Do you make ubelievers angry?

[Hammer]

How could he live in such a way that would make gay people angry without saying something directly about their lifestyle?

Immoral people hate people they know have moral standards, even of not a word is spoken.

 

[farouk]

Here's a scenario for you, The Unbeliever: Several years ago, I wore a silver pin in the shape of a Celtic cross... very ornate while simple at the same time. I was verbally attacked because of the pin, and the attacks were focused on my faith. The language was quite colorful. When the rant concluded, I simply said "God bless you" and walked away.

I was a grandmother-to-be at the time, and was going about my own business. I wasn't getting into the face of anyone; I wasn't trying to 'convert' anyone ... instead, I was trying to do some shopping so I could return home (and those who know me know I reallydon't like to shop!)

As you can see, I did nothing other than wear a Celtic cross pin. However, a non-believer decided to take issue with a piece of jewelry and attacked my faith. My thinking was and continues to be that there are rude people in all walks of life; bad behavior doesn't descriminate - it's equal opportunity.

Hi AirDancer:

You reaction was commendable, too!

Just goes to show the witness potentials of such lapel items, I guess. For every comment, of whatever nature, there will be many, unspoken observations. I guess the same could be said — purely hypothetically — for a tasteful faith based tattoo (though there are other threads to discuss this).

Blessings.

 

[The Unbeliever]

My thinking was and continues to be that there are rude people in all walks of life; bad behavior doesn't descriminate - it's equal opportunity.

I'm sorry to hear that you had to experience that, and I agree that there are rude people from all walks of life, but that doesn't really seem to be what is happening, at least that wasn't my impression, since the original poster indicated that the change in peoples attitudes around him was attributable to some change in his own behavior.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Immoral people hate people they know have moral standards, even of not a word is spoken.

I haven't noticed that, and I work with gay people. The one's I have known are happy to let you have your own beliefs as long as you aren't pushing the issue onto them.

 

[Yah1]

I was definitely an agnostic beforehand, i knew something greater was out there but i just couldn't really grasp it. Back then, I didn't want anything to do with God, let alone a Christian forum. I didn't even care to search for him. What results do non believers who come on a christian forum expect? It's obvious that arguments are gonna form. That's like me going on an atheist forum and spreading the gospel. It's just strange to me. What do non believers get out of it.

 

[AirDancer]

I'm sorry to hear that you had to experience that, and I agree that there are rude people from all walks of life, but that doesn't really seem to be what is happening, at least that wasn't my impression, since the original poster indicated that the change in peoples attitudes around him was attributable to some change in his own behavior.

Many Christians have a very peaceful attitude, even a rosy outlook, because of the true joy found in a close relationship with our Lord. If others know (or learn) that one is a Christian, and sees a change in behavior, a change for the better, they will find ways to make little digs or outright nasty comments.

For example, if a new Christian no longer wants to share in gossip, or poke fun at someone else, or go out drinking...then the former cohorts will notice & view the new Christian in a negative light. (It used to be a nasty slam to refer to a Christian as a 'Jesus Freak' ... today, it's a compliment!)

None of us want to be reminded (silently or not) that our behavior falls short. And even if a Christian doesn't say anything towards correction, that nagging little voice in our heads will usually let us know we're doing 'wrong'.

 

[farouk]

Many Christians have a very peaceful attitude, even a rosy outlook, because of the true joy found in a close relationship with our Lord. If others know (or learn) that one is a Christian, and sees a change in behavior, a change for the better, they will find ways to make little digs or outright nasty comments.

For example, if a new Christian no longer wants to share in gossip, or poke fun at someone else, or go out drinking...then the former cohorts will notice & view the new Christian in a negative light. (It used to be a nasty slam to refer to a Christian as a 'Jesus Freak' ... today, it's a compliment!)

None of us want to be reminded (silently or not) that our behavior falls short. And even if a Christian doesn't say anything towards correction, that nagging little voice in our heads will usually let us know we're doing 'wrong'.

AirDancer:

As Nehemiah says: 'The joy of the Lord is your strength', and this speaks volumes in itself.

Blessings.

 

[Hammer]

I haven't noticed that, and I work with gay people. The one's I have known are happy to let you have your own beliefs as long as you aren't pushing the issue onto them.

Unbeliever, when you talk, it sounds like you approve of homosexual behavior. Maybe they picked up on that?

 

[evenifigoalone]

I have a question, and I don't mean any offense by it. But wouldn't the sentiment expressed by the original post be the Christian version of atheists going around correcting Christians for their "mistaken" beliefs. They could even interpret any offense taken by Christians as a sign that they are doing the right thing. Consider this:


As strange as that seems, I have no doubt that something very much like that has been written on an atheist message board. The real question is if it expresses an admirable sentiment or not.

