"Christian" Arrogance

[PetLuv]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

Now my question is what is behind that?
It does not seem like it is all Christians who do this, but it is very common; more common, IMO, than arrogance in non-christians. So what leads such a large number of so called religious people to behave this way?

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

 

[ForceofTime]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

Now my question is what is behind that?
It does not seem like it is all Christians who do this, but it is very common; more common, IMO, than arrogance in non-christians. So what leads such a large number of so called religious people to behave this way?

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

Yes, it's true and I am one of the worst offenders.

As concerning 'why' pertaining to the whole, I do not know; but for me it's when I start using God for my own glory, rather then being used by God for His glory.

 

[Daughter of His]

Why? I don't don't know. But I will tell you that in Proverbs there is a list of things that God hates and that is #one on a list no one should want to be included on.

Proverbs 6:16-19
"There are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
a false witness who pours out lies,
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

My take; the arrogance is not pleasing to God and will be dealt with. Please don't give up on fellowship, there are so many sweetheart Christians out there. I am humbled and blessed to know many of them.

 

[aiki]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

You know, the Pharisees felt that Jesus was rather too big for his britches, too. Of course, he was the humblest of men, serving the sick, the hungry, the foolish without complaint. As humble as he was, though, Jesus never minced words. He spoke the truth - sometimes very bluntly - to the Pharisees, warning them of the evil and the danger of their religious hypocrisy. It seems to me that no matter how well Jesus conducted himself there was always going to be someone who thought he was on his high horse and speaking down to everybody. This is more the effect of a guilty and convicted conscience on the part of those who were critical of Jesus, however, than real arrogance on Jesus' part.

I think the same thing often (though not always) happens with Christ's followers. The North American cultures have embraced uncertainty and moral relativity as a basic philosophy of life, which crashes violently against the moral absolutes and truth of the Christian worldview. As a result, those in the world find Christians far too confident in their truth and annoyingly clear on what is right and wrong. They often feel convicted in the presence of those who are really walking with the Lord and this prompts them to accuse Christians of being arrogant.

Now, sometimes Christians are arrogant. But I don't agree with you that this is more the case among believers than it is among non-believers. I have lived within the evangelical Christian community for a long time and never seen that it is.

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

CHristianity isn't about "having faith." It's about knowing and loving the Saviour and living in loving obedience to God. When you understand this and live it out, you will inevitably run into those who find your clarity and purity of living offensive to their own muddled and sinful existence. They will accuse you, too, of arrogance - not because you actually are, but because your accusers hate how badly they look in comparison to the godly life you're leading. "They who do evil hate the light..." Jn. 3:20

Selah.

 

[Radagast]

this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face

Are you asking a question, or just smacking us in the face?

I'm sorry if you've run into Christians that came across that way, but your comment is a bit of an over-generalisation.

 

[ebia]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

Now my question is what is behind that?
It does not seem like it is all Christians who do this, but it is very common; more common, IMO, than arrogance in non-christians. So what leads such a large number of so called religious people to behave this way?

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

Arrogance is a particularly hard trait to see in oneself and therefore a hard one to address.

 

[motherprayer]

Arrogance is a particularly hard trait to see in oneself and therefore a hard one to address.

A big resounding AMEN!

 

[PetLuv]

Are you asking a question, or just smacking us in the face?

I'm sorry if you've run into Christians that came across that way, but your comment is a bit of an over-generalisation.

It is not meant as an insult, it is a sincere question. And IMO - and that of many people I know; it is not an over generalization.
I had also considered that it may not be arrogance but something else that comes across as arrogance, but after thinking on it, I don't think it matters what it is so much as how it appears to others.

From my understanding it is important in Christianity to spread the ideals of the religion to those who do not know it. Now, if I understand that correctly, how those who claim to believe and follow it behave towards someone who does not know it matters significantly. Yes?

So arrogance/self-righteousness or not; it looks that way to those of us on the outside and it is rather unappealing.
I just wanted to know where this kind of behavior comes from in a religion that holds beliefs like that which DoH posted.

 

[aiki]

So arrogance/self-righteousness or not; it looks that way to those of us on the outside and it is rather unappealing.
I just wanted to know where this kind of behavior comes from in a religion that holds beliefs like that which DoH posted.

But if the perception of arrogance is the result of something in the perceiver rather than in the believer (the one being perceived as arrogant), then what can be done? The problem is not with believer. As was the case with Christ, no matter what you do some people are still going to find moral absolutes and strong conviction on matters of truth very irritating (Usually in an inversely proportional way. The less absolute on morals and truth they are the more they protest when someone else is not the same). This is what I have observed over the many years I have been a believer.

Selah.

 

[PetLuv]

If I'm allowed to offer a possible answer, I think arrogance comes when people feel they have found the absolute truth that applies to everyone around them, and they don't think "We have different opinions", they think "I am right and everyone around me is wrong and needs to be taught the truth by me".

A very solid theory. Thank you.

 

[Redheadedstepchild]

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[Corey201]

You're not the only one to notice this... but we should not judge. I'd guess many of the people are well meaning.

