Why are there so many negative stereotypes against Christians?

I guess there's allways a small group who ruins things for the rest of the group. There are people calling themselves Christians that do bad things and there a people claiming to be Christians who did wonderful things; it has nothing directly to do with religion if you ask me. No matter if we like it or not there will allways be stereotyping and if you belong to a certain religion, subculture or whatever you will surely notice it more than when you are not a part of that group of people. I'm not a Christian myself and haven't seen all these things you are referring too. I have seen many bad stereotypes about gothic and cybergothic people because that's the partyscene I hang out with and most my friends are too. Whatever you are formiliar with you reference too. Oddly enough this is also the reason why we prejudge; we like to try and fit everything nicely into our own little frame of reality and put people into little corners and stamp their heads (label them) as we think they are. Only solution for this problem is to stop, think, and take time and effort to get to know individual people. I hope I've explained myself well enough, otherwise feel free to ask.

Christians have an enormous responsibility to be kind and loving. Even people who aren't Christians know this and are on the lookout for any Christian who doesn't seem to be living up to those expectations. Their eyes are drawn to the flawed Christians who are looking for self recognition instead of the loving Christians who just want to help people and honor God.

I tend to agree with myklj999 up there. It's been my experience to be judged and told either I or my parents or whoever is going to Hell. When will these self-proclaimed righteous types recall the verses that state "judge not lest ye be judged" and "vengence is mine, sayeth the Lord?" I don't need to go to church and be around that type of activity in order to talk to God.

Maybe the fact that christians can be so brutal to everyone else that they are picked on in your eyes. I have many "friends" that are christians and are involved in such fine organizations as the KKK. Christians led the Crusades and the united states, a "christian" nation is the only one to ever use a nuclear weapon on another human being. Maybe the stereo types are warranted sometime. I have never heard a non-christian tell someone that they are going to hell.

Scripture tells us we will have tribulation in this world, but not to worry because HE has overcome the world. I don't worry one bit about what people think about me being a Christian. I try to be nice to everyone; let them think what they want. I've heard many people say they would not go to a church because 'there are hypocrites there'. But, if there are hypocrites inside the church, that's where a real Christian needs to be. And those words are usually coming from a person who calls themselves Christian. A Christian should be 'Christ-like', and many of those people who talk exhibit no Christ-like behavior. I don't know that all conservative Christians are labeled as ignorant,bigoted, or stupid. But we hear enough through the media that makes us think that perhaps they do view all of us as being a little beneath the liberals. But I can assure you everyone from the South is not a Christian!

i live in the south and people that are not from around here call this the bible belt because there is so many people who will kill if u don't see things their way. I myself am a christian but some people still tell me im going to hell just because i listen to bands like slipknot or maryilin manson. People from the south are all presumed to be christians because it is where chritianity is the strongest. (Which isn't a bad thing)

This is just my opinion but I think it has to do with the fact that the Christian religion is the neighborhood bully. They get what they want through fear, violence and intimidation and when a little doesn't work they lay it on really thick to prove their point. They have also been very successful in what they do, which is why they have been the major religion in so many areas for so long. Not everyone who practices this religion is violent but many are very quiet about condoning past or present acts of violence and murder in the name of their religion by either excusing it or dismissing it as what had to be done according to the rules of their God. After a while the bully loses his/her status and when they lose their status it is time for the ones who were traumatized during their reign to speak up and be noticed and we the truth can sometimes be ugly and the Christian history is a very ugly thing for many people and cultures, some of which were totally wiped out and can't even speak for themselves anymore. So the rest of us are here to speak for them and ourselves. We are not trying to be the bully ourselves but it is well know that if you do not learn from history it will repeat itself. Christianity has lost and is losing its grip on a lot of power and in order to make sure they don't rise back up and become the big bully again we have to keep it that way by repeating the stories over and over again.

Negative stereotypes against Christians exist because 1) Most Christians have misinterpreted what Jesus and Bible said. Jesus said that we should spread Gospel and good news about Him. But Christians think that they should force it into others' throat. It is NOT what Jesus meant. Spreading Gospel doesn't mean that we should force into others' throat. We just let them know about Gospel and Jesus Christ. But whether they want to believe it or not, it will depend on themselves. At least, we have tried to let them know that Jesus is the way of truth. So, it is not our responsiblity about their souls in after life. Forcing our belief into others, it is not a good thing because it will create hypocrite people and God doesn't want hypocrite people. Did Jesus force people into believing in Him? 2) Negative stereotypes exist because others perceive us differently. It has been caused by what is going on right now. The economy situation in US and around the world is not in a good shape right now. So, people are getting frustated and they tend to blame on Christians or Conservatives for what has happened without looking at the root of the problem. Frustated people are often thinking irrational. 3) Sometimes, people just don't understand what others are saying. They jumped into a quick conclusion because they don't know what Christians really meant. So, it is communicating with two people from two different planets. 4) Most people can't get over the history. I have always read that many people are labelling Christians as ignorant, bigoted and stupid because of the history -- although it already happened about 100 years ago or even 1000 years ago.

