Is the word bigotry a political incorrect way of describing a Christian?

Bigotry: def:

: a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Bigots or Bigotry is a derogatory word, as most of us Christians are usually being called when people do not wish to believe and accept the words of God. Upon delving into the definition by Webster above, I realized that we must become bigots ( without hatred ) because to give in or compromise God's teachings to fit in to society would compromise God's truth. We must be quick to discern (not judge) what is right or wrong, and gently steer (without hate & condemnation) any lost souls back to HIS side.

The issue of homosexual usually stirs up heated debates and people by default would label us bigots. Thus, in some strange way I accept this word because there is not middle ground when we serve God. Either right or wrong, truth or lies and there is little room to compromise.

FYI I am not a legalist. I believe that if I love Jesus, I would obey His teachings. Simple as that. Anyone would like to share this topic ?

I don't think "bigoted" is a fair thing to call a Christian. They use that word on us to make us easier to dislike. We are meant to love people, but we must not love sin. It is perfectly possible to love someone and disapprove of their actions. Otherwise parents would stop loving their children the moment they disobeyed.

Satan abuses language to great effect. Many words no longer mean - in people's understanding - what they meant and will often short-circuit a person's ability or willingness to reason beyond what the new definitions mean.

Had I the time, I could list many examples.

For the sake of the OP, if you speak the word 'bigot' to the average person, the first image in their brain would be anybody who irrationally hates homosexuals. Some might not even get that far and just have the word 'Christian' emblazoned across their frontal lobes.

Cognitive dissonance has long replaced thinking in much of the liberalised world, as well as in the so-called religious world.

generally speaking no it is not fair to describe christians that way. However if you are asking if it is justified to use against some individuals then yes it is ok.
Strider has made the point that we are not to love the sin but we are to love the sinner. While that is true the way some people go about this is clearly wrong. The bible talks several times about being able to hide your light. This indicates that it is not some massive spotlight that can be seen from the moon but a light for a couple of people. This indicates relationship is very important in doing this. Love is also a key word. That does not indicate trying to force ones views on others via legislation. It does not indicate making repeated press releases condemning things. If churches feel the need to do so then it should be to the members of the church not publicly. Obviously if a representative is asked publicly eg in a interview then of course they can answer.

double post

The very people who accuse Christians of bigotry engage in it themselves. You can be minding your own business, not trying to interfere with, or judge their lifestyles, but if you want to live according to the Bible they ain't happy. They believe in tolerance for everything....except Christianity.

The world will always be running counter to the ways of the Word. The Bible says the devil is the prince (not the King of course) of this world. He hates us.

But the nice thing is that if they persecute us it gets us reward in Heaven, so much so that we are told to rejoice over it!

So...whatever.

Praying for you to be wise in these matters and stronger and stronger in faith always.

layhoma said:

Bigotry: def:

: a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Bigots or Bigotry is a derogatory word, as most of us Christians are usually being called when people do not wish to believe and accept the words of God. Upon delving into the definition by Webster above, I realized that we must become bigots ( without hatred ) because to give in or compromise God's teachings to fit in to society would compromise God's truth. We must be quick to discern (not judge) what is right or wrong, and gently steer (without hate & condemnation) any lost souls back to HIS side.

The issue of homosexual usually stirs up heated debates and people by default would label us bigots. Thus, in some strange way I accept this word because there is not middle ground when we serve God. Either right or wrong, truth or lies and there is little room to compromise.

FYI I am not a legalist. I believe that if I love Jesus, I would obey His teachings. Simple as that. Anyone would like to share this topic ?

Click to expand...