Focus on Christ, and you will not become this way. Our savior was humble and we should be too.
James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

 

[Forge3]

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Thanks

 

[PetLuv]

It seems I may have put this in the wrong forum, as I felt just as many valid points were made by those who are not Christians as well as those who are.

But thank you all who helped give me theories to think over on this.

 

[Stones]

As a Christian, I too would like to hear what non Christians think on things like this. Open and honest discussion is what I expect from a Christian Forum. I just left Worthy Christian Forums for this exact reason PetLuv. The arrogance of some Christians is overwhelming and I am a Christian, lol. Their are good Christians out there but it seems some Christians fear the truth. When someone confronts them with the truth, that is opposite to what their faith tells them, they become afraid and therefore defensive, manipulative and extremely arrogant. it allows them to ignore the truth, in place of their faith...For ex: Galileo being locked up in prison by the Church to keep him quiet and stop the truth coming out. Is this the type of arrogance you mean

I enjoy a good discussion but not when it is one sided. I am hoping Christian Forums believe in freedom of speech because Worthy forums shut down any non Believer that presents a good argument. I personally believe in freedom of speech, not filtered and manipulated agendas...

As a Christian, I believe we should all be as honest as we can. PetLuv, I don't think Jesus displayed this kind of arrogance and manipulation, regardless of Aiki's manipulation of scripture. Not all Christians are like this. it's a very small part of Christianity, that seem to have a very big hold over general Christianity because of their money and ability to advertise in the western world. I call it American Christianity but it is more known as Fundamental Christianity...A very new and extreme form of Christianity, no older than the 20th century. Have fun discussing anything with them, haha.

 

[Girder of Loins]

Arrogance and Christianity. The two seem to go hand-in-hand these days. When a human is presented with any form of thought process different from their own, they feel "invaded" or "persecuted". This is where normal, human instinct kicks in. To win the battle at all costs to defend your idea. However, this is not what we are called to do as Christians. Instead, we love others and continually grow in our understanding and knowledge of God. Any man who says he knows all is a fool by any standard. We are all learning, and we must all have open minds. Not too open that our brains fall out, but not so closed that it dies from lack of oxygen.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

Now my question is what is behind that?
It does not seem like it is all Christians who do this, but it is very common; more common, IMO, than arrogance in non-christians. So what leads such a large number of so called religious people to behave this way?

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

First, id like to say that you in fact have a valid point. The quick answer to your question is that it is due to human pride ... something that each one of us suffers with to varying degrees . It is important to bear in mind that some genuine Christians have come from hurtful backgrounds where the last thing to be dealt with are less than desirable emotions that still raise their head on occasion and/or they are still in the ongoing process of being disciplined and sanctified by God. As a Christian, i used to be consumed with fighting opposition from non Christians in particular ... but now I have a greater patience and appreciation because at one time in my life i was just like them not understanding fully about spiritual things .

Another issue is, not all people handle threatening situations to their Faith, in mature and kind ways ; instead , striking back seems more plausible and justifiable .

So in conclusion, its important to remember that genuine Christians are saved from their many sins and are on the road to ongoing chipping away of the rough edges by God himself ..and that they havent arrived yet. And only as time elapses staying close to Christ, will the Christian become more like Christ himself ... but with some its a slower process than with others.

Does that explain it somewhat ???

 

[motherprayer]

First, id like to say that you in fact have a valid point. The quick answer to your question is that it is due to human pride ... something that each one of us suffers with to varying degrees . It is important to bear in mind that some genuine Christians have come from hurtful backgrounds where the last thing to be dealt with are less than desirable emotions that still raise their head on occasion and/or they are still in the ongoing process of being disciplined and sanctified by God. As a Christian, i used to be consumed with fighting opposition from non Christians in particular ... but now I have a greater patience and appreciation because at one time in my life i was just like them not understanding fully about spiritual things .

Another issue is, not all people handle threatening situations to their Faith, in mature and kind ways ; instead , striking back seems more plausible and justifiable .

So in conclusion, its important to remember that genuine Christians are saved from their many sins and are on the road to ongoing chipping away of the rough edges by God himself ..and that they havent arrived yet. And only as time elapses staying close to Christ, will the Christian become more like Christ himself ... but with some its a slower process than with others.

Does that explain it somewhat ???

Amen. I just got the urge to repost a response I gave to something else you said a while back.

"They may call you Dave, but I call you wise, friend.

 

[vocalyocal]

In my 8 months of attending church fairly regularly and in my time lurking around here this is something I have noticed to be very common amongst many Christians. A large number of people I know(most of whom are not Christians) have made mention of this trait as well: this overwhelming self-righteousness and arrogance that just flows out of so many Christians that belittles and smacks everyone around them in the face.

Now my question is what is behind that?
It does not seem like it is all Christians who do this, but it is very common; more common, IMO, than arrogance in non-christians. So what leads such a large number of so called religious people to behave this way?

I do like the idea of having faith; but I really don't think I want it if it is going to result in me being this way..

thats because churches no longer discipline anyone in the church.......they might leave!

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Amen. I just got the urge to repost a response I gave to something else you said a while back.

"They may call you Dave, but I call you wise, friend.

Thanks for that blessing of a compliment .