What exactly constitutes the difference between "Christian Bashing" & "Legitimately Questioning Christianity?"

People tend to be very sensitive when the ground of their being is questioned. I would suspect that a great many of the Christians in here are not theologians, and complex theological questions baffle them, and as a result they feel under attack.

Maybe it is the tone of voice? Such as Biologist Richard Dawkins (more questioner) vs. Comedian George Carlin ( more basher)? The difference, perhaps, is whether or not the person asking the question is actually interested in an answer, or simply there to irk the opposition. But no, that doesn't fit.

I can't wrap my head around a proper definition. All questions and criticisms are legitimate, provided they are sincere.

Let the good times (and free speech) roll.

That's a tough one. There is no tangible evidence to support Christianity (miracles, God, heaven, etc) so everyone goes off faith. Faith is like a balloon. If you succeed in poking a hole in it, regardless of how small, the whole thing deflates.

For this reason, most people view questioning as bashing. I think it's more subconscious than anything else. Half the time people have no clue why the believe the things they do, so they become defensive right away. One wrong word and you're a heretic.

I thought your last question (at least the one I saw with the "bashing charge as an answer"), was respectful and had no overtones of bashing what so ever.

I have always thought that christians often suffer or want to suffer from a persecution complex - I thought this when I was a Xian and see no reason to doubt it.

I think that most people can tell the difference between an ad hominem attack, and a real question.

Of course, when someone asks what appears to be a real stupid question that implies that they either have no reading comprehension, or that they appear to be grossly misrepresenting what Christians believe, then it is easy to assume that the person is a troll.

Some christians do so much bashing but want so badly to believe that they are the oppressed minority that they will say and do anything to make it look that way. I just don't understand how you can be an oppressed minority when you are in a group that constitutes the largest religious sect in America.

If you want to discuss our beliefs I have no problem with it. Even when it crosses into bashing I can live with it. We knew it would be this way. Read the following verses and you will see what our opinion on being hated for our faith is.

Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Luk 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

With respect Orpheus, I believe the opposite is where the truth lies.

The difference lies in the heart of the poster of the question (or answer). They know what they intend when posing or answering a question. That matter of the heart is between them and God.

People were only offended by your original question because you put the word "myth" in there. Of course they failed to see that you also gave them the option of the word "history." You can't worry to much if people take your question in the wrong way. It's always going to happen.

The exact constitution of the difference is in the mind of the person reading the question.

Peace to you.