I disagree that we "must become" bigots as defined in your post, because it states that we must hate or "unfairly dislike" people. We must hate and dislike sin and evil, not people. The word "bigot" brings to mind stupid obstinance, dislike without reason, and while I am black & white on many sin issues, I am not so in a blind manner, without reason or compassion.

layhoma said:

Bigotry: def:

: a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Bigots or Bigotry is a derogatory word, as most of us Christians are usually being called when people do not wish to believe and accept the words of God. Upon delving into the definition by Webster above, I realized that we must become bigots ( without hatred ) because to give in or compromise God's teachings to fit in to society would compromise God's truth. We must be quick to discern (not judge) what is right or wrong, and gently steer (without hate & condemnation) any lost souls back to HIS side.

The issue of homosexual usually stirs up heated debates and people by default would label us bigots. Thus, in some strange way I accept this word because there is not middle ground when we serve God. Either right or wrong, truth or lies and there is little room to compromise.

FYI I am not a legalist. I believe that if I love Jesus, I would obey His teachings. Simple as that. Anyone would like to share this topic ?

Click to expand...

I'm curious to know when Jesus said anything about homosexuality?

God spoke about homosexuality. Jesus = God.

Jesus himself taught his disciples that there were certain actions, and even certain motivations, which they were to see as unacceptable:

He went on, "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' " (The Gospel of St. Mark 7:20-23,NIV)

St. Paul also taught that there were certain actions and motivations which followers of Christ were to see as offlimits. Instead, their actions were to be dictated by the motivations which through his Spirit God implants in all who sincerely accept his Son's sacrifice as the perfect atonement for our sins:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingsom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:16-26,NIV)

This is our code of morality, which we are to adhere to as Christians. The actions and motivations which it forbids, we are to accept as being contrary to the proper behavior of Christians. On the other hand, the actions and motivations which it teaches as conforming to God's will we are to actively practice. We are also to expect others to adhere to this same code of morality if they profess to be fellow Christians, but we are not to use it as a weapon with which to attack those who are nonbelievers:

I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. (I Corinthians 5:9-13a,NIV)

If someone claims to be a fellow Christian their actions are to conform to what Scripture tells us that proper Christian behavior entails. Those who profess to be fellow Christians, but insist that lifestyles be accepted as righteous which Scripture condemns, are to be shunned. Also, if people or special-interest organizations that are outside the church propose that we abandon our code of morality and instead accept whatever code of morality (or amorality) they promote, those proposals are to be firmly rejected. However, those who choose to follow a path that does not conform to Scripture while stating that they are nonbelievers who have no desire to interfere with our code of morality are to be left solely to God's own judgement.

I agree with what Inkachu wrote in post #7....

I also add this--
Colossians 4:5
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

I don't think it is I think it can be particularly when living in a society that is prone to be racist in general.....of course that aspect of the culture leaks over to doctrines. As a black man I have to say I used to at one point in my life believed that all whites were racist, then I believed that it was just christian whites then I believed racism no matter the race was just an issue within america. My thoughts and opinions changed as I traveled and worshiped with different races. I think here in america bigotry has been incorporated in many people's theology and just how they think in general.

Anyone who is following our Lord could never be rightly called a bigot. Jesus was killed for accepting the "wrong people" and rejecting the "right people". If you aren't spending your time in the homes of sinners and Samaritans, then you aren't doing what Christ did. Period.

Dear layhoma. According to Billy Graham the Evangelist, a Christian should accept following: GOD JUDGES, THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS, AND I, A CHRISTIAN, always should love. That says it all. I say this with love, layhoma.
Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

It's always interesting to see those who call us bigot, go out and then act as bigots themselves.

It is stereotypes to Christians because the world does a lot of things that we see as unfit. And though we are called to love regardless, many of these people only see that we disagree with their actions, and take that as offense.

We shall be called worse. Don't fret over being called a bigot. It is no matter.

