A sincere inquiry..

[ironglow]

  This question is not meant to be provocative, but rather a serious inquiry; so let's keep it on an intellectual level.  I'll ask the question and then follow with an explanation.
  Question: Why are Christian views skewered, folks often saying, "don't shove your religion down my throat !".
 
  Here are my hopefully, clarifying points..try to answer some or all with the same spirit in which they are posted; honest inquiry...
 
 A) There are many convinced Christians on this forum, just as there are many committed to conservatism, liberalism, conspiracy theories, free market, unfettered gun ownership and relaxing of drug laws etc.  So why are Christians singled out as trying to shove their convictions down others throats ?
 
 B)  I am well aware that, just as any of the causes listed above (in question A) we all bring books, articles and videos to bolster our cause, so why are Christianity advocates treated more rudely than the other advocacies ?
 
 C) It is clear that on a written forum, nobody can physically contact the other..thus, arm-twisting, brow-beating and throat-shoving are out of the question..can we agree upon that ?
 
 D) So since the idea of physical force is completely eliminated and all who have a "cause" are continually bringing "evidences", testimonies and various authors to bolster their case in hopes of convincing other to accept their view; why then, are Christians singled out and accused of attempting to to shove something down  someone's throat ?

[mechanic]

Christianity has always been controversial.  For many it was to the death.  It makes people uncomfortable.  If one is comfortable where he is, and someone brings this whole eternity in hell thing up, it makes him uncomfortable.
  (Mat 10:34)Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Ben

[Conan The Librarian]

I don't know about others, but in my case I avoid peoole who use religion as a prop. It has been my experience over decades that this is a reliable indicator of  a treacherous person. They seem to think that overt religiousity will make them seem good in other people's eyes. Meanwhile their business practices are unsavory, they are greedy and deceptive.


That's one kind of problem.


Then there is the religious hobbyist who is evangelical about his own religion, whether through orthodoxy or new born again status. Good for them, but I don't share the enthusiasm. That's probably who you are referring to.


Then there are the atheists. They don't realize that by professing atheism, they are professing a religion and an attitude toward God. Atheism is a religious term, founded in religion. If they truly did not have God in their lives, then they would neither profess religion nor atheism. They would live outside religious constructs and simply say that they are not religious and live without it. Instead they are atheists just to take a contrary position.


Most of us are content to just live quietly decent lives and have our religion or spirituality as a guide to help us be better people. That's the way it ought to be.

[BUGEYE]

Being and living a Christian lifestyle interferes with the lifestyle that many choose.
when some people are reminded of how their lifestyle differs from Christianity, they get angry and accuse Christians of pushing things down their throat.

when I accepted Christ, my lifestyle changed.  it got to be a lot more fun, and I have hope where others don't.  let's pray for those who shun Christ.

[Shu]

First off let me say I am a Christian. Secondly let me say a portion of our "reputation" is our own fault. In that I mean instead of walking the walk all we do is talk. I don't know how many good christians I see just blabbering on instead of being a living example. Often times when someone has a different point of view we are just a s quick to jump on them about how wrong they are. These days becuase alot of us don't live or lead by example it is becoming more popular to bash Christians becuase we are so divided, even down to what should be our core belief in Christ as our Savior. I think we as Christians often times sit in judgement of others becuase "after all we have Christ and they don't." I feel we have lost the part where Jesus said"Love your nieghbor as I have loved you".
Thirdly Jesus did tell us they hated me so they will hate you.  So it is just another thing Jesus said that is true.
Fourth if we live/lead by example people who don't know Christ will feel that we do sit in judgment even when we don't. When you are wrong in your life you often feel some sort of guilt. Instead of going to Christ and coming clean, they think it is much easier to point fingers and say don't preach at me.
Well anyway thats what happend to me, I met one of those devout Christians who actually walked the walk. He took every bit of abuse I could throw at him and regardless of what I said or did he would just smile and say thank you. He was very genuine and real about Christ.
So one day I asked him and he told me. Changed my life forever.

