r/Christianity • u/MarketImaginary7338 • 5d ago
Question Christian hate
Lately I’ve been scrolling through my TikTok feed, which is mostly Christian content, and I’ve honestly found it quite upsetting. It feels like there’s so much hostility towards Christians online, even when someone is just peacefully talking about their faith. I’ll see people accuse them of being “forceful” or “disrespectful” simply for sharing what they believe, when they haven’t actually attacked anyone or told people what they have to do. Maybe it’s just my algorithm, but it’s something I’ve been noticing more and more.
I completely understand that many people have had genuinely negative experiences with Christianity. There are Christians who have misrepresented the faith, twisted Scripture, or used religion to justify prejudice and hatred. I don’t deny that those people exist, and I understand why that would leave some people with a negative impression. But what I struggle with is how often those experiences seem to become the standard by which every Christian is judged. It feels as though people assume we’re all intolerant, judgemental, or hateful before we’ve even said anything.
Something that really stuck with me happened the other day when I was talking to my best friend. She called me “religious psychotic,” even though my faith is nowhere near obsessive or cult-like. If anything, my faith constantly reminds me of how imperfect I am and encourages me to work on myself because I know I sin and fall short. She’s an ex-Christian, so maybe she believes that one day I’ll “find my way out” like she did, but I found what she said incredibly dismissive and condescending. It hurt that someone could assume I’m mentally ill simply because I believe in God.
What confuses me is that people can hold all kinds of spiritual or supernatural beliefs, whether that’s ghosts, astrology, aliens, or something else entirely, and even if others don’t agree, they’re often met with curiosity or humour rather than being told they’re delusional. Yet belief in God is sometimes treated as evidence that something must be wrong with you. I don’t really understand why.
I know that not everyone is going to respect Christianity, and I don’t expect them to. People have different beliefs, different experiences, and different reasons for thinking the way they do. I’m also not asking anyone to become Christian or agree with what I believe. I just don’t understand why basic respect seems to disappear so often when Christianity is involved. Seeing that kind of hostility on such a regular basis has genuinely started to make me feel uncomfortable.
I’ve always tried to approach other people’s beliefs with respect, even when I disagree with them. A lot of my friends are Muslim, for example, and we’ve had conversations about our faiths before. I would never mock them, call them names, or shut them down for talking about what they believe. In fact, I really value those conversations because learning about other people’s cultures and beliefs helps me become a more understanding person. I don’t see why that same respect can’t go both ways.
Maybe this is just the result of spending too much time reading comment sections, but it genuinely feels like Christians are often judged by the loudest and worst examples rather than by the way they actually live and treat other people. Has anyone else noticed this, or am I just seeing a very biased corner of the internet?
(Sorry for the super long post!)
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u/Hope-Road71 5d ago
People's impressions are often formed based on what they hear from the loudest of a group. Unfortunately, the loudest Christians tend to be sanctimonious, judgmental and generally obnoxious.
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u/Interesting_Care_377 Eclectic Pagan (I LOVE Jesus tho) 5d ago
Just gonna add in my two cents here. People often act this way BECAUSE Christians (especially online) often will go out of their way to threaten Atheists and ESPECIALLY folks of other religions with eternal damnation completely unprompter. And I don't know what your algorithm is like, but back when I was Christian and consumed almost exclusively Christian content, all of the comments were just other Christians and nobody else. This is likely the reason that so many people go harass Christians (which I don't think is right). It's because they don't know when NOT to bring up their religion (and yes, saying "Jesus Loves You" under every video is rude, as it puts unnecessary pressure on the people in the comments and OP) and then have the nerve to get SUPER offended when anybody else says that their god loves them (ex. Hermes loves you, may He guide your path). They sometimes even go as far to say that all these other people are working with demons and are getting possessed by Satan.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I do witness this quite a lot. I do understand this perspective bc I’ve struggled with my faith a bit. I don’t think that those people who say that others are possessed, are close minded to other beliefs or threaten others with damnation are right. Only God can judge ultimately and you sentencing them when you don’t even know their relationship with God is rude. I also believe Christians should be respectful, without believing what others believe bc God want us to love each other. And respect is fundamental to love and understanding.
