Why do Christians get evasive, defensive or angry when faced with difficult questions

[talquin]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

 

[Saul Hudson]

Because some Christians have a very narrow view and when challenged it upsets them. Most religions feel they have all the answers and when asked hard questions they do two things, they say it is just faith, or they get upset and say you must be crazy for not believing.

 

[yesyoushould]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

I have no idea what you are saying. Care to ask me a question?

 

[quatona]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

I don´t think this is a reaction displayed exclusively by Christians.

 

[Messy]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

Guess they're taught that you shouldn't have questions, so they don't know the answer or think they do because so and so said this and that which you may not question.

 

[JGG]

Obviously it's easier to just make claim, upon claim, upon claim, and never have to answer criticism or skepticism, than to have to answer a question and have to justify and support that claim.

 

[Inkfingers]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

Some do, some don't

For some it will be immaturity and insecurity in their faith.

For others it will be a weariness of being treated to

for the Nth time...

 

[Colter]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

Because we are human, no different than you. We might react to provocations based on a variety of reasons. Sometimes those who antagonize Christians do it for the express reason of getting a rise and then focus on that to discredit them in some way.

 

[quatona]

Yeah, it´s because they can read our minds.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

For some believers, there is no polite way to question their beliefs. No matter how the question phrased, such a believer will take offence at it. It goes without saying that this is not true of all religious people.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Because we are human, no different than you. We might react to provocations based on a variety of reasons. Sometimes those who antagonize Christians do it for the express reason of getting a rise and then focus on that to discredit them in some way.

There's the problem: you view questioning as provocation and antagonism. There's no polite way for someone to probe the basis for your beliefs with you.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Some do, some don't

For some it will be immaturity and insecurity in their faith.

For others it will be a weariness of being treated to

for the Nth time...

Might give a new meaning to devil's advocate?

 

[Colter]

There's the problem: you view questioning as provocation and antagonism. There's no polite way for someone to probe the basis for your beliefs with you.

Here's is your problem, you believe your own sincerity act, but then get incensed when someone calls you out for it. You are "decidedly atheist" yet play the part of "just a guy who wants to understand." I think a lot of atheist who come to Christian forums (or who lost their faith after joining) are motivated to undermine faith not understand it.

I don't think you are truly in touch with your motives. But regardless of my perception, only you know the truth.

But there is absolutely nothing wrong with sincere questioning or even sincere doubts. I talk with sincere people all the time, I just think your mind is already made up based on many things you yourself have stated.

 

[kristina411]

Since each Christian is different I can only answer for myself.

I don't get offended in the least bit and I answer questions, when presented respectfully.

I often find that the people who are always saying the statement of OP always tend to ignore answers or discredit even when it is very helpful and proven. I also find that this type of person likes to label groups, especially Christians, as a whole. So the offense is taken mostly at argumentative questions, not valid questions. It is also aimed at disrespect toward God, and disrespect to belief system. A

But you know, this is just one Christians opinion.
This is not an open door to ask whatever you choose. I answer questions I am knowledgeable or have an idea about, or care to answer. I wont go off topic or feed into such bait as mentioned above.

I find it humorous that this thread is asking Christians a question but non Christians supposedly already "know" why? Do we have mind readers in here? Otherwise I do believe your statements are biased and inaccurate.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Here's is your problem, you believe your own sincerity act, but then get incensed when someone calls you out for it.

You are "decidedly atheist" yet play the part of "just a guy who wants to understand." I think a lot of atheist who come to Christian forums (or who lost their faith after joining) are motivated to undermine faith not understand it.

I don't think you are truly in touch with your motives. But regardless of my perception, only you know the truth.

But there is absolutely nothing wrong with sincere questioning or even sincere doubts. I talk with sincere people all the time, I just think your mind is already made up based on many things you yourself have stated.

To the OP, here is an example of what I was talking about earlier. There is no polite way to question Colter on his beliefs or to discuss them critically. You can be as civil and amiable in your questioning as you like, he will still take offence at it. As I said earlier, this isn't true of all believers though.

 

[Colter]

To the OP, here is an example of what I was talking about earlier. There is no polite way to question Colter on his beliefs or to discuss them critically. You can be as civil and amiable in your questioning as you like, he will still take offence at it. As I said earlier, this isn't true of all believers though.

I'm being civil, if you don't like me don't engage me, I'm going to be myself doc. If you are to thin skinned for frank rebuttals then don't engage me in dialogue. This thread isn't about me or getting one side or another to like me, or wining a popularity contest. I call you out on your insincerity and you just don't like that because you know in your heart it's the truth.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”​

Oh, but the crafty beast was just being polite in asking Eve questions. Gee wiz, touchy Eve.

 

[Zanting]

I don´t think this is a reaction displayed exclusively by Christians.

I agree. Many people become defensive, evasive and/or upset when their beliefs or understandings are challenged. It is a pretty common human reaction. It applies to everyone whether they have a religious affiliation, or none at all.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

I'm being civil, if you don't like me don't engage me, I'm going to be myself doc. If you are to thin skinned for frank rebuttals then don't engage me in dialogue.

I know. You're just being your "sarcastic" self.

This thread isn't about me or getting one side or another to like me, or wining a popularity contest. I call you out on your insincerity and you just don't like that because you know in your heart it's the truth.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”​

Oh, but the crafty beast was just being polite in asking Eve questions. Gee wiz, touchy Eve.

This is another example of what I was talking about earlier. To some believers, the very act of questioning itself raises suspicions about the sincerity of the questioner; suspicions sufficient enough to merit a comparison to Satan himself no less. When a Christian perceives that being questioned by a nonbeliever is akin to Eve being questioned by that "crafty beast," he might react defensively or angrily. Case in point.

 

[Devorim]

For myself, I am presently putting off studying an issue another believer brought up to me because I have limitations -- not only issues with reading but also dread toward starting the study, because I fear admitting I have been wrong all these years. If I am wrong, not only will I have to readjust my thinking, but I will have to do it here, publicly! So I haven't even started looking into the issue. Yak!

 

[South Bound]

I notice that when I ask some of the difficult questions, Christians tend to get evasive, defensive or angry. Why is this?

OK. I'll take the bait: What questions did you ask Christians that you feel were not answered to your satisfaction?