Why do some Christians act so hostile toward questions?

[JD16]

Oh, I can VERY easily answer this.

It's because religion can cause harm.

Some people are abused because of it, whether it be through priests (supposedly "holy men of God") or their own families.

Women were seen as inferior because of the Bible, slavery was perpetuated and given Bible verses in support of it. And there are many.

People, even a few on this forum, are deathly terrified of hell. It sickens me to see people here that afraid. And hell is such a barbaric concept that it seems only evil people would think about perpetuating such a thing.

Some things in the Bible are completely awful, like God commanding Genocide, slaughter but keeping the virgins for themselves, beating a slave to death being okay as long as they do t die right away, and so many many other things.

The doctrine of original sin can cause some to have incredibly low self-esteem.

Questioning can bring ridicule or hostility from strong believers and cause the doubters to feel shame, guilt-tripped, depressed, and threatened. As if some are trying to scare them into believing.


THAT is why nonbelievers and questioners care. Because it can be heavily damaging, threatening, awful, and borderline abusive. Are there good points to religion? Sure, but points like the above are terrible things that people need to know about and shouldn't be scared from questioning or feel shame, guilt, and afraid of their own thoughts as a result.

I agree with the above, but there is more to it........ it's divisive, the baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple and the refusal of other such services. Parents who refuse to seek medical treatment for their sick children, instead relying on faith healing only to end up in disaster. The attack on science by trying to pass off creationism as legit science in the classroom. And not forgetting the influence of legislative policy, same-sex marriage for example. People who are LGBT are born that way, sexuality is not a choice and to be discriminated because of it is nothing less than inhumane.

 

[OnePeter315]

Oh, I can VERY easily answer this.

It's because religion can cause harm.

Some people are abused because of it, whether it be through priests (supposedly "holy men of God") or their own families.

Women were seen as inferior because of the Bible, slavery was perpetuated and given Bible verses in support of it. And there are many.

People, even a few on this forum, are deathly terrified of hell. It sickens me to see people here that afraid. And hell is such a barbaric concept that it seems only evil people would think about perpetuating such a thing.

Some things in the Bible are completely awful, like God commanding Genocide, slaughter but keeping the virgins for themselves, beating a slave to death being okay as long as they do t die right away, and so many many other things.

The doctrine of original sin can cause some to have incredibly low self-esteem.

It can cause people to make decisions that turn out awfully because they think it's what God is telling them.

Questioning can bring ridicule or hostility from strong believers and cause the doubters to feel shame, guilt-tripped, depressed, and threatened. As if some are trying to scare them into believing.


THAT is why nonbelievers and questioners care. Because it can be heavily damaging, threatening, awful, abusive, and borderline evil. Are there good points to religion? Sure, with the right people, but points like the above are terrible things that people need to know about and shouldn't be scared from questioning or feel shame, guilt, and afraid of their own thoughts as a result.

You list yourself as Catholic. Being a Methodist, I can't speak for how Catholics address some of the questions you have, but I know the Protestant/Methodist/Evangelical positions. Each one of the things you bring up is a valid concern. Because they are criticisms that many atheists level at Christians in most of the debates I've been a part of. I don't want to tackle those in this thread because they really should be their own separate discussions.

It feels like you have had a very negative experience in your Catholic upbringing. I'm saddened to hear that. Pray to God for guidance as you consult the Bible for His Truth. Then use THAT as your measuring stick on who is and is not teaching false doctrine

Your original post was is it OK to question and have doubts. The answer to that is yes. But take them to God first and not Facebook memes or Google.

 

[OnePeter315]

I agree with the above, but there is more to it........ it's divisive, the baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple and the refusal of other such services. Parents who refuse to seek medical treatment for their sick children, instead relying on faith healing only to end up in disaster. The attack on science by trying to pass off creationism as legit science in the classroom. And not forgetting the influence of legislative policy, same-sex marriage for example. People who are LGBT are born that way, sexuality is not a choice and to be discriminated because of it is nothing less than inhumane.

This discussion is on whether or not it is OK to question God. If you have concerns or criticisms on Christian worldviews, please start another discussion so we can tackle this there (I'd love to BTW).

 

[JD16]

Christians acting High and Mighty is something that turns many people away from Christianity for sure.

I believe it is because they generally hate the truth.

Uh-huh

 

[JD16]

This discussion is on whether or not it is OK to question God. If you have concerns or criticisms on Christian worldviews, please start another discussion so we can tackle this there (I'd love to BTW).

I was just adding on to Crystal's answer to 'Why do they care so much about what other people believe?' That's all, I have no intention to take it further....

 

[CrystalDragon]

You list yourself as Catholic. Being a Methodist, I can't speak for how Catholics address some of the questions you have, but I know the Protestant/Methodist/Evangelical positions. Each one of the things you bring up is a valid concern. Because they are criticisms that many atheists level at Christians in most of the debates I've been a part of. I don't want to tackle those in this thread because they really should be their own separate discussions.