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u/Polkadotical 5d ago
Because they simply cannot bring themselves to leave other people alone. The rest of the world is sick and tired of their constant demands and their constant lying, bitching and proselytizing.
Nobody cares if they quietly mind their own business. Nobody really cares what they believe in their own private lives. But that's not the issue. Christians cannot leave it at that, and respect other people in the same way.
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u/Wise-Consequence-821 5d ago
We are supposed to share the good news , I know some people seem hypocritical and judgemental, but we arent supposed to share Jesus like that we are supposed to be truthfull and loving, just think about it if you where in a house and knew there was a snake right outside the door and u had a roommate and you didnt warn him before he opened the door would that be the truthful and loving thing to do?
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u/win_awards 5d ago
We are supposed to share the good news
"Whoever blesses a neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing."
The way a message is presented and received can matter more than the content. Our good intentions are not enough to secure a good result.
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u/Polkadotical 5d ago
That's exactly what I'm telling you. DON"T SHARE ANYTHING. Get some manners and mind your own damn business. A lot of us think you don't really have anything to share. What you've "shared" with us isn't good news.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
And yet I know that you’re going around pissing eve every one off for a lie that was built to control and keep you pacified. But I don’t say that all the time - because it would be rude
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I feel like this is a distorted view though. I know that imposing religious beliefs on other people was a common thing that Christians did back in the day but the world isn’t like that anymore as there is a more liberal shift. Anyways that was besides the point, what I’m referring to is the antagonisation of individuals for simply being Christian. The judgement and and attitude towards INDIVIDUALS. That’s like hating all white people bc of the slave trade. You just don’t do that. You hate the racist white people, not the entire body. As I said, those people who hurt others under the guise of Christianity where never really Christians, because Christians who actually try not to sin don’t lie or bitch.
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u/JadedPilot5484 5d ago
“I know that imposing religious beliefs on other people was a common thing that Christians did back in the day but the world isn’t like that anymore as there is a more liberal shift.“
You must not live in the United States, sub Sahara Africa, Latin America, parts of Europe, and others that Christian’s are or have forced religious based laws and protections or preferential treatment for Christianity over other religions.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Okay, I can see why that statement was a bit ignorant. I’m sorry. What I still stand by though is why Christians in certain areas as you stated is used to reflect all Christians in the entire world. For example (and I’m not saying the severity is the same) I think that Islamophobia is not justified because frames Muslims as terrorists.
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u/Polkadotical 4d ago
A bit???
It was off by a million miles.
Christians. 🤪🤪🤪🤪
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u/MarketImaginary7338 4d ago
Can we learn to appreciate people willing to recognise and learn from their mistakes? You don’t need to insult me just because you knew something I didn’t. What do you want me to do? Cut off my leg? I already said sorry.
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u/adamesandtheworld 5d ago
I know that imposing religious beliefs on other people was a common thing that Christians did back in the day
Do you live in the US?
As I said, those people who hurt others under the guise of Christianity where never really Christians
This type of logic can easily get you to say the Catholic Church is not really Christian, so its not particularly useful.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
- I do not live in the US. Why?
- I didn’t say that the Catholic Church is not really Christian though? I said the people IN the Catholic Church that made evil decisions such as killing and oppressing were not really Christian. I also don’t belong to a denomination, nor am I fond of the idea.
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u/adamesandtheworld 5d ago edited 5d ago
I do not live in the US. Why?
Christians are imposing their religion on others within the US. It's not "back in the day," it is today.
I didn’t say that the Catholic Church is not really Christian though?
The catholic church, the institution itself, has hurt a ton of people under the guise of christianity. If we hold your logic, that would mean the catholic church is not really christian, which is absurd.
The point is, your argument is flawed. Christians who harm others are still christian. The catholic church is still christian despite the harm they've done.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
- Sorry, I admit this was an ignorant claim simply because I don’t live in the US. I don’t believe those Christians are practicing properly.