[SHOOTALL]

  This question is not meant to be provocative, but rather a serious inquiry; so let's keep it on an intellectual level.  I'll ask the question and then follow with an explanation.
  Question: Why are Christian views skewered, folks often saying, "don't shove your religion down my throat !". Because religion deals with how one feels about actions they take. When one chooses to live a lifestyle other than a religious one they may feel they are doing something wrong or at least different. The christian reminds them they made a choice and may indeed pay for it . It is mush easier to condem the christian than take responsiblity. This why there is support when govt passes laws in opposition to christianity , the govt takes on the leadership role of God and church making sinners feel good about sinning. IE; Bill C's oral sex became such a deal without even passing a law.
 
  Here are my hopefully, clarifying points..try to answer some or all with the same spirit in which they are posted; honest inquiry...
 
 A) There are many convinced Christians on this forum, just as there are many committed to conservatism, liberalism, conspiracy theories, free market, unfettered gun ownership and relaxing of drug laws etc.  So why are Christians singled out as trying to shove their convictions down others throats ? Because they scare the hell out of others by living their commitment to their religion. They can't be swayed .
 
 B)  I am well aware that, just as any of the causes listed above (in question A) we all bring books, articles and videos to bolster our cause, so why are Christianity advocates treated more rudely than the other advocacies ? There is a war between good and evil . Evil can be in the ranks of those rude ones .
 
 C) It is clear that on a written forum, nobody can physically contact the other..thus, arm-twisting, brow-beating and throat-shoving are out of the question..can we agree upon that ? Or see where the post come from or from who .
 
 D) So since the idea of physical force is completely eliminated and all who have a "cause" are continually bringing "evidences", testimonies and various authors to bolster their case in hopes of convincing other to accept their view; why then, are Christians singled out and accused of attempting to to shove something down  someone's throat ? Because they repsent good . They repsent constraint , self control , moderation , and the other groups don't have a BIBLE and a couple thousand plus years of history to back them up. What most use as examples to cut down christians is often actions by people claiming to be christian but in reality may not be. Any church from the mighty to the small can be lead astray and the world has wittnessed this many times .

[reliquary]

The thing that frustrates me is seeing how much time and energy Christians of differing faiths use in attacking one anothers' beliefs...how they treat each other...of course, that wouldn't happen on our GBO Bible Study forum, would it?
 
On a more personal note, thirty-something years ago when I was studying the Bible trying to make up my mind about leaving atheism and believing in God, I visited several churches around the base where we were stationed.  Without exception, they all had some sort of patented study course they promoted, and few of the members lived the daily lifestyle that was preached about on Sundays.
 
A couple of years later, we transferred to the Midwest, where I met a pig farmer, a plumber, a banker, and a mechanic who, day in and day out, lived and practiced what they preached.  They converted me to Christianity by their sincere beliefs which they incorporated into their daily lifestyles.  That's the way I try to do it, myself, today.  Unfortunately, there are still a lot of folks, even in the church in which I am a lay minister and deacon, who don't live out their daily lives as they hear preached on Sundays, but at least they are in the minority.
 
Blessings to all.

[ironglow]

  Thank each and every one of the folks who have replied thus far.  Thank you for the courtesy and apparently sincere efforts to be understood.
  I agree with Conan and Shu that there are many who "talk the talk"..but do not "walk the walk". Of course, Christians are well aware of the ones who do this and usually can figure these types out fairly quickly, butit may prove difficult for the uninitiated.
  Of course, there is no membership credential, andANYBODY can claim to be a Christian.  This irritates sincere believers as much as it does others. Just as being a vet, I instinctivelyresent those whoparticipate in "stolen valor"..trying to take credit parasitically, from genuine heroes.  I wish I knew how folks could sort them out on a forum like this; perhaps great familiarity with the Bible is a rough guide.. phonies usually want credit, but don't want to do the work.
     When Jesus said they hate Him and they will hate us..
    I believe he was warning us that just as his Holy living placed a spotlight on the phony piety of the pharisees, our attempts at living a seperated, Holy living would put a spotlight on slovenly, sinful lifestyles..and like cockroaches..sin likes the cover of darkness.
  We seem to run into name calling (e.g. "shove your religion down my throat") when our opponents are trying to defend an (IMO) indefenseable position..for instance;
       A) The willing slaughter of the innocent, pre-born boys & girls..compared against the dedicated protection of the lives of torturing murderers.
       B) The refusal to allow Intelligent design to be taught along with Evolution...when neither has been empirically proven.
       C) Faced with those looking for acceptance of their given sin, rather than to eradicate it from their lives.
       D) Perhaps some really admire a real Christian life, but refuse to "pay the dues" and clean up their lives.
 
