Should NON-christians be "sensitive" to the feelings of christians who are being persecuted for their faith?
113642
well, all those news are so terrible, I can't imagine, I really have to pray for people who are persecuted, even we christians are not aware of what our brothers and sisters have to go through in other countries, so I think we should be more aware and start praying for them. As for unbelievers I don't think they would be in the least concerened and if there were people who were really concerned they would not do such brutal things as said in those artilces, I am really shocked!!
710664
It's funny, but there is almost no group in history that doesn't have the feeling they are persecuted. The whites, during the fifties felt they were persecuted. At a time when they were lynching blacks, they felt persecuted. Many Christians, in this country feel persecuted. They are in the vast majority, yet feel persecuted. Often they feel persecuted because the courts have prevented them (the Christians) from forcing all children from praying in schools. \n\nAll groups are attacked at some time or another. It is extremely psychologically stable to get into a defensive mode of thinking.\n\nRight now, Americans feel persecuted, Muslim Arabs feel persecuted, Israelis feel persecuted, Palestinians feels persecuted.  All of these groups have been attacked, but is it truly persecution?
560222
Unfortunately, the majority of people in this forum who question the Christian faith design their "questions" to be extremely inflammatory - they're looking for the reaction, to offend; not for a reasonable dialogue. Not everyone excells at letting such things roll off their back.\n\naddition: see some of the above responses to your question to see what I mean
604874
Yes it does sound like christians are shooting themselves in the foot. its quite amusing. I also think that on some subconciese level that the guilt fear and shame inside them darkens thier hearts until they are unaware they are doing anything wrong or believing anything wrong/.;
812069
No. Christians just need to display the tolerance they are supposed to have. And if they get offended by a question then they should avail themselves of the opportunity to not answer and find one they like better.
827719
People that hate God or are indifferent about God, have the devil leading their every move, whether they know it or not.   and, they hate us so much that they see us as a threat. I think t is because on some level, down way deep, they KNOW, but just dont want to be a part of the Christian lifestyle, etc.   Too much to give up, etc.    they can mock us and mock God, and just say the most horrible things, yet accuse Christians of being intoleratent. The amazing part is this..... WE stil love them, the true Christians, and we forgive them just as God does, and we pray for them to be saved before its too late.   They can laugh , joke and enjoy life at the expense of others, but they will not be mocking anyone when Jesus comes. Instead of resenting them, we must just love them and keep praying, tht before its too late, they will let God into their hearts to change them and save them.   It is so sad how they feel the need to take over this Christian site. Many Christians say they will no longer come here because of it.   But,  thats not how I feel.   Jesus was tortured, beaten and killed for His beliefs and all He stood for.   They think they killed Him that day but Jesus said no man could take his life, He just gladly gave it up for us.  And here people hate him, and mock Him. Wasnt his dying enough. I feel everytime we sin we are driving in another nail, that still hurts Jesus.  But, thru it all Jesus kept telling the truth and loving people. He didnt quit.   Even as he died, He said FORGIVE THEM THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY  DO>   How can anyone reject that kind of love. True agape love.   Incredible.   It comes from no other source.   \nJesus kept standing up for the truth, and we are too, and never to apologize for it.  Never to fear telling it. Jesus gives us a spirit of hope, not a spirit of fear.   He tells us to come boldly before His throne. He never says tiptoe....   He tells us simply to go tell the world, and let Him do the convicting. He doesnt say do it if its easy... no. never.    Today so many seeker friendly churches wont take stands on sin as to never offend anyone in that particular position. Cant talk against abortion in case someone here has had one, etc.   Did Jesus preach this way. No, He taught in love, but taught truth boldly, and said repent, and turn from it and sin no more. Thru it all He loved them and keep on preaching truth. thats our calling.  we cant make execuses and say but no one listens, or its too tough.   You either follow what God says or you dont.    I for one choose to follow Jesus all the way, into total obedience to Him, by staying in the Spirit, by claiming His promises, (not just claiming prosperity and such).. but truly claiming His promises, praying and expecting results.   To keep unity in truth and of the faith, and telling this message to any that can hear it, and whether they accept it or not, is only their choice.   Come on Christians, lets not turn over this site to those who arent of God.   Lets take a stand and fight for what it His and do it in love, because we  do love these people, and if only one hears it, amen.   When one is saved, the angels sing. \nGet a Bible, start studying and praying and  finding the unconditional love you always wanted.   Its worth all you can put into it. and do it soon, becasuse JESUS IS COMING SOON.
