Always "those Christians"

[Apollo Celestio]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

 

[MarkSB]

Just last week for Thanksgiving I saw a couple stories on the local news of good deeds that were done by followers of Christ, and by some who may have been unbelievers or did not identify themselves with any particular church or organization. But I live in a small town area that's pretty crime-free.

Obviously, it's not the goal to have good deeds made public. But overall I think the media is pretty negative about alot of things, and unfortunately the Christians with the biggest mouths who tend to go off on political issues are going to get the most attention.

 

[Ryal Kane]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

I seldom see stories like this and think 'Ah those horrible Christians'
Religion is no guarantee of behaviour. There are good and bad everywhere. Perhaps they're brought up as hypocrites but then there are those everywhere too.

As pointed out, the media tend t go with the negative. You have to wait till the 2nd half of the news for the nice stories. But they are there.

 

[quatona]

][/B]Always "those Christians"

(emphasis added)
Oh, the irony.

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents.

In my observation, these cases are usually brought up in response to claims that Christianity is morally superiour, that without belief in bible-god people would act immorally etc.
In this context pointing to the fact that Christianity has its track record in committing atrocities makes perfect sense.

But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

Strangely enough, I hear about them all the time.
I´m glad they are there.

 

[craigerNY]

Thankfully "those Christians" are a small minority. There are people like that of all walks of life and they being Christian is just one small facet of their identity. They could be of any faith or no faith at all and they will still be out there.

It does not help that the media is largely negative and Christianity is not imune to it's negativity. Sometimes when the media focus is on something that one identifies themselves with it tends to make that (or those) people feel like a mark of sorts. Believe me they are not targeting Christians they are happy to report the faults of anyone and everyone and do.

Just the same our local paper has a whole religion section with religious events and goings on in the religious community. It does cover the many positive contributions of the religious community.

 

[TheManeki]

In my observation, these cases are usually brought up in response to claims that Christianity is morally superiour, that without belief in bible-god people would act immorally etc.
In this context pointing to the fact that Christianity has its track record in committing atrocities makes perfect sense.

I totally agree. This is why we Christians (or anyone else, for that matter) shouldn't boast of moral superiority, let alone run around trying to be the morality police.

 

[Lynden1000]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

I hear about them all the time. It's common where I come from to hear stories about great works of charity from Christians or Christian organizations. Maybe you just live somewhere where the Christians don't do anything.

 

[Harpuia]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

Christians receive just as much negative attention as any other group. They get dinged harder at times because, as maybe you have seen, many of those who have been caught with their sins on news were attacking everyone else for doing the same thing. (Ted Haggard/gays, Pat Robertson/excessive spending, etc.)

 

[jayem]

but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad

I don't see this as a general rule. My local media report a lot of crime stories, but hardly ever mention the accused's religion.

You must be referring to stories about pastors, religious leaders, evangelists, etc. who get in trouble--usually of their own making. If you wear religion on your sleeve, and make a big issue of morality, then you have to expect it to come back at you if you slip up.

"Whatsoever thou sowest, so shall ye reap..."

 

[Maren]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

Why don't we hear stories about atheists that do good things? Or Buddhists? Or Muslims? Or Jews? I think that makes the point. The fact is that it is the lurid and the shocking that sell the news. While occasionally their may be a human interest story, people are far more interested in what is going bad than the what good people are doing.

 

[LoveAlways]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

I'm not sure I agree with your premise. For instance, I live in a place with one of the highest crime rates in America. I assure you the news does not report the religion of the perpetrators, nor would I care about that sort of thing. It's only becomes a media sensation when someone has made a big deal about a certain sin and then does it i.e. certain elected officials from Idaho. Everyone loves to pounce on a hypocrite.

 

[Beanieboy]

Not the right forum, but more often than not, we hear of the evil Christians who steal, kill, lie, rape, and all sorts of other injustices that apparently make the whole "religion" look bad and all it's people are given certain labels by non-adherents. But what about "those Christians" who do the opposite? Why do we never hear about them?

In the times of Jesus, you would have heard much more about the Pharisees praying in public, bragging about how great they were, while having someone talking about some ridiculous law they were accused of (like the man who, after he was made to walk, was condemned for carrying his mat on the Sabbath.)

It's the squeaky wheels you hear about.

I usually don't buy Christmas presents, because I think that it has consumed Christmas, and it is much more about getting, buying people things they don't need, etc., and less about Jesus coming to Earth, or Peace on Earth, or even spending time with your family.

However, I like to find some poor family that has kids, and buy their kids presents (because for kids, presents and toys are pretty important. As an adult, like Halloween, you would think they could see beyond that.)

I'm not going to be on the news, but someone getting mugged is. I wouldn't want to be on the news, because I wouldn't want to even appear that I am doing it for recognition of people to think I am great.

We have this strange idea that all news has to be bad, and because of that, we stop focusing on the good.

For me, one of the redeeming things on CF is seeing Christians defend nonChristians for the attacks of other Christians.

That is acting like Christ, as he did to the Pharisees.

I think that sometimes, there are strong Christian Coalitions that are doing things like trying to take out SafeSpaces at public high schools where GBLT kids can go and talk and feel safe when they feel threatened, and I wonder where the Christians are that are fighting against that.

In many states, Christians organized to ban gay marriage (a civil union with civil law priviledges) but you didn't see a similar organized Christian group in response. Not that the people in support weren't Christians as well, but they often aren't identified as such nor as organized.

The result is it looks like the more liberal Christians just shrug it off if not act in apathy at the situation. It is probably not the case, but it becomes the perception.

There are, fortunately, a few Churches that come to Gay Pride, for example, and are affirming, explaining that you are a gift from God, not a sin.

Still, they seem to be in the minority.