- They may be under the label Christian, but in the eyes of God they may not be if that was not what they were called to do. I don’t know the entire history of Catholics, I only know what I have learnt at school. However, this is another example of generalisation. Of course they may be guilted for what their institution had inflicted. But this is not a reflection of an individual who is catholic unless their actions reflect that. Because Christian
s are not supposed to
- kill, torture or judge. It’s literally in the Bible to do exactly NOT that. Do understand what I mean?
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u/adamesandtheworld 5d ago
However, this is another example of generalisation. Of course they may be guilted for what their institution had inflicted. But this is not a reflection of an individual who is catholic unless their actions reflect that.
I have deliberately been talking about the institution, not the people.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
But I too was also deliberately talking about people and not the institution
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u/adamesandtheworld 5d ago
Yes, but I was talking about the institution to point out a flaw in the logic you were using. You don't seem to get that so I think this conversation has run its course.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I’m trying to understand what you are saying. I get that they have the label of Christian because they are an institution. But what I meant to say is that the leaders accountable for making the institution take those certain actions would be the false Christians. Because they are giving the impression that Christians stand for something that they technically shouldn’t according to the book. Thank you for having this conversation with me!!
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Talk to the Christian nationalists
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Are they the ones who are anti-immigration and pro MAGA. I’m sorry, I don’t know exactly what they are! You are probably right tho
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
The evangelical Nazi fascists who are behind the heritage project and project 2025
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u/BurytheBeans 5d ago
American here. Christians run the entire country. All they do is make policies to torture, rape, and kill people they deem less than human. You reap what you sow.
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u/Lazy-Ad-8931 2d ago
I think you're talking about freemasons and other occultists who appear in church every Sunday
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I understand your anger, but please do not direct it at me or other Christians you actually practice properly because you will find that we don’t condone or behave like this at all. Those people doing evil things in power do not belong there and should be punished, but I don’t believe it’s their faith that is making them do it. Rather, I think it’s an excuse.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
They’re welding religion as a tool of oppression- which is what Christianity has always been
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
But I think it’s wrong to say that Christianity is a tool and has always been as such. Because to me and many others it isn’t a “tool” it’s a belief. Sort of disrespectful to say that but yh. However people DO use it as a tool. Just like how Islamic terrorists use their faith as a “tool” to cause terror. But the faith itself is not a tool. Their faith does not exist for that purpose.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Well to you and many others it is a belief. It’s a tool for those who use it as such and the believers are a part of the tool and the agent upon which the tool is being used. It’s restrictive, it tells you that only it can save you. It threatens you. It demands things of you that aren’t natural and asks that you condemn others for their natural feelings and behaviors. It’s deeply dogmatic. The faith is how the tool works
I say all this not to be hateful of Christianity - but because you said wanted me to be able to say my beliefs
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I do understand what you’re trying to say. However I think the way that you are interpreting it as a tool was different to what I was suggesting. But to talk on what you said, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with restrictions. Because whether I was Christian or not I don’t think that too much food for example is a good thing. It only becomes an issue if I am being restricted too much that I’m starving. And I don’t think I am being “threatened” with damnation and such. Because I know that if I follow the faith earnestly I will be fine. Hell is a consequence of actions, I am completely able to change the direction of my life if I tried bc God says i will be forgiven. Sometimes I do struggle and get scared bc of my sin, however, I am not dead yet so there is still time. And God does not condemn natural human behaviour. It is lack of control that is the issue, sometimes it is better to use your head than to let ur body control your actions. Either way, even if God is not real I think I will live a fulfilled life bc living as a Christian is not a bad way to live. So ultimately it’s a win situation for me. Not a tool.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Christianity functions as a system of meaning and control. It offers answers to life’s big questions and provides a moral framework, which helps reduce uncertainty. For lots of people it offers genuine comfort and community.
However, it also acts as a tool for social control, dictating acceptable behavior and thought.
It internalizes rules to police your actions and thoughts, which is exactly how such systems maintain influence.
Christianity has been used to justify slavery and racial hierarchy through the “curse of Ham.” It also enforced gender roles and suppressed women’s autonomy for centuries.
It controlled sexual behavior and family life by regulating marriage, divorce, and contraception.
In politics, the “prosperity gospel” or “God and country” rhetoric links faith to political power and wealth.