In a word , Yes. Our country Is so politically polarized that every conservative person is labeled ignorant,bigoted, and stupid.I think it happened in the 60's.while most of the young adults were following a different, new set of rules of behavior, it was the ultra religious, especially Christian,people who were stating that these new ideas were sinful.And then in the late 80's and early 90's the " religious right" part of the Republicans came into power. They said many things that were taken as stupid, ignorant and bigoted. And here we are.Unless a Christian comes out and distances himself from those far right ideals, people will assume you are ultra far right Christian. That is sad but that's where we are.Especially when there are as many different kinds of Christians here.

People who label Christians as ignorant, bigoted or stupid do not really know what they are talking about. Let's face it, a lot of people simply judge people or communities without really understanding them.

Almost all of the "christians" I have met have tried to force their religion on me. And I am not just talking about the ones that have come knocking on my door. Everytime I try to talk religion with them I get told how mine is wrong and their's is right. Frankly I am tired of dealing with the whole lot face to face. If I want to be told how wrong I am I know where to go.

I think it depends on where you live in this country, but most importantly, how the stereotype is portrayed in the media. The media perpetuates the stereotype and it is a cycle that will not be broken until more accurate information is available. Unfortunatley, some people have already made up their minds and their minds won't be changed that quickly. I tend to ignor the stereotype and try to see people for who they are, not what they are.

In this modern world nobody like some boundaries to life, they want to do whatever they want, just lead a rich and happy life, no values for much family relations, God, morals etc. That is it. I'm a Muslim, many people mis-understood us and they use any rude words at us with their preset ideas. Islam teaches, when the time goes and reach near the end, it will be difficult to preach religion as holding red hot fire in our hand. At that time who have clear belief and he do as he can will be won.

No one wants to be judged harshly. All our religions should be respected. All that know they are not Christian feel judged harshly by Christians and only want this to end. (If they would only follow their own commandmant not to judge!) That explains it in a nutshell. Their way is not the only way.

Well the first 2 responses pretty well covered it. There just seem to be a lot of outspoken christians who seem to think their better than anybody else & will try to shove their beliefs down your throat to prove it.

It's called generalization. The south has proportionately more Christians than the north. What's more, political conservatives are more often than not Christians. The stereotypes for christians come from experience with the most negative characteristics of some Christians. Bigotry, hatred, and hypocrisy are some of the worst things some Christians are known for. That's not to say all Christians are like that - but when stereotyping comes into play, the most extreme characteristics of the group are considered.

I can think of a number of reasons! The non christian world must have been Staggered by the easy and quite inappropriate manner Abusers in the Christian Child Molestation Scandals were allowed to go free. (to sin again)The Church threw money at the problem and it went away! Christianity as a Religion is becoming Staid and Stale. This Business of Religion was dreamed up Hundreds of years ago for a much less Educated Population. Science as we know it didn't exist. People were child-like in their thinking, and didn't question anything. It was like they wanted, and needed a belief system. Today with modern (almost miraculous) dating systems, and Scientific approaches to Religion, people are not as naive, and are much better educated. The Priest and Pastor, although still presuming to speak for the 'Lord' do not carry the weight they did just a century ago, and are losing credibility with each passing day. Churches are empty and its becoming impossible to find replacements for the Clergy. People moving past their religious needs, are beginning to think for themselves. What happens next- only God knows, and She isn't telling!

Not every Christian is a conservative or republican for that matter. I think the term Christian is over used by many. It's one thing to profess your faith, but another to be a braggart about it. I'm not talking about you personally, just what I have observed from others. In my life I have seen two types of Christians. The ones who you know are Christians by their actions (not all people who are good and decent are Christians) and those who make sure everyone knows it.

well I think that, and I am a christian myself, if christians would leave one alone when they start trying to convert me to their particular church and I tell them I am happy with the church that I already go to, they would 'listen. respect my right to worship as I please and i will respect your right to worship as you please. I am 'a methodist and do not want to go to the Baptist, or 'congregational or anyother church save my own. so leave me the heck alone and I will not look at you negatively.

If Christians did not want to be negatively stereotyped, there are things they could do to remedy this. First - stop being hypocrites. Do what you say, say what you do instead of saying one thing and doing another. Become tolerant. Live your own life the way you believe you should but do not judge others or try to convince others to follow your beliefs. Don't ever tell others their beliefs are wrong, because that opens the door for others to do the same right back to you. Remember that you in no way are better or more knowledgable than another person, so to claim you are is a lie. Christians as a whole tend to do this disproportionately, and it is done under the guise of 'sharing the good news' or 'witnessing'. It is not something people are ASKING for, it is something like being bothered by telemarketers at 8 AM on a Saturday. =P I grew up in the north but now I live in the south and I am NOT religious and nothing would convince me to become religious again. There seems to be very little positive or of value to me to being religious, other than you annoy other people and you deprive yourself. Doesn't sound great to me.