435862
Only if they want to be ridiculed.\n\nThe religious person says "If I'm wrong, I have nothing to lose.  If you're wrong, you'll burn in hell" (or some such nonsense).  Sadly for that person, this is wrong.  If you believe in the Christian god, and it's actually the Muslim god who exists, you're going to burn in hell for all eternity - the Quran says so.  If you believe in the Christian god and he's an evil sadist rather than a benevolent god (a reasonable assumption, considering the incalculable suffering that he - supposedly - presides over in the world), then he will take great delight in sending the most fervent believers to eternal torture and keeping us atheists in paradise, just to make your torment that much the worse.  If there is a god and he values reason over blind faith, he will reward atheists and punish believers (since they have no justifiable reason to believe that any gods exist).  \n\nAny genuinely religious person would spend their lives eternally tormented by the possibility of believing in the wrong god and ending up in some other hell, or offending the Christian god and ending up in his.  If you don't feel this way, then you can't be a genuine believer.\n\nAtheists, of course, have no such worries, since we know that when we die, we cease to exist.  You spend your life sweating over the prospect of burning in hell, and we'll live comfortable lives without fear of what might happen in the next life, because we know there is no such thing.
965739
No I would not riot because part of Christianity teaches us to Love Thy Neighbor and to do unto others as you would like done to you.  If we as Human Beings, one by one set an example of tolerance of all peoples beliefs, we can bring about change no matter how long it takes.  If the people of this world looked at each other as fellow human beings instead of defining a person according to their beliefs there would be less violence and more unity amongst us.
856822
Technically, Christians shouldn't be fighting anyone... we should always be striving to be "Christ-like" and therefore should be "turning the other cheek" when someone wrongs us.\n\nNow, realistically, we are human beings and there is a bit of the evolutionary survival of the fittest attitude in all of us... so if someone tries to physically cause harm to us, our instincts are to prevent it by either deflecting the physical abuse or fighting back to render the other person disabled and therefore unable to harm us.  While I do not advocate violence, I don't believe in standing by while you or someone else is abused.  \n\nAs a Christian the only thing you should be asking yourself is "what would Jesus do?"  You will always have your answer and then it is up to you as to whether or not you want to act on it.
603418
As a christian, I would like to apologise for the activities of other christians that have made you feel this way. My hope is that christians would act with enough humbleness and humility to show that they do not feel superior in any way. \n\nThank you for the question, and may God Bless You.
613632
No, Christians are called upon to be tolerant and respectful of other religions and cultures.  But if you take a look at the "religion and spirituality" section of this site, you'll see that often isn't the case.
968932
most of us are offended by the individuals--not the faith or religion, the people themselves--why can't you grasp that concept?
396584
I am an ex-atheist, now Christian. I remember when I used to persecute Christians just because I wanted to make them squirm and cry at my insults and it gave me pride in just torturing Christians. There was no apparent reason for my hatred, other than just to satisfy my own perverse desire for entertainment.\n\nNow, I mourn for those who I had hurt in this manner.\n\n"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." - Matthew 24:9
1061203
nope, it's not my place to punish sinners and I don't think someone else can hurt my religious sentiments.  If someone is not respectful of my beliefs it might tick me off but it doesn't affect my beliefs.
445559
The one thing some Christians have against them (I am Christian as well) is how they treat others.  Our pastor recently said in a sermon,  " I'll tell you, if I was a non-believer and was thinking about becoming a Christian, the one thing that would stop me is how we treat others and ourselves."\n\nI have to agree.  The way you bring people to love Jesus is by love, prayer, and grace.  Not by bashing them for not being Christian.  Truth is:  we are all sinners and being Christian does NOT make us superior, yet we act as though it should.  We are ALL God's children.  EVERY sin is equal in God's eyes.\n\n\nWhy would anyone respect us if we approach them in an accusing, judgemental manner?!\n\nThere is hypocrisy in ALL faiths and ALL people because we are all sinners.  Please understand...no one is perfect except Jesus Christ.  Being a follower of Christ in no way makes our sins invisible.\n\nI am embarrassed and apologetic for the image some of us have portrayed.
1004231
Perhaps they are angry because they feel like they are not part of the inheritance and resent your confidence that you are. It's not good to judge others but it is natural  I guess, in the fallen world. I have moments of doubt too. It's not easy to love your enemy, especially when you don't want any enemies. If they say you are ignorant, remember, judge not for as you judge you will be judged. Remember also that wisdom appears foolish to a fool. It is not our place to convert. Maybe that has to do with the resentment. I don't know, but I think your delicate manner is a good example of kindness in the face of adversity. You are tolerant and in my opinion a good embassador for Christianity, if you are a Christian. Oh, and YES!,  you do make sense.
542079
Sad isn't it.  They aren't very serious about their Christianity are they?