  Thanks for the courteous replies..
 

[ironglow]

The thing that frustrates me is seeing how much time and energy Christians of differing faiths use in attacking one anothers' beliefs...how they treat each other...of course, that wouldn't happen on our GBO Bible Study forum, would it?
 
On a more personal note, thirty-something years ago when I was studying the Bible trying to make up my mind about leaving atheism and believing in God, I visited several churches around the base where we were stationed.  Without exception, they all had some sort of patented study course they promoted, and few of the members lived the daily lifestyle that was preached about on Sundays.
 
A couple of years later, we transferred to the Midwest, where I met a pig farmer, a plumber, a banker, and a mechanic who, day in and day out, lived and practiced what they preached.  They converted me to Christianity by their sincere beliefs which they incorporated into their daily lifestyles.  That's the way I try to do it, myself, today.  Unfortunately, there are still a lot of folks, even in the church in which I am a lay minister and deacon, who don't live out their daily lives as they hear preached on Sundays, but at least they are in the minority.
 
Blessings to all.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
 
   #1, agreed
 
   I must comment however, that friendly disputation and repartee concerning Christian doctrine according to the Bible..can only make us a sharper, more well versed Christian..                                   
 
         " Iron sharpens iron"..  (prov 27:17)

[SHOOTALL]

Something to remember is all christians are sinners and are trying to live the right way in most cases . Real christians don't judge others  They set an example as best they can.

[Empty Quiver]

Here is my take on the issue.


As a rule Christians are encouraged to recruit. The ones doing the recruiting use many and varied methods to recruit. By the time you are twenty you have no doubt been approached by a recruiter, most likely you have tried it on for size too. At this point the recruitee  has pretty well made their mind up on the subject. They have let their friends know where they stand and generally speaking all is well.


Forward to ten years later. The recruiting has not stopped. Every Christian is honor bound to recruit. Potential recruits are those not in the Church, they are "hounded" and get sick and tired of explaining themselves. Not all of those recruiters are easily put off, many have a hard time with no thank you. The message comes across as we are great and will be saved, you're going to go to hell if you don't become one of us.


How hard is it to find examples of fallen Christians? Every one of those cases is filed away by a non believer under the title "Why I should not join". If that is an example of a Christian I want no part of it. 


The harder they are pushed the harder they push back. Outside of the teachings of the Bible my Church and I hold very little in common. I am of the firm belief that the hippies are in charge, and they are so afraid of offending anyone they are willing to accept nearly every abomination available in the interest of filling seats today.


I could quite easily tell a recruiter to go pound sand. Much of what I see disgusts me. I am touched by individuals and they are what currently motivate me.


 

[DDZ]

I think many people think, Christians think of themselves to be better than non Christians. Maybe some do, but the majority do not think that way. Christians know in their heart that through God's word there is a profound truth, and there are profound falsehoods. There is no in between, its either the truth or it isn't. I think this is one reason non Christians think that Christians see themselves as better than others. We are all sinners Christians and non Christians alike. Christians repent of their sins, and try to refrain from sinning again, but we all fall way short of Jesus Christ. 
Once I was trying to get a friend at work to join our mens Bible study, and he kept making excuses for not coming. Then one day he told me that he was not good enough to come. I was really shocked by his comment, and had to explain that he is no worse of a person than me. I think that is the attitude of many non Christians. They think they are unworthy, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Most Christians love their fellow man and don't want to see anyone leading the life of destruction. 

Lets face it, sinning is fun, but one will never be truly happy without Jesus Christ in their life. I think people shy away from Christ, because they think they will have to change their life, and become something they think they don't want to become. Mainly because they don't understand the Grace of God, and what good changes come about from letting Christ in the door.   

