The following is a poll I did on my My Space and I thought I’d share some of the responses I got from Christians and Non-Christians alike…..
Yes, I’m a pastor but I want you to be honest…..the only thing I ask is you keep your language clean…….
So what do you think of Christians? Churches? Ect?
I would appreciate any thoughts you may share on all sides of the topic……
“True Christians… people who follow Christ… are evident by their love, grace, and kindness. They can disagree with someone without damning them. They can show grace, even to those who don’t deserve it.
Now, the rest of these yahoos who just point fingers… well… um… oh, look at the time! Nite nite!” – Dave
“I think the ‘christians’ that are on-line seem to be more ‘real’ then the ones you see walking around at the different churches every sunday. Honestly, I think they are to judgemental, the places that I have been! I have piercings in my lip, eyebrow and I got my ears gauged and I dress how I want, baggy clothes….more times then not, I get the stares and yeah, no one comes up to talk to you, it’s like your infected with a disease that they could catch!
Honestly, I think I know more non-christians that are more ‘real’ and open, tons more accepting then most of the ‘christians’ that I have met. Maybe we should come in and do a Intervention for the church? Teach them how to treat people. Instead of… ok, your saved…NEXT!” – TemptingFate
“What do I think of Christians? I think most are hipacritical. I also think most are judgemental and are not very excepting of most others. That being said, I don’t think they are that way on purpose. I think it’s human nature. Unfortunately, sometimes as a Christian we are under the magnifying glass, constantly being looked upon and constantly being judged by non-Christians. We are humans, we make mistakes, it’s unfortunate, but ultimately, it’s how God created us. We are taught not to judge, we are taught to except others as is, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
As for churches, we have finally found one that we feel like we belong. We have looked for at least a year and both my husband and I felt that a lot of the churches we attended just wanted $$ from us. While I strongly doubt that is the case, it was definitely how it was presented during the worship service. Also, sometimes you go to churches so big, with such a huge congregation, I feel like a fish out of water. That’s not the kind we were looking for, we were looking for a more family feel. I love the church we attend now, and yes, I know there is no such thing a perfect church, there is such a thing as a perfect church for you!!!
Just my two cents – great poll Tom!! :-)” – Emily
“I think Christians are wounded just like everyone else. For some reason, non-Christians expect us to be perfect and do everything right and say everything right; when we don’t, we’re hypocrites, when they don’t, they’re human. We’re all a mess; that’s why we need Christ. The only difference between Christians and non-Christians (true Christians) is that we’ve admitted it and our inability to fix everything on our own. Yes, people in churches mess up when it comes to people who are living in a way that’s unfamiliar to us, but who doesn’t. I mean, I get looks when other blacks don’t think I’m “black enough”. Why are the Christians always the ones who are vilified? I think it’s because people don’t like to be confronted with the truth that we are all sinners. The next time you go to a church where you feel unwelcome or you think there are hypocrites, you’re probably right. However, remember that a church is like a hospital; it’s for the sick. We need Jesus, bottom line.” – Monica
“Well, coming from a Christian’s viewpoint and truly hearing what people have said about “Christians” all over the world….I have some advice.
The word “Christian,” in my opinion, should no longer be used. Yes, I know it was first used in Antioch, describing followers of Christ, but for 2007 several things have changed since then. Many people think (especially Americans) that because they are not muslim, jew, or hindu….that they fall under the category of Christian. That simply is not the case. Being a Christian means following God’s Word, listening to God when He speaks, and truly having a one on one relationship with the Creator.
The term “Christian” has been slandered in the mud….by hypocrites and non-followers. We should instead call ourselves—Christ followers. This tells people who we are willing to live and die for. The term Christian is no longer an accurate description of our calling.” – Deana
i’m a christian, i dont sposse you would want me to reply to your question but i was searching what people thought of christians and i became very hurt inside to what some people think of us as.
it seems as on some other sites people think christians are people that think we’re the right religon and hate all other religons and think that everyone but us is going to hell
but that is not what we think at all.
we love everyone around us, even if someone tried to kill us we would not hate them.
we do try and change peoples opinions about god, yes that is true but we acsept what people believe to
and even if they do not believe in god we do not hate them
we belive that god loves everyone even if they do not belive in him. and that god put us on this planet to try and give peace and to help others, with problems and to lead a better life. we are not selfish and we’re not anything you think we are. i do not mind if you do not belive in our faith or do not acsept on what i am saying. but i hope it helps you about christians. god bless yu xx
Christians are not sane. The belief in an imaginary friend in adulthood would otherwise cause someone to be hauled off to the asylum, yet Christians are allowed to roam free and endanger the lives of the sane with their insane banter.