It feels like you have had a very negative experience in your Catholic upbringing. I'm saddened to hear that. Pray to God for guidance as you consult the Bible for His Truth. Then use THAT as your measuring stick on who is and is not teaching false doctrine

Your original post was is it OK to question and have doubts. The answer to that is yes. But take them to God first and not Facebook memes or Google.

You misunderstand—I had next to no negative experiences in my Catholic upbringing itself. Those memories are for the most part very fond ones. The "negative view" in fact came up because I started consulting the Bible. Because I saw comments on some Bible videos saying "reading the Bible is what made me an atheist" and I didn't believe it, only to find all these terrible, awful, immoral, God-commanded things in the Bible (and he never said slavery was bad, not even when Jesus came toe Earth). I saw people on these very forums being terrified of hell. I saw people on these forums who said that if it weren't for their belief in God they'd go around and hurt/kill people with no regard for others. I watched and read testimonies from people who had been hurt by their upbringings (I was horrified by finding that "Jesus Camp" clip), or who were accused of "not being true Christians" for earnestly doubting. I made choices I shouldn't have because I thought "this life doesn't really matter, heaven is supposed to be what matters".

Religion hasn't really hurt me. But it's made my heart ache for others who have, and I feel horrified by the things that are perpetuated in God's name. I feel sickened by the Bible. I feel disgusted by the attitudes I've seen on here, whether it be from those who are scared stiff of hell or those who say they'd forget being a good person if God didn't exist and they'd just go and murder/assault people—again, on this forum.

 

[OnePeter315]

Yep. That's what I said.

There are some Christians who want to waggle their fingers at you and condemn complete strangers from the jump. It's completely the wrong approach and turns people off instantly. All it does it put someone on the defensive and make them stand their ground. I'm not denying SOME Christians are that way.

Going up to an atheist and saying "repent of your sin or you're going to Hell" while true, will accomplish nothing.

 

[CrystalDragon]

Yep. That's what I said.

There are some Christians who want to waggle their fingers at you and condemn complete strangers from the jump. It's completely the wrong approach and turns people off instantly. All it does it put someone on the defensive and make them stand their ground. I'm not denying SOME Christians are that way.

Going up to an atheist and saying "repent of your sin or you're going to Hell" while true, will accomplish nothing.

That's another problem, why be tortured for honest questioning?

 

[JD16]

That's another problem, why be tortured for honest questioning?

I don't think its the questioning bit, but the disbelieving that 'sends yourself to hell' which makes no sense whatsoever

 

[CrystalDragon]

I don't think its the questioning bit, but the disbelieving that 'sends yourself to hell' which makes no sense whatsoever

What I meant by that is that it seems a lot become atheists through the honest questioning, which is what a lot of Christians seem to rebuke like they're threatened by questions.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

But, if you know God forbids homosexuality (or premarital sex or adultry because they are in the same vein) and yet you still do it, you are basically saying "no, God. You've got it wrong" and rebelling against Him

What if I think abortion is sometimes the right option, or that it doesn't bother me if the Catholic Church has female priests or that some Buddhist meditators are closer to God than many Christians. Am I rebelling or just questioning in the right spirit?

 

[OnePeter315]

You misunderstand—I had next to no negative experiences in my Catholic upbringing itself. Those memories are for the most part very fond ones. The "negative view" in fact came up because I started consulting the Bible. Because I saw comments on some Bible videos saying "reading the Bible is what made me an atheist" and I didn't believe it, only to find all these terrible, awful, immoral, God-commanded things in the Bible (and he never said slavery was bad, not even when Jesus came toe Earth). I saw people on these very forums being terrified of hell. I saw people on these forums who said that if it weren't for their belief in God they'd go around and hurt/kill people with no regard for others. I watched and read testimonies from people who had been hurt by their upbringings (I was horrified by finding that "Jesus Camp" clip), or who were accused of "not being true Christians" for earnestly doubting. I made choices I shouldn't have because I thought "this life doesn't really matter, heaven is supposed to be what matters".

Religion hasn't really hurt me. But it's made my heart ache for others who have, and I feel horrified by the things that are perpetuated in God's name. I feel sickened by the Bible. I feel disgusted by the attitudes I've seen on here, whether it be from those who are scared stiff of hell or those who say they'd forget being a good person if God didn't exist and they'd just go and murder/assault people—again, on this forum.

Thanks for the clarification. That helps a ton

I don't deny those things you've mentioned. It sickens me every time I hear of someone using their position of authority to take advantage of other people. Sadly, these people also exist Christianity. It breaks my heart to see them get mistreated, and also to know how God's truth has been misrepresented. Because I know how this draws more hate and negativity towards ALL Christians and Jesus.

You said you had a good experience before. Remember that. Look at the assertions people are making, look back on what you learned and experienced, and pray to God for guidance in figuring this out.

I'd like to address your concerns over slavery, not to start that debate per se, but on how people make assertions without proper context.