[ironglow]

  Thanks guys;
  Some of it is probably our own (Christians) fault.  We try to live a Christ-like existence and will often point out sin..such as with the gay marriage question.  I think perhaps others believe that we think ourselves to be "sinless".  As DDZ said, nothing could be further from the truth.
   When we bring forth various verses to prove our contentions, sometimes the fingers which searched out those verses are pointing right back at ourselves.  Perhaps we do not make that clear enough, ... often enough !  How often I and I am sure other believers when confronting some serious sin or wasted life, say to ourselves, "there, but for the grace of God go I".
  ..And that not in a pharisaical, pride filled way..but indeed in a humbled realization that the difference between a useful or wasted life, can be as simple as someone saying a couple encouraging words at a most opportune time.
 
  EQ;
     Proselytizing is part and parcel of a Christian.. remember the "great commission"..  "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature".. (Mark 16:15)
   Yes, some can be over-exuberant and try to save everybody..whether they want it or not..as a new Christian, perhaps I had some of that elan also..but as I matured, I realized that the Holy Spirit must be drawing a man..or my efforts would fall on stony ground.
  Some can be understood by understanding the new Christian.  "I have found this wonderful gift, this wonderful life..now I am eager to share it with you"..they can't seem to understand that there are some who either are not ready, or will never come to saving grace.
  The "hippie" types you mentioned, who will not confront or deal with sin..are what many of us consider "bubble gum" or Kool-whip Christians..they like the 'sweetness & fluff'  but can't confront the "meat" of the word..they are (IMO) only a baby step ahead of the agnostic...and I mean a 'baby' step.

[KIMBER45]

My answer- just go back and read some of the past comments by the " chosen Christians" here . Here are just 2 examples-1.  claiming their religion is the only Christian religion, others are fakes. 2.  Telling people they are going to hell .  Now I'll sit back and let them prove my case.

[ironglow]

My answer- just go back and read some of the past comments by the " chosen Christians" here . Here are just 2 examples-1.  claiming their religion is the only Christian religion, others are fakes. 2.  Telling people they are going to hell .  Now I'll sit back and let them prove my case.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
     I don't recall that being said, but then again, I don't see every post on GBO..
 
   Perhaps you can post a link..where I can either support or condemn what was written.  Of course, I can't be responsible for everything anyone who claims Christ has said.  Surely as someone who claims German ancestry, cannot be held responsible for everything said by every other man of German ancestry.
 
  Still, sometimes Christians don't elaborate upon their statements enough.... wrongly assuming that all will understand, with no need of further discussion.
   Please post a link...

[KIMBER45]

My answer- just go back and read some of the past comments by the " chosen Christians" here . Here are just 2 examples-1.  claiming their religion is the only Christian religion, others are fakes. 2.  Telling people they are going to hell .  Now I'll sit back and let them prove my case.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
     I don't recall that being said, but then again, I don't see every post on GBO..
 
   Perhaps you can post a link..where I can either support or condemn what was written.  Of course, I can't be responsible for everything anyone who claims Christ has said.  Surely as someone who claims German ancestry, cannot be held responsible for everything said by every other man of German ancestry.
 
  Still, sometimes Christians don't elaborate upon their statements enough.... wrongly assuming that all will understand, with no need of further discussion.
   Please post a link...

How about this- not exact words but something like- The Roman Catholic Church was the great whore  or something to that extent. There were other references  against Catholism and Mormonism.

[KIMBER45]

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." -   --  Mahatma Gandhi
“If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today,”-- Mahatma Gandhi

[KIMBER45]

After deciding to attend the church service in South Africa, he came across a racial barrier, the church barred his way at the door. "Where do you think you're going, kaffir?" an English man asked Gandhi in a belligerent tone.

Gandhi replied, "I'd like to attend worship here."

The church elder snarled at him, "There's no room for kaffirs in this church. Get out of here or I'll have my assistants throw you down the steps."

This infamous incident forced Gandhi to never again consider being a Christian, but rather adopt what he found in Christianity and its founder Jesus Christ.
How many of us have done the same - either by our actions or what we have said- and discourged others from looking at Christianity ?