Also, you’re lying to yourself when you claim that true Christians are anything other than the mindless peon masses who have no better way to cope with the drab life we’re all set to live. The average Christian is anything but loving, graceful or kind. A big example is the Westboro Baptist Church, but there are far more common examples.
More importantly though, the average Christian knows little about their own religion, much less other religions or beliefs. Further, the ones more active in the church actually knew less according to one study. It’s a case of the less you know, the better, which just doesn’t hold up if you try to have a realistic viewpoint of our mundane existence.
Thanks for chiming in. Like some others who have commented on here, I am grieved that ir more than appears you have not had the most Christ-like followers in your life. Either that or you a little more comfortable brushing a broad amount of people with the same brush with little concern.
While I def. do not believe that Westboro Baptist Church is a good exampe of a common Christian (a matter of fact, thier actions grieve and disgust me), I have met others who fall into some of your other descriptions of being uneducated and hiding in ignorance. Some of them were Christians, some were not.
Thanks again for jumping in. Touch base if you want to talk more. Blessings and Prayers!
Christians are non-thinking sheep that inhabit the low end of the gene pool. They are the worst of hipocriptes… PERIOD!
Hey Charlie and Reeshard,
I appreciate both of you chiming in your thoughts.
I have to say Reeshard that it appears you have not had the best of experiences with “Christians” before. If you want to chat about it with me, feel free. If not and you just wanted to add your thoughts, that’s fine too. However, I pray that maybe some Chrsitians come into your life that represent Christ better and are true acting to what they believe so hyprocritical is not what you continue to experience. I have experienced both in my life and I pray better in yours.
Prayers,
Thomas
I was a christian, my parents think I still am.
When I was little my parents and those in the church I grew up in told me of God’s unfailing love, I used to believe them. I did until one of my best friends died of lupus, about four to five years latter my grandmother died of cancer. Both deaths were inexplicably painful and slow.
As though watching two people I loved suffer and die wasn’t enough to deal with I found that I rather like women, or at least feel attracted to them. From then on I have had one girl friend and one boyfriend, I have tried very hard not to be gay after that. The boyfriend I had raped me, and its not something that I blame him for I was trying to hard not to be what I am. Through wanting to fallow “God’s will” I found my self in more pain.
Eventually i gave up on fallowing Gods will, i found my self making decisions biased on what i want not what god wants or wanted, seance then my life has looked up. I recently picked up a form of paganism, now i worship a god and a goddess. so I am no longer a Christan.
I say all of this because, I have up until recently held a very low regard for christian people, my self included, when i was christian i was, belligerent, i was blind to the multitude of Grey areas around us, unwilling to see holes in my religion, and willful to a fault.
I don’t hold any hate for Christians or the christian god any longer, I don’t wish to be converted to have people tell me I’m wrong I know that if i keep looking for the truth that i will find it if i haven’t already.
in other words i don’t hate but most definitely do not love them, they have just as much right to life love and all other human liberty’s as any other person does.
kayla
In James it says that when we are faithless, that the Lord remains faithful because He cannot deny His own character, I read what you wrote slowly and was almost brought to tears. The Lord loves you and will remain seeking you! He will never give up. I have also lost loved ones and have found in those times that the Lord used those situations to grow my faith. In Romans it says that God will make all things work out for the good for those who love Him. He doesn’t like or enjoy when tragic things happen, but He is for sure going to use those times to help us. I’m sorry for what has happened in your life and I’m sorry for the experiences you have had with hypocritical Christians. Mahatma Ghandi said, “I love your Christ but I hate His followers, they look nothing like HIm.” Please don’t look at the Christians, look at Jesus because we are nothing like him. I’m praying for you!
Thank you for chiming in Kayla! I will be keeping you in prayer. If you ever want to talk deeper during your search, I would love too. I can not imagine the pain you have gone through but would be willing to be an ear and offer a different perspective if you ever wanted. Until then….praying…….
As I was reading this, I was kind of sad to see, what Christians thought of us, too, like the guy up there who also said that (Charlie). but honestly, sometimes i do see some Christians act like hypocrites. Including me.
I think we should change that, acting more like Jesus Christ (as we were supposed to). And show God’s love more often.
Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with God! Kayla, you had some hard times. But that happens to lots of people. You have to have faith in God. You have to trust Him. Out of something bad, something good may come. The Lord has to break you before He molds you into something new.
In the end, what other people thought of us will not matter. The life of a true Christian has an audience of one – Jesus Christ.
There are so many people that call themselves Christians now adays simply because they have a head knowledge of what Jesus did for them but their hearts are far from God. You will know a true Christian by his fruits.