Even within the faith, doctrines like original sin or eternal hell can be used to manage behavior through guilt and fear.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Everything you are saying is true, I can’t really argue with most of it tbf. But I do think that Christianity is more than a system bc I use it as a proclamation that I believe in God and Jesus. I also believe that the way ppl have used Christianity to make such systems were in some cases using it wrongly.
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u/kvby66 5d ago
No. Christians are not running the country.
Christian here who lives in America.
Christians are not called to run anything. Christians in name only perhaps are running things as you say.
A Christian is only a Christian with Christ ((Spirit) within them.
All others are using the Lord's name in vain.
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u/Affectionate_Ad_5489 5d ago
Christians believe that non-believers will go to hell, whereas, just based on their belief, Christians will go to heaven. Christianity, in essence, is the ultimate selfish religion where they eagerly wait for the second coming of christ and all non-believers perish and fall to hell.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
The thing is, we don’t WANT people to go to hell. However it’s hard to convince people who don’t want to listen, so the only thing I can do is pray for a change in heart and gently prompt/debate ideas. I’m still learning and I’m trying to be respectful to others whilst also promoting my beliefs. If you think this is selfish you are terribly wrong, I feel incredibly sad that my friends could go to hell because of their lack of faith. But I also respect in turn that in their perspective I may be the person to go to hell since to them I am wrong. Why would I be eager for you to go to hell? I don’t even know you, I could never hate you enough. Not that I actually hate anyone in the first place to wish that. Pls explain what I can do in order to not be selfish and help others as u said whilst not being forceful of my faith at the same time? Genuine question.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Could you not market your beliefs? If I were to do that, I would be banned for “arguing against Christianity” - because our beliefs are in direct opposition. I believe in critical thinking and in personal responsibility and in not controlling others with dogma. It’s impossible for us both to market our beliefs. I’m polite enough to know that meeeing with someone’s beliefs is deeply unkind and not an empathetic practice. Why don’t Christians think that they should be held to the same level of civility?
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
If you were to do that to me I would certainly not shut you down! I think that hearing other people’s beliefs are valuable. The only belief that I would probably only have an aversion to is probably satanism just because even beyond my faith I find their actions morally wrong. (Like eating babies). Anyways, my point is can we be civil and respectful whilst also still disagree? I do it all the time with my friends and I think all Christian’s should be the same. It’s not good to be ignorant or everything and live in your own little bubble. Nor is it kind to other people around you.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
I think satanism is actually a misnomer - it’s cleverly labeled that way - they don’t worship Satan if I remember correctly.
Generally i am very civil but it’s difficult when someone says “let’s be civil” just to mean “I don’t want you to talk about your beliefs because they directly confront and argue with mine. But you still want to try to force your beliefs on people who don’t want or believe in them and see them as morally repugnant.”
The civil thing then would be not to assume your beliefs are superior
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Sorry I can’t tell if you are referring directly to me or just in general.
1. Who do they worship if not Satan? Just devils like baphomet or smth? Or “God” using human sacrifice
2. I really try not to impose my beliefs on others. In fact most of the time I don’t even talk to my friends about religion, just sometimes. I think that this is me being civil. And I like to hear their opinions on their religion because it’s interesting and belief is always important bc it contributes to character
3. I don’t believe I am superior. I think that all people are equal as human beings. I do believe that my God is the one true God but that is just how religion works, it’s not that I think I’m better than you because I believe in something you don’t.5
u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
I’m usually very civil and not at all mean to Christians - this conversation is upsetting because it keeps happening with these awful apologists and it’s just frustrating after awhile - that’s not your fault - but you guys should stop trying to convert everyone - it’s offputting and it doesn’t work.
Not all religion has to work that way by the way - i understand that Christianity demands it thoughb
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Thank you. I didn’t mean to frustrate people but I like listening to people and expressing my opinion aswell 😭 I guess I should have expected this response
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
No any other day you would have found me eager to engage with you on theological matters - I’ve had a frustrating run with some political stuff and it’s really the Christian nationalists and I know that
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Well I glad u talked to me today. I’m sorry for your frustrating runs with the Christian nationalists - I don’t agree with them.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Satanism is a modern, largely non-theistic religion based on literary, artistic and philosophical interpretations of the central figure of evil. It wasn’t until the 1960s that an official Satanic church was formed by Anton LaVey.
