Christianity - please be tolerant for Christians, too
By Faye
@FayeHazel (40230)
United States
July 10, 2017 12:03pm CST
Hello MyLot,
This isn't actually aimed at anyone on here... just something I've been noticing lately and felt compelled to write about.
So - I believe in Christ even though I do not subscribe to any organized religion. I class myself as Spiritual-Non-Religious.
But then, I'm not really here to discuss my beliefs and I'm certainly not here to try to get you to see things my way.
What I have noticed is that it seems like people feel it is alright to take jabs at Christianity. Some people will pick on anyone, but it starts concerning me when an acquaintance of mine on social media - this is someone who preaches equality for all - no stereotypes - stick up for everyone's rights and do not culturally appropriate anything -- when this person makes degrading comments about the Christian faith. So - we stick up for everyone else but we berate Christians and their faith? Uncool.
Now - I am the first to say that there have been horrendous acts done in the name of "religion". And I am also the first to say that there are some horrible people who pass themselves off as "Christians" (thinking of all of the pastors and priests who have done bad things). Also there are the hypocrites who proclaim one thing and do another (Josh Duggar, anyone?) and the "Holier-than thou" types and the "hard sell" Christians such as the woman, who after I had only complimented her scarf started a campaign to get me to come to her Church (I am happy she has such a happy and devout faith, but I'm happy with where I'm at - I had no desire to be hard sold her church) -or the booth at the county fair that "threatens" people with hellfire and mini sermons, attempting to scare people into coming to their church.
However - that said - I have met some extraordinary people who identify as "Christian" too.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that - for everyone, but particularly if you laud yourself as an open minded and accepting person -- please be tolerant, even to Christianity. It is alright to vent about a pushy Christian individual -- or a corrupt "Christian" -- but please don't blanket judge their entire group.
I hope I haven't made anyone feel uncomfortable, and I hope you don't feel the need to justify your beliefs because that wasn't my intent - but it is something that has been on my mind recently. Thanks for reading I hope you have blessed week. :-)
7 people like this
7 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
10 Jul 17
In my view we are all sinners therefore we are all hypocrites. We do the best we can to live the way Jesus did and wants us to but we are far from perfection. As it says in the Bible, the one without sin cast the first stone. That would be nobody! Josh Duggar is a sinner like the rest of us-no worse and no better. We all make mistakes, the only bad thing for him is he was in the public eye-which always makes things seem worse than they are...Ratings, ratings, ratings...
This is a corrupt world we live in and we all just try to do the best we can.
4 people like this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
14 Jul 17
True - I mention it in my post because that is one of the more common gripes that the non-Christians seem to have (at least that I have heard) - and I don't deny - at all - that it happens, either... Though --- there are people who say 1 thing and do another - in all walks of life - even in those who don't believe....
@TheHorse (238313)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Jul 17
@FayeHazel I have a couple of friends who can't stand Judaism. If they hear "Baruch Atah Adona," they gag. They aspire to be Buddhists. Of course, they're Jewish. Heh.
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
14 Jul 17
Oh cool ! We have Jewish friends. Love the Cuisine (ahhhhh Matzo soup)
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120752)
• United States
14 Jul 17
I appreciate that. Someone in my family commented the other day how we have to be sensitive to everyone with everything, except for Christians. I'm with you, the people who do things in the name of Christianity are out there, and there are plenty of hypocrites, but they are not the majority, whereas the venom IS aimed at the majority.
I'm not sure why she feels this way, but there is one user here who seems to find ways of mocking my faith, and I mean about the most benign things, like simply praying. I've never gotten preachy, so it has always made me wonder what is going on in her heart.
You'll probably get some flack for this post, but I hope not.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238313)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Jul 17
@FayeHazel I don't really agree. Every defined group gets picked on by someone.
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
16 Jul 17
Oh that is so true -- it seems like the only group it's ok to pick on is Christianity. Sad, really. I am sorry one of your family feels the need to take pokes at you. I agree. I have no objection to people venting about, or talking about Christian individuals -- (mentioning how the man who tried to convert you annoyed you) but don't spout venom at the whole group.... Actually I was expecting some feedback negitivity ... so far it's been pretty good I think.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
10 Jul 17
I see that bias in lots of places. It's not PC to criticize other religions, but it seems to be open season on Christians.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
14 Jul 17
Oh yes - exactly. It's unfortunate that we can't apply the same "let's not fault-find / make fun of" rule also to Christianity
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238313)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Jul 17
@FayeHazel Yep. It boils down to: Don't be a jerk. Why is that so hard for so many?
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
16 Jul 17
Religion can be interesting. I like hearing different views -- unless it turns into a hard sell or hurt feelings.... its interesting how much in common some of the world's religions have with each other, though isn't it?
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43600)
• Denver, Colorado
11 Jul 17
Well, I'm an athiest, but I don't tell anyone that they are "wrong." I pretty much keep it to myself. I have no problem with any religion, but I really hate people that try to shove their beliefs down my throat.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238313)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Jul 17
@FayeHazel Some day I'll do a post about a woman who was one of the "truest" Christians I've ever met. She ran the BBQ place near where I used to work in Oakland.
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
14 Jul 17
I agree - I posted a similar comment on one of my social media pages - and that seemed to be people's reaction - frustration at the "hard sell".
2 people like this
@gnatsmom (2575)
•
19 Aug 17
Great post! I agree completely. The beautiful thing about America is we were founded on four freedoms, two of them being religion and speech. It is ironic that many of the ones screaming for tolerance are intolerant to Christians. Some of those yelling the loudest for equality are the ones trying to "imprison" Christians. Your article is well written.
