Christians. Why are you so intolorent of other peoples beliefs?

Please do not stereotype me. One of the most interesting wknds I ever spent was at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

And I have an intense interest in Zen. Not all Christians are the same. I am a contemplative. I checked out that "question" you refer too. Not all Christians do that either. We are told to proclaim the gospel. But to proclaim it is much more subtle than this example. And the gospel is good news. Good news! Even when I as a Christian see it presented like that it doesn't seem like good news. Makes me want to run the other way. No wonder your concern.

As a former atheist, now a Christian, I can tell you that I used to feel the same exact way as you. But now that I am a Christian, I can tell you that Christians are not intolerant. They (we) believe that there is only one way to Heaven. And they believe that because Jesus said that was true.

What Christians are commanded to do, which is often confused with intolerance by non-Christians, is to tell others that Jesus is the only way to heaven. We are commanded by Jesus (numerous passages in the Bible) to let everyone know. Why? Because Jesus, who was God on earth, wants everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). God doesn't want anyone to believe something that is false. Because such a person will not end up in heaven with Him. And that is where God wants us. And the way He brings this news to people is through others. So, I tell people about Christ, and that Christ is the only way to heaven, because I don't want to see anyone perish. I want everyone to believe and be saved. I am motivated by obedience to my Savior and also by my concern for other's eternal destiny.

I'm not. People have the right and are completely free to believe what they want to believe, and I respect their right to do so.

At the same time, if someone comes on R&S and asks a question about Christianity or makes a comment based upon their own ignorance of MY faith, I likewise have to right to respond. That in no way indicates that I am intolerant. I'm not forcing my beliefs on someone else.

Forgive me, but out of you and she, who is actually the more intolerant? The one who posted a message, or the one trying to organise a witch-hunt and railing against the one posting a message?

Nothing she said was intolerant: she is entitled to her beliefs, and she expressed them. You, by the same token, are entitled to express yours, and thankfully, we live in a free society, where both of you are able to share your thoughts.

But, seriously, the hypocrisy and woeful generalization of claiming all Christians are intolerant is laughable and absolutely pointless. And I know, I know, in this environment, lots of people will see it as another chance to fight against all the Evil Christians and throw in snarky comments and laugh giddily at the sense of relief and accomplishment that comes with belonging to a gang... kudos. Really.

A bit of advice, though, and I'll be taking my own in this instance: if you don't like a question, move on and ignore it. Questions like this are demoralising for everyone.

I wish you well.

It isn't intolerance, it is a desire for people to know the truth. A lot of Christians live for many years not knowing the truth and when they find out, they are so happy they want everyone else to know, too.

Jesus said: I am the way and the life and the truth. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Christians believe this to be true and want to share it.

"Did Jesus and God say do not Judge others yet you have no problem in doing so."

Leviticus 19:15

In righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

If I honestly thought that people would be eternally tortured unless they joined my cult I would be out there herding as many people as I could in as well...at least until I went completely insane thinking about it.

Also, many of them think that unless you join their cult and abide by it's rules, that you will bring all-loving god's wrath down on not just yourself, but all of society.

What is spiritual? The word spirit has no meaning that isn't something that is already explained in natural terms.

You have just cast ignorance and intolerance yourself...stereotypes are a great injustice. I am not Christan myself, but have many friends that are so and none act in the manner you speak of. I found god on acid, god in a hindu sense

Christians, due to their world-in-opposites point of view, are kept faithful by the leash of fear. They will say, "No, we love our Lord of our own free will!", but ask any of them to say that they love Satan and you will receive gasps of horror.

Because you see, they don't really believe Jesus meant it when he said, "Love your enemies." and later, "If you love me you will obey me." They don't really believe John meant it when he said, "Perfect love drives out all fear." Thus any Christian who cannot honestly say that he loves Satan (or pick any other Pagan god) is an utter hypocrite, living under an evil fear which he wishes to inculcate into all others who do not share in its misery. This is the way of the antichrist, whom the Christians ignorantly serve.

The serpent who brought knowledge to the human race in the allegory of the garden, instead of being honored by the humans, was thrown under the bus. Examine that scenario carefully and you will see that it was God who lied to man, not the serpent.

Be free!

S

edit: BTW I love Christ, Satan, Hitler, and Pan. I love you, too!

That's an unfair generalization. I'm tolerant and respectful of all. I'm not some crazy radical and I know a lot of other Christians who aren't crazy radicals either.

Not all of us are like that. I consider myself an Episcopalian with Buddhist leanings. I respect all religions and like learning about them. I've never been in anyone's face about my beliefs unless I am asked. I have always said many paths, one destination. What is right for me isn't always right for someone else.