People need to stop looking at everyone around them and look up. Jesus is the answer.
I think that christians are judge-mental and hypocrites. For they are all about helping people out as long as it is in the eyes of others and it makes them look good to there fellow christian buddy’s, but behind closed doors, they have better things to do than to help anyone out. and like others say if you don’t have that so called christian look you are not welcome to join the klan but you can be saved, just say this simple prayer and your set on your way to live the good life.
Hey Donnie….I would say that there are just as much people who do things GENUINELy and not to look good. My mom for example who died in January did things without anyone knowing, and after her death, things kept popping up…this is how I know there are people who do things “behind closed doors”
I am a Christian. When I was in the 7th grade I trusted Christ as my savior. However after that I got really sick and started going after the world. In my worldly ways I sort of forgot about God but He never forgot about me! (Praise Him). God is so good. Even in the darkest times I praise Him. Last February my 9 year old sister died. Although I am deeply sad about this, I still know that God was with me all through that experience, and still is. God is my everlasting Father, and I love Him
Most so-called “Christians” have never truly trusted in Christ as their savior. They give us true Believers a bad name. The Church needs a revival.
And to those of you who are not Christians or do not believe in God or the Bible. I tell you that for a fact that Not only does God exist, but Christianity is the way to follow Him. Because Jesus died for our sins, and whoever believes in His name will have eternal life.
God is so good (Praise Him)
If you are searching, search for God. The Bible says that whoever seeks God, will find Him. If you truly seek Him, He will reveal Himself to you…His goodness, His love, His strong patience towards us (christians and non christians). God is an amazing God, willing to forgive all sins. We are not worthy of Him, yet He loves us so much and continues to love us no matter how sinful we are. He wants to heal you. Turn to Christ. Jesus said “whoever comes to me, I will never cast out.”
Unbelievable. Jesus was an angry young man who never had a loving or caring personal relationship with anyone we know of (in fact required his followers to abandon their families). His “religion” is based on the brutal torture and murder of him, followed by the fantasy that his followers forevermore share in the eating of his body and drinking of his blood. My parents tried to indoctrinate me to this disgusting pagan cult for 30 years before I finally got out. I did it when I got painfully ill, and found –nothing– in Christianity to help or comfort me. Don’t pray for me – there’s nothing/nobody listening to you bozos. Meditation works much better. Some of Christ’s principles are good, but in total are much too difficult for the average person to live by and will keep most of us wracked with guilt (eg, “turn the other cheek,” I dare anyone to say honestly they practice that one on a regular basis). Keep your jealous god, I know people who have gotten over jealousy, and by the way (even though resurrected) an eternal God does not die EVER.
Hi Starr,
While I thank you for chiming in, I will say I saddened by your comments. Not because you said them but because that is the perspective you have been served up. You are not alone in that perspective.
I don’t know if you are interested in me responding or if you will ever come back to this page but here I go…….. =)
The belief I have is based on much more than His physical death and resurrection though that is an important part of my belief. The religion part the Scripture teaches is taking care of others in need (widows and orphans) which, when it’s defined properly this way….. is a religion I embrace. Communion (at least the way I experience it) is a beautiful symbolic act that reminds me of His heart for us more than the barbaric things that happened to Him. If I had a hammer of my father to remind me of the blood, sweat, and tears he laid out to raise me…… it wouldn’t be to celebrate the blood, seat, and tears…. it would be to celebrate how much he loved me to sacrifice. I have a similar view of communion.
As far as people turning the other cheek, I will take your dare. I know many people who are Christians that still struggle in this area but I also know person after person who have turned the other cheek and changed their lives as well as others. I see this happen on a common bases on both ends and I’m sorry you have not seen it.
And finally, while I can see why you feel some of the things you feel if you have been served up this perspective….. are just not founded in the Bible (and outside supporting documents). If you read through His life, in no way was Jesus an angry young man. Just reading the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 will give a strong perspective of His views and life. He stood up for women when the culture did not. He stood up for the outcast when others would not. He addressed a religious system that was man corrupted and sacrificed much to reach out in love. I do not get where you see He was angry. While he did speak that God has to be first and make some comments to the effect of leaving families…he was speaking to attitudes, not circumstances. Many of the apostles, according to the Bible, had family. Had wives who did ministry with them. One prominent story centers around Jesus reclining at the house of the mother-in-law of one of his apostles and healing her.
I am not writing all this to convince you I am right and you are wrong. That’s not my intent. However, I am hoping to list a couple things that will introduce the thought that maybe what you were shown and taught over the 30 years of your parents trying to “indoctrinate you”, is different than what the Bible says. Maybe it’s worth another look for yourself.