People are people no matter what. Just the way it is. Everybody has good & bad in them. Everybody has skeletons in their closets, don't try finding those that others have unless you are willing to show your own.

layhoma said:

Bigotry: def:

: a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

: a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance

Bigots or Bigotry is a derogatory word, as most of us Christians are usually being called when people do not wish to believe and accept the words of God. Upon delving into the definition by Webster above, I realized that we must become bigots ( without hatred ) because to give in or compromise God's teachings to fit in to society would compromise God's truth. We must be quick to discern (not judge) what is right or wrong, and gently steer (without hate & condemnation) any lost souls back to HIS side.

The issue of homosexual usually stirs up heated debates and people by default would label us bigots. Thus, in some strange way I accept this word because there is not middle ground when we serve God. Either right or wrong, truth or lies and there is little room to compromise.

FYI I am not a legalist. I believe that if I love Jesus, I would obey His teachings. Simple as that. Anyone would like to share this topic ?

Click to expand...

It is completely impossible to be 'a Bigot' when taking a stand against immoral and unethical behavior and actions . In fact, it is noble to do so and Gods Word commands we do this. Further, we are to expose any agenda or lifestyle that sets itself up against Christ which Homosexuality does. We should not develop into hate of the People Group, but their actions and agenda . We should suggest they seek healing and victory over their addictive lifestyle which is dangerous to themselves and a nation at large...and we should help them to this end. It is not loving to be apathetic toward them as our U.S. President and about half the USA is. It is loving to approach these people who have gone the wrong way in life and to point out the danger that's imminent if they keep on going forward. Lastly, we should do everything possible to come against Homosexual agendas to go into Schools to tell Students its okay if they want to experiment with Homosexuality because they find the same sex somewhat attractive . We should point out to the most impressionable in society that Homosexuality is a very dangerous lifestyle filled with blood born diseases, Hepatitis A and B, AIDS killing people prematurely, and Gay Bowel Disease from destroying the anus valve thru perverted anal sex leading to the need for a Butt plug and/or adult diapers so they don't leak feces in public. So in closing, lets offer our help to those who are sexually confused and troubled instead of supporting their bad choice. That's what Jesus would do if he were here. He certainly wouldn't condone it like Obama has .

Looking in the bible I could not find the word bigotry, so I dont have any thing to base my
words about that. It just sounds like a way to put a person down for not agreeing with anothers thinking about a topic.

I wouldn't advertise it. Don't step out in public and declare yourself a bigot, or people will jump on it and carry you away. Without stopping to ask what you meant.

The common implication of bigotry is negative and derogatory -- implying a person who will not budge so much that they demean or deny other people. There is a difference between having opinions that are narrow, and imposing them on other people.

But this might be a time for you to look at where you draw your line.

In upholding holiness, we try to keep the tenets of our faith pure and unmixed. We express our legal right to vote and speak out before elections, and write to representatives. Within our churches, we vote on how the board will elect new members and representatives.

These are all part of the human right to express opinion, select public officials, establish procedures for the organizations we belong to.

They have nothing to do with hating people.

If in the process hatred is expressed, then that is a problem, and the person does come under the definition of bigot.

Jesus spent time with such a diverse mix of people, it seems offbeat to associate bigotry with His call on our lives. Adulterer, Roman centurian, corrupt tax collector, eunuch, oppressive Pharisees and Sadducees, Samaritan outcast, leper, possessed lunatic, beggar, more possessed people... finally Jesus "hung out" with a murderer and offered him paradise.

So if we are treating people poorly for their choices in life, we need to humble ourselves and ask God for His mercy for putting ourselves above others, for not seeing people as redeemable, for addressing people by their labels instead of finding out who they are.

It is one thing to provide rightful input on a vote, or to speak up louder to sway opinions; but treating others poorly is not the mark of a Christian. If we walked in the love Jesus called us to, the public would rush to our defense when the word "bigot" was used. That's not happening these days.

TheyCallMeDavid - your points are correct, but that doesn't fall under the definition of the word "bigot". By definition, a bigot is someone who hates or "unfairly dislikes" a certain group of people. Your definition describes someone taking a moral stand based on their personal convictions; that is not bigotry.