Ah, good question.
I hope I didn't imply that I make people angry on purpose.


At the same time, the Bible does say (and I'm paraphrasing because even though I read it the other day I can't remember the reference) that if people got angry with Jesus, then we won't escape that kind of thing, either.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Ah, good question.
I hope I didn't imply that I make people angry on purpose.


At the same time, the Bible does say (and I'm paraphrasing because even though I read it the other day I can't remember the reference) that if people got angry with Jesus, then we won't escape that kind of thing, either.

I still don't see the difference between this and some idealistic atheist going around thinking it his mission to correct the "misguided" Christians.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Unbeliever, when you talk, it sounds like you approve of homosexual behavior. Maybe they picked up on that?

Yes, but I have plenty of Christian co-workers. I have never seen any animosity between the two (at least not on this issue, of course there can be work related tension), no matter how devoted a Christian they are.

 

[Nick]

Reminding everyone that this is not the correct forum to discuss homosexuality.

 

[The Unbeliever]

I was definitely an agnostic beforehand, i knew something greater was out there but i just couldn't really grasp it. Back then, I didn't want anything to do with God, let alone a Christian forum. I didn't even care to search for him. What results do non believers who come on a christian forum expect? It's obvious that arguments are gonna form. That's like me going on an atheist forum and spreading the gospel. It's just strange to me. What do non believers get out of it.

Was this directed to me? I get plenty out of coming here. A chance to talk and think about ideas with people who have different ideas than me. I don't find it all that appealing to visit with people who think just like me. Where would the challenge to my own thoughts come from in that environment? I prefer a chance to rethink ideas than to simply have them confirmed by like-minded prejudices.

 

[The Unbeliever]

Many Christians have a very peaceful attitude, even a rosy outlook, because of the true joy found in a close relationship with our Lord. If others know (or learn) that one is a Christian, and sees a change in behavior, a change for the better, they will find ways to make little digs or outright nasty comments.

I think the same could be said of other belief systems as well. It seems a common human social behavior to put pressure on outliers to conform to group standards. It is true that many Christians won't resort to ridicule, although I have seen Christians ridicule atheists, but it does take other forms, unwanted and insistent offers of prayer, scripture quotes, and ostracization by former friends. Christians get their little digs in too, they just dress them up in spiritual garb.

None of us want to be reminded (silently or not) that our behavior falls short. And even if a Christian doesn't say anything towards correction, that nagging little voice in our heads will usually let us know we're doing 'wrong'.

I think a more appropriate reading of the phenomena is that none of us want our lifestyle repudiated. Even if an atheist doesn't say anything to correct what they see as problems with Christianity, their presence still makes many Christians uncomfortable with the implicit rejection of Christian truth their lives represent.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

All you have to do is start talking about the requirements of God to make people mad at you. It doesn't matter how polite or careful you talk they will most likely get offended and angry.

Out of the dozens of people I've talked to over the years I can think of only a handful of people who did not get angry but who could talk about God calmly and rationally without getting upset. It got so discouraging to me that I have made a personal decision to not talk to unbelievers anymore. I know that probably chaffs against some people's beliefs that everyone, everywhere has to be actively trying to tell people about the gospel, but that is the personal decision I have made.

So now the only unbelievers I ever talk to about the gospel are the one's who make it a point to talk to believers about it (this forum being the main source of that). And the outcome is usually the same. They get angry and offended and are sure you're being mean and hateful.

I'm 49 years old. I've been a Christian since I was 23, and God knows I've done my share of witnessing...and I'm done with it because of the unreasonable response of people to the gospel. This is my personal decision, not one I expect, or even hope others would follow. It's not in line with my gifting and calling, so I leave it to others more equipped to deal with the anger of unbelievers to do it. I know where my gifting and calling are and I operate in the Body of Christ accordingly. I can deal with an unruly believer way better than I can an unruly unbeliever. At least with believers I know the squabble is within the family and we share our common experience in the Spirit and the forgiveness of God. But with unbelievers there is no basis for civility or peace to rely on.

 

[Gordon]

I think the refusing to share in Gossip at work is a good example. If people see this they will feel you disaprove of them and will turn the gossip to you. My mom deals with this. What do you think happened to the early Christians fed to lions and stuff. Do you think it was because they kept getting in peoples faces? Do you think they went door to door saying I don't approve of you? I bet they were very scared alot of the time.

I watched this reality show for a bit with a gay guy. During the course of the show the gay guy heard of this womans faith then started questioning what she felt about gay people. She only answered his question that they should remain celibate. He hated her for this and spent the rest of the show trying to get rid of her. He made it an issue just because she said she had faith I think she was mormon. Now I feel like I didn't waste hours watching a very stupid show cause I got to share this example

 

[evenifigoalone]

I still don't see the difference between this and some idealistic atheist going around thinking it his mission to correct the "misguided" Christians.