Anyways, thanks for chiming in…. while you don’t believe…. I do… and I will be praying for you…. Blessings!
I’m actually doing a study myself of “What people think of Christianity?” From an observational viewpoint. I’ve been raised in american christianity my whole life and quite honestly, got sick of it and God led me to the Truth of His Word, and praise His name for doing it. The Christian Religion and yes, what the majority of america practices today, in what they call “churches”, is religion. Handed down by the Emperor Constintine in the 4th century, when Christianity was made the Governmental Religion. If people would just look and study history they would see how tradition is all that’s been passed down. For 3 centurys Christianity was an, “Experiance of the Divine”. A church was a living breathing organisim, not a building. And God was real in their life and they lived him everyday. Loving and loved, Helping and helped. I challenge all people now to go find God in their on way, not the way the “preacher” tells him too. Experiance is everything, and unless you know God and His ways, how can you have a relationship with Him? How can you trust Him? How do you know that when you are weak that He is strong? I thank God for opening up my eyes and ears and helping me to take the blinders off, so that I could find Him and like paul and those early christians, see what religion did to them, me and so many others everyday. Praise God and his Son Jesus the Christ.
Interesting Patrick….. I do agree with you that we each need to find God but I differ when it comes to finding Him just through our experiences. For some, we can get very off base. We need to experience Him but on His terms. There is a truth and we need to find that truth. I love many of your thoughts and maybe we agree on this point too but the way I read it, it seemed a different view so I thought I’d add it =)
Thanks for chiming in!
We all have different views on people. I am not surprised if non-Christians find those “True Christians” hypocrites and judgemental because some Christians believe they are “Christians” but not doing what Jesus commands them to do. Which is why, our identity as Christians are tainted by others’ selfish attitudes. This is a wake-up call to all of us. There are only two things God commands us to do. First, to love Him, and to love our neighbors. If we let God love us of who we are, without any compromise, his love for us will be so abounding that it is easy for all to love others unconditionally without judging them or what not. It’s all about loving people. Don’t expect others to love you if you haven’t even felt the real love of God in you.
Nice poll. 🙂
Thanks for chiming in Maria! =)
Sounds like your talking about every person in the bible that God ever used. Ofcourse we get “off base”, they all did, that’s how you find the True God and not the religious one that american christianity trys to sell you. From the time of Jesus’ death, 33-35AD, they have no writings except the Old testament, until paul writes Thessalonians. All they have and it’s all they or we need, is the Holy Ghost, leading and guiding them. Jesus died and gave to us the Holy Ghost, so let’s just let Him do what God sent Him for. I see that as a major problem in Christianity, people say they trust in the leading of the Holy Ghost, but do they really? I know I personally was lead by religion for many years and not the Holy Spirit. We just need to get out of the way and let Him work. God bless
I think I hear what you are saying =) Thanks for more input!
I have many tattoos and piercings I ride motorcycle Im not perfect in any means I have been a christian gonin on a year now , its true there are some chruches out there that think there are christ like but or not , they like to talk about and put down people, they hate anyone that doesnt fit their mold or style , Im sorry if they hurt you i know from expercnce that getting hurt from a religious nut follows you around and it stays in your mind for a long time . but people if you would read the bible john the baptist didnt fit any mold druing his time and he was second only to christ , and Christ didnt stay around all the pretty people he went in search for people like you and me , you just got to find the right church thats teaches you the truth like i did if it wasnt for firehouse ministries lovin me and teaching me the truth about God , I would still be an drug dealin addict or dead, god is good all the time and God still loves you even if you dont love him . Ill say this from mount airy NC love people as God loves you.
Thanks for chiming in Chad!
When I see the comment from the people that juge Christians i feel very sad, especially when they say crule things. But even then I can not do anything but to laugh to. Then I will pray for them that they will see God’s grace and love, that the Holy Spirit will be sendt in to them and heal them from these thoughts. I’ve been having problems with the fact that things affect me in a very negative way. I sleep with the lighs on every nigth and i can’t wach anything scary or it will hunt me. That’s when I call to God for help and pray for the demond images to go away, and they always do. May God’s mercy fall on you.
Hi Kristine, thanks for chiming in…. I can’t understand laughing at people who have been hurt by Christians before and thus now how sour views of us but I can join you on praying for them that they will see God’s grace and love. Blessings…..
I too am a Christian, and seeing all of these things that people say and think about Christians is very sad and hurtful.