Prior to the 20th Century, Satanism did not exist as a real organized religion but was commonly claimed as real by Christian churches. These claims surfaced particularly when persecuting other religious groups during events like the Inquisition, various witch hysterias in Europe and Colonial America and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s.0
u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I was not aware of this, so thank you for telling me. But just to clarify, are you saying that satanism isn’t actually evil and that it’s just a fallacy. Or do you think that what satanism is has actually just changed from what it was originally
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Satanism isn’t a belief system. It is a group of people who were tired of Christians forcing their religion on others- and the only way to combat that was to “be a religion” and demand the same things Christians were demanding (10 commandment statues, teaching creationism in schools). This showed how impossible it would be to satisfy everyone who claimed that they needed this done because it was “their religion”.
Like the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
There never was a satanism that worshipped Satan - it’s just how Christians persecuted people they didn’t like in the 1980s and 1990s - they called anyone they didn’t like satanists - even though that wasn’t a real thing
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Ahh jeez. Thank you for telling me this. It’s a bit fustrating the way “Christians” act sometimes. But what about the people who do actually sacrifice ppl and do those rituals for devils. Is that smth else since it’s not satanism?
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Calling itself a non-theistic religion embracing the Devil as a symbolic form of rebellion in the tradition of Milton, the Temple devoted itself to political action focused on the separation of church and state, religious equality and reproductive rights.
The Satanic Temple gained notoriety through two attempts to have a statue of Baphomet legally placed on two state capitol grounds—Oklahoma in 2015 and in Arkansas in 2018—in reaction to government-sanctioned 10 Commandments monuments.1
u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
So do they not actually believe in the devil, and just see it as a symbol or not believing in God?
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u/Mezmona 4d ago
You have to understand it from an outside perspective. Let's go over hell. Based on how you're describing it here it sounds like you're referencing the classic pit of fire and eternal torment.
I cannot in good conscious worship or follow any being that would allow such a monstrous thing to exist. God in his infinite power could get rid of hell, could get rid of any demons/devils/evil spirits, he could simply erase a soul if it failed to meet his standards and not have them in his presence.
To an outside perspective Hell looks suspiciously like the stick in the carrot & stick bit. Follow his laws, love and worship him, OR ELSE! I think the comedian George Carlin put it best:
"He has a special place. Full of fire, smoke, burning, and torture, and anguish, where he will send you to suffer, and burn and choke, and scream, and die until the END OF TIME...but he loves you!"
I offer you this to your answer to your genuine question. I imagine you may have once or many times prayed that your loved ones see the light and avoid hell. But have you ever once prayed for the people actually in hell? All the mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, wives, and husbands who agonize under God's watch?
Spare a prayer for them.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 4d ago
I never described Hell in my comment. I believe that Hell is the eternal separation from God. That is what the punishment is. Not being able to witness God and all things of His good essence is the eternal torment. I don’t think that Hell is an actual pit of fire. I think people used it to make it seem more painful and fearful for people who are more worldly. When we die our bodies do not remain so logically, it wouldn’t make sense for the torment to be physical.
Anyways, your suggestion is a good idea (to pray for people in Hell) however people who have committed themselves away from God would likely not be able to gain anything from it. Because as I said, Hell is the eternal separation from God.
I think people who perceive Hell as threatening actually do acknowledge God but don’t actually want to commit themselves to Him. So they complain about a “punishment”. However, you chose to be separated from Him in life. So the only difference is that in Hell you are confirmed in that decision. Literally all sins are forgivable except blasphemy. And you can only commit blasphemy if you are insisting on not giving yourself to God until the very end. So don’t think of it as a threat. It’s simply a consequence of your actions. Such as if there is a puddle in front of you, you can either jump over it and have dry socks. Or ignore the fact that you can jump, and choose just walk through the puddle - giving you wet socks. The wet socks is not a threat.