[ironglow]

My answer- just go back and read some of the past comments by the " chosen Christians" here . Here are just 2 examples-1.  claiming their religion is the only Christian religion, others are fakes. 2.  Telling people they are going to hell .  Now I'll sit back and let them prove my case.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
     I don't recall that being said, but then again, I don't see every post on GBO..
 
   Perhaps you can post a link..where I can either support or condemn what was written.  Of course, I can't be responsible for everything anyone who claims Christ has said.  Surely as someone who claims German ancestry, cannot be held responsible for everything said by every other man of German ancestry.
 
  Still, sometimes Christians don't elaborate upon their statements enough.... wrongly assuming that all will understand, with no need of further discussion.
   Please post a link...

How about this- not exact words but something like- The Roman Catholic Church was the great whore  or something to that extent. There were other references  against Catholism and Mormonism.

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
   Kimber;
        This particular argument comes up when people unfamiliar with scripture are surprised by what is in there.  In (Revelation 17), there is mentioned just that.  There will be a great institution which turns from God to serve Satan.  The term is used in Rev 17:5 KJV), so it is a legitimate term..whether it applies to the RC church is where the contention comes. Some think it does, I don't endorse that and although it sounds very crude to someone not familiarized with 1st century scriptural allegory, I consider it a manifestation of an unnecessary "family fight".

[ironglow]

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." -   --  Mahatma Gandhi
“If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today,”-- Mahatma Gandhi

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
    You were going to cite  remarks by "chosen Christians"....  I cannot answer for non-Christians.
 
   Please stick with your original contention about Christians on GBO...links please..

[ironglow]

After deciding to attend the church service in South Africa, he came across a racial barrier, the church barred his way at the door. "Where do you think you're going, kaffir?" an English man asked Gandhi in a belligerent tone.

Gandhi replied, "I'd like to attend worship here."

The church elder snarled at him, "There's no room for kaffirs in this church. Get out of here or I'll have my assistants throw you down the steps."

This infamous incident forced Gandhi to never again consider being a Christian, but rather adopt what he found in Christianity and its founder Jesus Christ.
How many of us have done the same - either by our actions or what we have said- and discourged others from looking at Christianity ?

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
  Kimber;
        Again, I am looking for the links to people here on GBO whom you have accused in your first reply..links please..
 
    As far as Ghandi's unfortunate incident, I am sure one can look about the world and find incidents where Boy Scouts, doctors, Masons, Buddhists, Hindus, Democrats, Republicans, communists, OWS people, polo players, cattle dealers and policemen have mistreated somebody !  how about Muslims of recent decades ?
    I would venture to guess that you have a very basic misunderstanding of Christianity.  Christians are not perfect..but they are forgiven.  Ideally, when a person becomes a Christian..he/she starts a trail of ever improvement, ever drawing closer to our ideal, which is Christ, from whom we get our name.
   You know as well as I...there is no "perfect" human being and as Shakespeare said "to err is human"..please don't demand that all Christians be "super-human"..I think that would be unfair, don't you ?

[BUGEYE]

the disciples came whining to Jesus that people were preaching in his name and they were not one of "us"...  Jesus said, as long as they are not against us, they are for us.
I don't believe everything that is preached out there, and I don't believe that people will go to hell for the small differences.
thankfully, we found a Church that we're really comfortable with.
my daughter and her friends were having a peaceful pro-life demonstration in front of a methodist church "they chose that spot for the shade trees" and a lady came out of the office and ran them off.  I wonder if that lady was actually a Christian?

I lost a good friend to cancer who was the most generous man I ever saw, but he was counting on a death-bed confession and salvation.... I don't know if he did it or not, he went fast.

please don't wait to get right with the Lord.