Slavery in Biblical times is not the same as the slavery we are familiar with in America's history. First off, the word in Hebrew and the word in Greek that get interpreted as "slave" can also mean "service". So it's not always as we picture it with a slave mater cracking a whip whenever the Bible says "slave"

Second, people went into slavery willingly sometimes as a way to pay off debts. Slaves were also prisoners of war. Much the same way prisoners in modern times are forced to do hard labor, live in a small cell, and eat crappy food with little or no pay. In the Roman Empire, during the time of Jesus, a LOT of people were considered slaves to Caesar - doctors, teachers, engineers. Not just menial laborers.

Yes, it's absolutely true that people used to quote the Bible as their evidence for the slave trade. But they were wrong. And guess who helped stop slavery around the world? Christians

Anyway, I don't mean to side track the conversation; I just wanted to use that as an example of how people can jump to conclusions if they don't have the right context. Keep that in mind as you work through your questions

 

[pescador]

What if I think abortion is sometimes the right option, or that it doesn't bother me if the Catholic Church has female priests or that some Buddhist meditators are closer to God than many Christians. Am I rebelling or just questioning in the right spirit?

You're questioning in the right spirit.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I guess I can't relate very well. I've been in a church or two that basically said "don't ask questions" and I made myself quickly gone.

As a Christian, I want and need to ask questions, because I want to learn the truth and understand.

And if an unbeliever asks me questions, because he actually wants to know what I'll answer (I didn't say only if he is committed to accept my answers as true, but even if he just wants to hear for the sake of understanding, curiosity, whatever drives him) then I am delighted to talk with them and answer as best I can. Unbelievers sometimes see things with a fresher view and can think to ask questions I might not have considered. It's all good.

If they are asking just so they can mock, well, I'm not a capital-S-Saint, lol, so it's better for my spiritual peace if I don't participate much in that. It's also helping them dig their own hole, so why should I upset my peace and help them possibly condemn themselves at the same time? I prefer to walk away from those kinds of questions.

But if there is any sincerity, regardless of outcome, from either believer or unbeliever, I see questions as a good thing. So .... as to the OP, I don't get it.

Maybe they misunderstand (or perceive) the intent of the unbeliever to be mocking? Otherwise I don't know.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

I feel sickened by the Bible.

You know, I've just started reading the Bible more myself and I admit that a lot of it puzzles me. it doesn't seem to be always coming from a loving God. For instance the "righteous" are the good guys and the "wicked" the bad.This is when we know that most of us are a mixture of good and bad. That it is not always easy to make such a distinction. I need a good Bible teacher to guide me more carefully. Reading it on my own is not always fruitful.

 

[Godlovesmetwo]

You're questioning in the right spirit.

Not sure the Catholic Church has the same stance.

 

[CrystalDragon]

You know, I've just started reading the Bible more myself and I admit that a lot of it puzzles me. it doesn't seem to be always coming from a loving God. For instance the "righteous" are the good guys and the "wicked" the bad.This is when we know that most of us are a mixture of good and bad. That it is not always easy to make such a distinction. I need a good Bible teacher to guide me more carefully. Reading it on my own is not always fruitful.

Not sure the Catholic Church has the same stance.

That's why analyzing what you believe is always good, don't be afraid to question. Truth always stands up to scrutiny.

 

[OnePeter315]

What if I think abortion is sometimes the right option, or that it doesn't bother me if the Catholic Church has female priests or that some Buddhist meditators are closer to God than many Christians. Am I rebelling or just questioning in the right spirit?

The abortion discussion is a little harder to have right now because it relies on a person's belief of whether or not abortion is murder. Another time, another thread.

The denominations are all over the place when it comes to complementarianism vs egalitarianism. But your salvation doesn't rely on that matter. It relies on your belief in Jesus, that He is the only way to Heaven and your sins require repentance.

As for the Buddhist and the Christian, the Buddhist will not get to Heaven. Because he doesn't believe in Jesus as his Savior. Actions alone will not get you there. The Christian, if he admits his sin, asks God for forgiveness, and doesn't make a pattern out of it (as in you can't just keep doing the same thing over and over again knowing you have a "get out of hell free" card just because you say "forgive me"), can be saved.

 

[Galatea]

I've seen more people act like that than not.

Why would we be punished for something two people did who had no knowledge of right and wrong? Why punish us for what we had nothing to do with? That's punishing the son for the sins of the father.

Also there are plenty of good people who aren't Christians, and thus might not be said to have a "Spiritual Nature". And what about those who were Christians who then became atheists?

The argument against "why punish mankind for the sins of Adam and Eve" is this: any other pair would have done the same. Think about it: Adam and Eve had no "bad genes", lived in a perfect environment, had no societal pressures, no media influence, no education, they were perfectly innocent- yet sinned. So would have you and your husband in their place, or anyone else. It is within us to be led astray.

 

[Far Side Of the Moon]

many people who rebuke others for honestly questioning are not true Christians

Totally agree, I honestly feel maybe they do because they have those same questions and are trying hard to not let doubt seep in.

I however have no issue, although, I'm not the brightest person so I could never have a debate about quantum physics or whatever else they believe in. All I can do is give personal experience.