I guess that's the kind of position we're all in, more or less. Thinking our opinions are right ones, even if we aren't dogmatic about it, and that the world would be better off if everyone else just accepted them.

As far as the verse I mentioned, it seemed more like a head's up than anything. Maybe we're not supposed to take how people react to what we say or do as a sign we're doing something right or not. There's someone to get angry at just about any opinion there is.

For my part, though, I don't think it's my job to correct people's opinions. That's something they have to work out for themselves.

 

[Gordon]

All you have to do is start talking about the requirements of God to make people mad at you. It doesn't matter how polite or careful you talk they will most likely get offended and angry.

Out of the dozens of people I've talked to over the years I can think of only a handful of people who did not get angry but who could talk about God calmly and rationally without getting upset. It got so discouraging to me that I have made a personal decision to not talk to unbelievers anymore. I know that probably chaffs against some people's beliefs that everyone, everywhere has to be actively trying to tell people about the gospel, but that is the personal decision I have made.

So now the only unbelievers I ever talk to about the gospel are the one's who make it a point to talk to believers about it (this forum being the main source of that). And the outcome is usually the same. They get angry and offended and are sure you're being mean and hateful.

I'm 49 years old. I've been a Christian since I was 23, and God knows I've done my share of witnessing...and I'm done with it because of the unreasonable response of people to the gospel. This is my personal decision, not one I expect, or even hope others would follow. It's not in line with my gifting and calling, so I leave it to others more equipped to deal with the anger of unbelievers to do it. I know where my gifting and calling are and I operate in the Body of Christ accordingly. I can deal with an unruly believer way better than I can an unruly unbeliever. At least with believers I know the squabble is within the family and we share our common experience in the Spirit and the forgiveness of God. But with unbelievers there is no basis for civility or peace to rely on.

Sorry to hear this went bad for you. I'm not as old as you so I haven't had that happen to me yet. I know a lot of people are not strongly opposed to God but they just haven't given him much thought. I'd say they are more common than people who would attack you for talking about it. I watched this show way of the master with Kirk Cameron that trains people how to evangelize. I know from approaching people for other reasons that it is most likely a problem with your approach rather than the idea of God. If it's overwhelmingly negative you are doing something wrong. Maybe you could practice rather than giving it up because it sounds important to you?

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Sorry to hear this went bad for you.

We're talking about a span of almost twenty years, not a single event.

More Christians need to understand the real dangers of sharing the faith. You're not dealing with the people themselves as much as you are the demons that hold them fast in the snare and the trap of their sin and lack of knowledge and who cue them as to what to say and do to refute you.

I'm not as old as you so I haven't had that happen to me yet. I know a lot of people are not strongly opposed to God but they just haven't given him much thought. I'd say they are more common than people who would attack you for talking about it.

And I respectfully say that is not true at all. Rare is the unbeliever who will not resist you for pointing out the truth about mankind.

I watched this show way of the master with Kirk Cameron that trains people how to evangelize. I know from approaching people for other reasons that it is most likely a problem with your approach rather than the idea of God. If it's overwhelmingly negative you are doing something wrong. Maybe you could practice rather than giving it up because it sounds important to you?

Didn't you see where I said it doesn't matter how polite or careful you are it still ends in the unbeliever being offended?

The way of the Master is a very 'in your face' approach to evangelism. By the definition of 'hate' and 'mean' that unbelievers level against believers who testify, they are very much that. They would risk bodily injury if they shared that way in the workplace or other common areas we regular folk live each day. Not saying it's wrong how they do it. I'm saying it's more 'negative' than any approach I've used.

The world understands and respects force. I noticed the more compassionate and gentle and understanding you try to be with the gospel the more they feel comfortable attacking you. And that's the mistake I think this forum makes in it's policy on dealing with unbelievers and atheists posting here.

 

[Gordon]

Well I think even you acknowledge your belief about not sharing the gospel is wrong.

What did you think about the way of the master? It is much more aggressive talking to a stranger than a friend and look at the way people react to them. They talk to like gang member and stuff and no harm comes to them.

I think you are off base here. You are assuming that it's just the idea of God they are reacting to and not what you are doing. That isn't how people work.

I know I will get jumped on for this example but I think it fits. I used to go to clubs a lot. If you want to talk to girls they are often in groups with men. They could be brothers friends whatever. I hit on girls standing next to their boyfriend fairly often and no harm ever came to me. Sometimes they befriend you. Try this your first time at a club and it will not go so well. Hitting on someone's girlfriend right in front of them is probably as offensive to a guy as mentioning God.

I know you probably won't recieve this that well but I think you should challenge your beliefs in this area. You might be missing out on opportunities to plant seeds.