[SHOOTALL]

My answer- just go back and read some of the past comments by the " chosen Christians" here . Here are just 2 examples-1.  claiming their religion is the only Christian religion, others are fakes. 2.  Telling people they are going to hell .  Now I'll sit back and let them prove my case.

you touch on two of the problems today. but non christians need to not judge all christians by those claiming to be so. Others need to learn what a real christian is so they will know the difference. As for the one right church, if one takes the time to look many religions not just christian ones share some of the same history and thus some of the same stories and ideas. So the idea of only christian churches being at odds in reality all religions are. Going to hell or as we called it back in the day - hell fire and brimstone sermons . They seem to omit one thing in an effort to cause the listner to accept change , that is the desire of the listener to want to change. People who are forced to God often don't make good followers . People come to God at different times and for different reasons the churchs that will have the biggest impact on bringing people to God will teach Gods love and forgivness . People today have tasted freedom and resent those who try to force them to do things out of fear. The non christian needs to open their eyes and see christians for what the real ones are and the not real ones are and not judge one by the other. Then also outsiders and some on the inside confuse church doctrine with religous doctrine as example the Baptist church says drinking is wrong but the Bible says a little wine is good . At the last supper Christ used wine in the first communion today Baptist use grape juice. Then consider the Bible tells us anything done in excess is a sin like over eating etc. , Being an over weight Baptist should I judge others for having a beer ? 

[KIMBER45]

After deciding to attend the church service in South Africa, he came across a racial barrier, the church barred his way at the door. "Where do you think you're going, kaffir?" an English man asked Gandhi in a belligerent tone.

Gandhi replied, "I'd like to attend worship here."

The church elder snarled at him, "There's no room for kaffirs in this church. Get out of here or I'll have my assistants throw you down the steps."

This infamous incident forced Gandhi to never again consider being a Christian, but rather adopt what he found in Christianity and its founder Jesus Christ.
How many of us have done the same - either by our actions or what we have said- and discourged others from looking at Christianity ?

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
 
  Kimber;
        Again, I am looking for the links to people here on GBO whom you have accused in your first reply..links please..
 
    As far as Ghandi's unfortunate incident, I am sure one can look about the world and find incidents where Boy Scouts, doctors, Masons, Buddhists, Hindus, Democrats, Republicans, communists, OWS people, polo players, cattle dealers and policemen have mistreated somebody !  how about Muslims of recent decades ?
    I would venture to guess that you have a very basic misunderstanding of Christianity.  Christians are not perfect..but they are forgiven.  Ideally, when a person becomes a Christian..he/she starts a trail of ever improvement, ever drawing closer to our ideal, which is Christ, from whom we get our name.
   You know as well as I...there is no "perfect" human being and as Shakespeare said "to err is human"..please don't demand that all Christians be "super-human"..I think that would be unfair, don't you ?

I would venture to guess that you have a very basic misunderstanding of Christianity. Bingo- thanks for your example of what I was talking about. 

[Shu]

I really like the allegory of "you can't judge all Germans by the actions of a few". You can't judge all Christians by the actions of a few either. No person is perfect. People will make mistakes, say and do stupid things. To point out one "Christian" who turned Ghandi away and condem all for that is just like saying all Germans are Nazi's etc. To say the Catholic church etc (insert denomination) is the great whore, in my opinion is weak at best. Yet people still do that. One "Christian" offends many but yet one Christian can definitely be a blessing to many. If you are angry over what one person did and judge an entire group that way, think for a minute about Germans and Nazis. Just as some folks like fords others like chevys or even dodges. Each of those will get you where you need to go today. Just as finding a Christian, they can point you to the cross and Jesus can take you where you need to be.
 
It is way too easy to hold a grudge against one person and judge all to be like that. It is even easier to turn to Christ and ask for forgiveness and ask Him to help become the person He wants us to be. Each day brings us closer to our goal, and in my case at least Christ has great patience and is a miracle worker, so there is still hope for me.

[KIMBER45]

I really like the allegory of "you can't judge all Germans by the actions of a few". You can't judge all Christians by the actions of a few either. No person is perfect. People will make mistakes, say and do stupid things. To point out one "Christian" who turned Ghandi away and condem all for that is just like saying all Germans are Nazi's etc. To say the Catholic church etc (insert denomination) is the great whore, in my opinion is weak at best. Yet people still do that. One "Christian" offends many but yet one Christian can definitely be a blessing to many. If you are angry over what one person did and judge an entire group that way, think for a minute about Germans and Nazis. Just as some folks like fords others like chevys or even dodges. Each of those will get you where you need to go today. Just as finding a Christian, they can point you to the cross and Jesus can take you where you need to be.
 