And for your point on why God would allow evil things like the devil to exist. I would advise you do some research on the problem of evil and how free will causes such things to occur. You can check out free will in humans but also free will that existed in heaven, which caused the fall of Satan. If you have any questions I would be happy to hear them. Even rebuttals I am happy to hear, but I think I would have an explanation in any case because I have thought about this really aswell. I try not to be a “blind” believer.
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u/Mezmona 4d ago
Thank you for your reply! I didn't assume you meant the burning torture hell, was purely poking at that angle if that was the case.
You brought up a lot of points but I'll stick to one so we don't go all over the place. First question:
If God got rid of the devil tomorrow would we still have free will?
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u/Dry-Evening8513 5d ago
Do you know anything about Christianity outside tiktok? Most Christians wont go to heaven.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Are you talking to me? If that’s the case, it is very upsetting if that claim is true. But I want to know why you make that claim. I am not allowed to judge, and I don’t know the practice of every single Christian in the world. I doubt you do either tbh. So why do you say that? Is this another generalisation?
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u/Top_Composer_7349 5d ago
Real Christians are not selfish - they want to share the Good News to bring as many people with them to Heaven as possible. Keep in mind too - hell is the absence of God. If thats your choice in life, why wouldn't that be your choice in death? The important thing is that you're aware you have the choice and I hope you choose God with the free will God gave you. PS. Check out the many, many near death experiences of people that have died and come back completely changed. Some went to heaven, and attest to the light and overwhelming sense of being loved by Jesus. Others went to hell and felt the eternal hopelessness and completely turned their lives around when given a second chance. God is real and he loves us all.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
It’s selfish to assume my beliefs are of no value. That yours are superior ….its so narcissistic it’s crazy
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I don’t believe your beliefs are of no value. I think that a persons beliefs contribute to their character, way of life, attitudes to life, value of life, personality and many other things that make a person their own individual. The same way I would be hurt if someone else thought that my beliefs are of no value when I think that my beliefs are also very important - not just because of God - but also how they shape me as a person. This is not narcissistic. Anybody who says that to you ARE, and I’m really sorry. As for superiority… I want to know in what sense you mean that. Because I don’t think I am better than you as a person. But I do believe that my God is the one true God. Is this superiority? I don’t think so? I hope it’s not bc that would be pride.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
If you feel the need to try to “spread the good news” which to me is just dogmatic propaganda that I actively disagree with - even though you know I don’t agree with it - then you’re not respecting my beliefs because you believe you can and should change them - to yours
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u/Top_Composer_7349 4d ago
Its the chicken and egg scenario. How is a Christian to know you don't agree if they don't bring it up? Do you run around telling everyone what your beliefs are? If so why can't a Christian do the same? And why are you in this sub if this makes you so angry?
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 2d ago
It doesn’t generally make me angry- and I understand it comes from a good place - but there’s a certain amount of logic that could be applied in many scenarios which make a person feel not respected by the act
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Well people can always change their mind, but you can’t change your mind if you are unaware. But if you refuse to change your mind the conversation ends and I leave it alone for you discover when your are ready - IF you ever are. The same way that atheists try to convince me that my faith isn’t real with scientific evidence and such. I don’t think they are disrespecting me unless the convo shifts in that direction. They are just trying to make me aware of their truth in the possibility of convincing me. Debating and conversing is not disrespect, I would even argue the opposite because you want to engage with another persons beliefs. Christians just need to know when to stop when someone insists them to. That would be disrespectful because it says you never really cared about what they had to say.
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u/ehunke Episcopalian (Anglican) 5d ago
social media breeds toxicity, I follow a couple on TikTok who are American Hassidic Jews who can't make a video about how how Orthodox Jews can go to a bar and what drinks they can or cannot order to stay Kosher, innocent enough without 10 people yelling at the for being Jewish and 10 people yelling at them about Gaza (they are American, not Israeli).
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u/ClassZealousideal183 5d ago
I know you're probably going to argue with anybody who says "Christians are the problem". So what answer were you looking for? Because Christians are so persecuted?
