate them for appearing confident in a belief that does not rely on scientific evidence for its validity. Another might hate Christians for stubbornly sticking to their beliefs even when it does not seem logical for them to do so. Another might hate Christians because of the inappropriate actions of a few.

Pick a reason.
 
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PassionFruit

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What about the Christians that do not hate? To me, people are going to hate Christians regardless of whether they are self righteous or judgmental. You can say something in the nicest manner possible and they'll get offended. .it's the message. As one poster said, people don't like to be told they are wrong, especially if they are engaging in a sin that they're unwilling to give up. And this need not be mentioned. .only the mention of the love of Christ and they'll be able to associate the sin factor with it. Most people know by now what being a Christian entails. And more than likely they have had a couple of run ins with the Christians you mentioned so their views are tainted.
And like I said, sometimes that's a cop out. Even if there are Christians that are polite and nice about telling someone they're a sinner they may not be doing that out of love or kindness like they say they are.


I used to be a Christian, and I even I can say that it's very easy to call someone a sinner and perhaps a lot of Christians won't admit it, but it's probably easy for them too. It's easy because most often than not, you're not in the person's shoes and you see them doing something wrong even if you they say it's out of love.

For example with people who identify as gay or lesbian on these forums. Some of the Christians here don't waste any time to tell they're sinful. Some of it ranges from being kind about it, to just being downright hateful. (some even go as far as saying that gays and lesbians aren't capable of feeling love). I think many Christians don't think about how that affects another person, and quite frankly, you don't have to think about that.

It's still "turn-or-burn" with the word love tacked on.

That as well, how are people supposed to feel that this is out of love?
 
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Tube Socks Dude

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One person might hate Christians because they live by a moral code that this one cannot accept.
If Christians don't agree with abortion, they are free not to have one. If they don't accept homosexual marriage, no one is forcing them to marry someone of the same sex. If they don't believe in evolution, they can ignore textbooks and teach their children creationism instead. If drinking and nudity are taboo, then don't go to a bar or strip club. They can live by any moral code they wish. But history has proven that acceptance only works one way with Christians. They aren't satisfied with just keeping their moral codes to themselves within their own churches, homes and families. They seek to dominate culture through governmental prohibition of whatever they don't accept. That's what, "this one cannot accept."
 
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Josiah14

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If Christians don't agree with abortion, they are free not to have one. If they don't accept homosexual marriage, no one is forcing them to marry someone of the same sex. If they don't believe in evolution, they can ignore textbooks and teach their children creationism instead. If drinking and nudity are taboo, then don't go to a bar or strip club. They can live by any moral code they wish. But history has proven that acceptance only works one way with Christians. They aren't satisfied with just keeping their moral codes to themselves within their own churches, homes and families. They seek to dominate culture through governmental prohibition of whatever they don't accept. That's what, "this one cannot accept."


Well, some are threatened by the moral code itself because it convicts their conscience (I can say this because I know people who have expressed this to me).

This is a different issue you raise. You raise a problem that is most apparent in Evangelical and Charismatic sects of Christianity. In my opinion, this is an immature approach to evangelism, though, I would not say it is totally unloving to try and warn someone of a dangerous behavior they are engaging in. Christians are supposed to love, and part of love involves trying to keep the person you are loving from harming him/herself and others. However, you expressed the immature approach, which is trying to shove morality down peoples' throats, and many people ARE turned off to Christianity because of this behavior. The proper approach is to build a real relationship with somebody and then gently and gradually show the reasons for why a particular behavior is, not sinful, but unhealthy or unloving. I also believe that, if a person is unwilling to hear the possibility that he/she might be acting incorrectly, the issue should generally be left alone, as no good can come from arrogantly forcing someone to listen to your moral preaching.

I'm sorry that the immaturity of others has pushed you away from Christianity.
 
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hikersong

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Why do people strongly dislike Christians?

Which people? Which Christians? If someone were to make this comment it would be the sign of a very generalised prejudice which tells you very little, except that the person making the comment has jumped to broad conclusions based on necessarily limited experience.

Over and over again I constantly hear folks say that they strongly dislike Christians.

Strange. I've heard perhaps one person say anything to that effect my whole life. In 3D life that is. On forums people say pretty much anything.
In what context have you heard these comments made (I haven't read the whole thread, so you might have answered that already).

Why? Jesus' message was one of love.

But some christians definition of love (based on subjective interpretation of the bible) emphasises some unusual features which many people wouldn't associate with love; like divisiveness, bullying, judgemental, and intrusive behaviour, torture, and the general disregard of those that don't share the same belief about what Love is.

Christians should be loved, not strongly disliked.

A broad generalisation. Love and Like are very subjective emotions. However, sometimes you have to be honest and admit you dislike something or someone before you can move to a more constructive attitude. If in fact that is what you want to do. Life is short. Everybody has to decide where they want to spend their limited energy. Some avenues lead nowhere. :)
 
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Why do so many (American) Christians insist that they are hated? Is it because after being developed and spread in times of such religious and cultural polarization, the only thing Christianity wasn't prepared for was relative apathy?

The bible talks about getting fed to lions, crucifixion and stoning but what does the average American Christian face? Internet disagreement.

They're now in a world where environmentalists are the only ones hated for telling people to give their vices and a Christian has to act like Fred Phelps to get any real negative attention.
 
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Stephen Kendall

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"They might like weak Communists, having consumerist tendencies and stumblings, but a true Communist? People hate the message of equality and a classless society. They hate to be told that their wealth is erected on the backs of the poor, and that they need to change. Those who tell them the truth are hated by those who hate having a mirror held up to their iniquities. It isn't that people hate or not, but it is that true Communists always work towards the ideal, classless society and share with others no matter what. A bright light is very necessary for us to advance the world revolution and bring about a society of equals."

Does that line of argument work, or does it not? If not, why not?

You might learn something here.

The ideals of equality and sharing are the core beliefs of the followers of Christ like that of Communist, only the power of communist is by violent coercion and that of the followers of Christ is love. Give love a try.
 
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Yusuf Evans

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I can tell you why allot of Muslims dislike Christians and it's based on the attitude a good portion of them show. When you sit and call someone's religion evil, of the devil and that it's goal is make everyone in the world submit to it's teachings by force, then I'm pretty sure you're not going to win over hearts and minds with that idea. Especially when 99.999% of Muslims aren't of that mindset but favor interfaith dialogue with one another.
 
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