It is way too easy to hold a grudge against one person and judge all to be like that. It is even easier to turn to Christ and ask for forgiveness and ask Him to help become the person He wants us to be. Each day brings us closer to our goal, and in my case at least Christ has great patience and is a miracle worker, so there is still hope for me.
[/quot
...
" If one person in a group does it- everyone in the group must do it" is alive and well , with some here as long as it doesn't pertain to their group..
...
But back to the orginal question-Question: Why are Christian views skewered, folks often saying, "don't shove your religion down my throat !".

From Ironglow-You were going to cite  remarks by "chosen Christians"....  I cannot answer for non-Christians.

   Please stick with your original contention about Christians on GBO...links please..
I didn't realize this question was asked so only Christians could answer or be used as reference- I refer to the Gandi example. Not considering the views of non-Christians must keep alot of on the fence Christians from converting to Christianity. That  is another example as to why folks often say' don't shove your religion down my throat."

[Empty Quiver]

I believe if you read this thread you will certainly come to understand why a person would become agitated about a discussion of religion.


The core of Christianity is to do good things and cause no harm or ill will. IMHO anyway. In spreading the word though, much of that takes a back seat to actually practicing what is being preached. The, it's for there own good, argument is futile. Less preaching (not, none) and more good examples. Realizing not everyone will be saved, and accepting that.


Then again, it could be argued that the crusades certainly did change the ratio of believers to non-believers.

[KIMBER45]

I believe if you read this thread you will certainly come to understand why a person would become agitated about a discussion of religion.


The core of Christianity is to do good things and cause no harm or ill will. IMHO anyway. In spreading the word though, much of that takes a back seat to actually practicing what is being preached. The, it's for there own good, argument is futile. Less preaching (not, none) and more good examples. Realizing not everyone will be saved, and accepting that.


Then again, it could be argued that the crusades certainly did change the ratio of believers to nonbelievers.

To a Christian missionary Gandhi once said, “To live the gospel is the most effective way most effective in the beginning, in the middle and in the end. …Not just preach but live the life according to the light.... If, therefore, you go on serving people and ask them also to serve, they would understand. But you quote instead John 3:16 and ask them to believe it and that has no appeal to me, and I am sure people will not understand it...the Gospel will be more powerful when practiced and preached.”  .

“A rose does not need to preach. It simply spreads its fragrance. The fragrance is its own sermon…the fragrance of religious and spiritual life is much finer and subtler than that of the rose.”

Gandhi speaks with alot of wisdom for a non-Christian. To discount the ideas of Non-Christians is not only a mistake- it's the height of arrogance and another reason Down my throat feeling is felt.

[Empty Quiver]

I believe if you read this thread you will certainly come to understand why a person would become agitated about a discussion of religion.


The core of Christianity is to do good things and cause no harm or ill will. IMHO anyway. In spreading the word though, much of that takes a back seat to actually practicing what is being preached. The, it's for there own good, argument is futile. Less preaching (not, none) and more good examples. Realizing not everyone will be saved, and accepting that.


Then again, it could be argued that the crusades certainly did change the ratio of believers to nonbelievers.

To a Christian missionary Gandhi once said, “To live the gospel is the most effective way most effective in the beginning, in the middle and in the end. …Not just preach but live the life according to the light.... If, therefore, you go on serving people and ask them also to serve, they would understand. But you quote instead John 3:16 and ask them to believe it and that has no appeal to me, and I am sure people will not understand it...the Gospel will be more powerful when practiced and preached.”  .

“A rose does not need to preach. It simply spreads its fragrance. The fragrance is its own sermon…the fragrance of religious and spiritual life is much finer and subtler than that of the rose.”

Gandhi speaks with alot of wisdom for a non-Christian. To discount the ideas of Non-Christians is not only a mistake- it's the height of arrogance and another reason Down my throat feeling is felt.

Oh, sure, Ghandi came up with it first. Gotta rub that in my face.   And said it more clearly too.

[guzzijohn]

Quote from Shu:
"You can't judge all Christians by the actions of a few either. No person is perfect."


But why do so many on this board judge Muslims by the action of a few? Considering the number of Muslims in the world it is a very small percent that are radical and cause most of the problems that are blamed on all Muslims.
GuzziJohn