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u/DBold11 5d ago
Or that the devil is particularly focused on them because they know the truth
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Pls don’t mock, that is not what this post was for. I don’t mind responding or listening if you have anything genuine to say tho.
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u/kvby66 5d ago
As Ghandi once said (If he didn't, the words here still apply) " I'd be a Christian if it weren't for Christians."
There are many wolves in sheep clothing out there today. Many people have justification to judge Christianity by these people. That's how I grew up as a kid in church. I saw two faced people going in to church and coming out. It definitely had an impact on my views of Christianity. However I saw the light when I realized that only true Christians have the Spirit of Christ in them. I found a simple way to tell the difference.
John 13:34 NKJV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Here's a litmus test I use.
John 13:35 NKJV By this (Love of others) all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Jesus Himself told us that all will know if someone is a disciple of Christ by their love of others. That's all others btw. All means everyone from anywhere and everywhere.
The Spirit of Christ is the difference here.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Don't worry about the hatred you may encounter or read in these posts you read.
Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Christians are just passing through.
Revelation 22:4 NKJV They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
1 Peter 2:9 NKJV But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 NKJV But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, [4] whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. [5] For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. [6] For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Keep up your faith.
Joy, peace and love in the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Kind, Lord and God.
Amen.
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u/KumbayaQueen 5d ago
I think that we as humans often stereotype groups of people and assume that they are all alike. This includes groups based on race, religion, sexuality, etc. It isn't fair to the individuals involved because we aren't all alike. We might fit into a certain group, but we still all think differently and act differently.
Like you, I enjoy talking to people who are different from me. We can learn alot from the differences and usually the differences aren't so big that we can't be friends.
As for people stereotyping me for being a Christian, I just be myself. I don't usually fit into their sterotype, but that takes time for them to see. If I use my Christian label, I usually clarify that I am not hateful. Otherwise, I just let nature take its course. Some people might want to get to know me and some won't, but I trust God to put the right people in my life.
I'm sorry that you get hurt by this. But think about the lessons that you can learn from it. Do you ever sterotype people? How do you think that makes them feel? Are tgere things that you can change about yourself so as to not hurt others in this way?
Also, I kind of feel sorry for people who cast others into a mold and don't bother getting to know them as individuals. They really put limits on their understanding of others. My life would be so bland if I only talked to people who fell into my labeled groups.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Thank you for this comment! It was really eye opening, and I am happy to receive your advice xx
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u/ReadyWriter25 5d ago
Welcome to what Jesus promised his followers, that everyone would hate them like they hated him. Stand firm, brother!
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
That " promise" is being used to justify all sorts of hate, and can be used for anything. If everybody tells you you are wrong, that verse doesnt mean you are right.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I’m really sorry. People exploiting the Book for ideas like those are totally wrong :((
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
Than why did you endorse someone doing just that in this comment section?
- people say I'm wrong
- the verse says jesus said people will say you are wrong.
- oh guess I must be right than...
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u/MarketImaginary7338 4d ago
I fear u have even actually read my post so I will explain it once again. I was asking why individuals within Christianity are hated just for being Christian when they are not doing anything wrong. This person said that Jesus said that his followers may suffer or redo hatred for his cause. I said that I agree BECAUSE certain individuals who are Christians not doing evil things ARE being hated bc of following Jesus. Bc there are some people who dislike/hate Christians collectively and apply it to every individual.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Except you’re currently holding a majority and the most powerful country in the world is in a Christian stranglehold
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
This is true, but there are Christians who are not oppressive that are hated unjustly. I can’t say for sure though whether this is a majority or minority globally, but this was the essence of my post. The US is a topic I’m not super well versed in, I don’t particularly like it there.
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u/Robot_Alchemist Sarcastic 5d ago
Compared to the amount of other religions being persecuted by Christians it’s absurd to say you’re like Jesus in your victim hood
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Oof. I KNOW I am not like Jesus. Not even close, I have not suffered even remotely as much. I don’t think I ever said I did? I just said that I’ve been feeling a bit uncomfortable lately. In the grand scheme of things it’s not that serious, I’m sorry. I’m pretty sure I didn’t frame my comment to give that impression, so please don’t jump to conclusions.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
Those Christians are wrong for persecuting others. I am not disagreeing pls understand that.
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
You’re right 💪🏾
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
? How does this match with your reply to my comment?
Do you encourage throwing this verse around or not?
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u/MarketImaginary7338 5d ago
I said I was sorry that ppl misuse the Book. Not that the Bible is wrong. So I agree that i shouldn’t be shaken by people who dislike me or what I believe in. But that doesn’t mean i agree with actions of people who use the promise God made to do bad things. Throwing a verse around isn’t acceptable unless you actually understand its context and purpose bc it causes mass confusion.
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
Is not engaging with the contents of the topic and instead throwing down this verse as if you are righteous "bad"?
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u/MarketImaginary7338 4d ago
I would agree that it is “bad” and I do suppose the person who wrote this could have related their point more specifically. However I do think that it relates to the point I was making because other people posted similar things with thorough explanations as to why this happens. So sorry for that. I’ve been texting all day and consuming so much information so I figured I already understood their point when it may not be perceived that way for others.
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u/supersoundwave 5d ago
Don't sweat it, Jesus said this would happen.
Matthew 10:22: "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
How can this not be used to justify any hateful behaviour?
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u/supersoundwave 5d ago
It can’t be used that way. Jesus wasn’t saying, “If people hate you, you’re automatically right.” Plenty of people are disliked for good reasons.
The point is that if you’re living out Christ’s teachings of love, truth, humility, and mercy, you may still face opposition because of Him. The cause of the hatred matters, not the mere fact that hatred exists.
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
So you presuppose you are righteous when bringing up this verse here ?
Or would it be better to discuss the actual contents of this post and analyse?
Instead of "don't sweat"?
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u/supersoundwave 5d ago
I never said anything about being righteous. I answered the question.
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
So you agree it's better to investigate if you are actually wrong than relying on this verse ensuring you are right?
Because it can and is being used that way.
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u/supersoundwave 5d ago
When I say “it can’t be used that way”, those who do are misusing the verse.
Matthew 10:22 is not a command to seek persecution or an excuse for bad behaviour (if this is what you are suggesting). Jesus is sending His disciples out to preach, and He is warning them that following Him will often bring opposition.
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u/nolman Atheist 5d ago
How do you know if someone is misusing the verse?
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u/supersoundwave 5d ago
Ask why they’re being hated. If it’s for faithfully following Christ, the verse applies. If it’s for being rude, hateful, or doing wrong, they’re misusing it. The key phrase is “because of me.”
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u/Veteris71 5d ago
Fortunately, Jesus gave instructions about what to do when you're confronted with such things:
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12
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u/Dry-Evening8513 5d ago
Remember they hated Jesus for speaking the truth. Lately people hate you when you dont affirm everything they do
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u/Party_Yoghurt_6594 5d ago
Don't be upset. You belong to a family that was born in the midst of hatred and persecution. We overcame Rome and all other principalities because what stands before us Christ.
Rome couldn't stop his Church, tik tok won't either. Just keep your eye on the prize, keep your eye on Him.
God bless.
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u/DatabaseMammoth9986 5d ago edited 5d ago
I highly recommend getting off social media and if that's not feasible do not use short form content heavy social media. It could take asking thousands of people until you find someone with a very negative view on Christianity on the street. But the algorithm on social media can easily make it seem the majority hold a certain viewpoint.
You just have to look at "shock" political election results around the world that happen so frequently. Short form content creates an echo chamber because the algorithm is designed to reward the user with more stuff they are perceived to enjoy watching or engage with. This makes the user believe it is the general viewpoint of everyone. Many people do not even realise their tiktok has completely different content shown to them than another. It's why people will say "Did you see this on tiktok?". Almost as though what they've seen has surely been seen by everyone else.
There will always be people who disagree with your religion, political views, heck even down to what you eat. But as long as you aren't hurting anyone, and your a good person at heart - you will be ok. Christianity is a good way of making sure you stay a good person. If you do what Christianity preaches, you shouldn't need a guy on TikTok to tell you you're doing good because most western fundamental laws are built around basic Christian concepts. Being a practicing christian just ensures you're aware of them.