I must say, although it’s sad, I think most of these comments about “Christians” are very true. Being raised in a pastor’s home, going to Christian school, attending Bible College, and traveling as a college rep gave me the opportunity to mingle with many different Christians from many different walks of life in many different churches all over the country (and even the world). Sadly, I’ve seen that hypocrites and self-righteous judges have infiltrated what Jesus called the Church. Christianity has become a “religion” based on works. Oh, we don’t like to admit it, but it’s true. We base spirituality on our own personal standards, and expect everyone else around us to live up to that standard, whether they are a Christian or not. We look at the worship leader or the Sunday school teacher or even the pastor and say, “Wow! That is a spiritual leader!” We “dress to impress” because “we have to show God how much we honor Him.” Honestly though, who do we really want to impress: God or the person sitting across the aisle? Do we really care about reaching a world in need or are we just trying to reach more people than Joe and Nancy down the street? Christians today have lost their true focus. Instead of worrying about how much you love God or are pleasing Him, why can’t we just revel in His love for us? That’s the only reason we CAN love Him because HE FIRST LOVED US! Our focus should not be inward, it should be upward. Why do we care so much about what others think? Do you know why the lost world thinks we are all hypocrites? Because we are too prideful to be REAL! We think that if we admit that we are human, that we struggle with constant temptation, that they won’t truly believe. They might think our God isn’t strong enough. Well, is your God strong enough? I’ll admit, I’m a Christian who struggles with pornography, immorality, lying, watching movies and TV shows that I know are not pleasing to God, spending time doing my own thing instead of reaching out to those around me. . . the list is endless. I am a Christian, but I am also human. The great thing about being a Christian isn’t that I somehow have this super power that makes me do everything perfectly. It’s not that I will never fail again. It’s not even the fact that I will live for eternity. I have a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, ALMIGHTY GOD, THE ONE WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME AND FORGAVE ME OF ALL MY SIN! His love for me should drive me to strive to live better for Him. I reach out to others because in doing so, I am reaching out to Him. I sing because I want to praise Him. When I fall (which happens daily), I get back up for Him. Christians need to stop living for their “testimonies,” stop worrying about what everyone else thinks (including Christians and non-Christians), and start letting Christ be their testimonies! The world needs to see Christ, not a group of people working their butts off to re-make His already perfect image.
Sarah, I love what you said “His (Jesus) love for me should drive me to strive to live better for Him”. I also experienced His love on a personal and emotional level where He carried me in the palm of His hand during the lowest time of my life. It is because of ‘this great love’ that everyday I wake up asking myself “How can I become a better person for Christ today”? “How can I appreciate more and more, and express my love for Jesus more and more – and be excited all the more for all the blessings, talents and abilities, perfect health, opportunities and endless possibilities that God has given me to help mankind right now?”.
Thank you for sharing. You truly are a great Christian. With my love and prayer to you and yours – and to all our brothers and sisters around the world (both christians and non chirstians). Love, Cecile
Jesus love IS the very best love there is!. I just do not understand why christians are supposed to be perfect, Yet the world is so far from perfect and no one expects perfection from them. I believe that more christians need to be more real and say “NO I am not perfect nor will I ever be because I am NOT Jesus.” Right now, I am in a situation where I am being judged for being a “christian” while those around me are not being judged at all. God said that we would face our own persecution but he will guide us.
I just want to add that after reading the above exerpts, I have to agree. Those who boldly call themselves christians must stop judging others and instead try confessing their own sins. There needs to be more “normalcy” in general. People want to know WHAT christians are struggling with behind their own closed doors. They want to know that just because there is a label attatched, doesnt mean that all is well and peechy keen. Although I go to church on a weekly basis, there is a part of me that struggles with the label because if it means that I have to be perfect, I will fail that test BIG TIME! Yet I do believe in Jesus Christ and I believe that he is who he says he is so I guess that makes me a christian. This is a great topic to discuss with my paster. We have to ask the church the hard questions and listen for the answers. Christians do not automatically embrace everyone like jesus does because people have issues that Jesus must first deal with. Thank god we don’t really have to be perfect in order for him to love us.
I am a Christian and as I was thinking one afternoon about what people thought of us I decided to walk around town and I walked past this group and over heard their conversation and couldn’t believe it they were talking about how they believed Christians were judgmental people and should be in here so I decided to go and look up more of peoples opinions about this topic and I felt like none of this is true, I don’t judge anyone its not my job to do so and then I had church that night so I went to church and I thought my church isn’t like this because the bible says not to judge others so I believed they don’t judge people, this topic came up about The president and gays and I couldn’t believe my ears they were judging left and right. I know the bible says not to be gay but its still not our job to judge them that will be God’s job when the time comes. So I don’t blame people for thinking that but why do they believe ALL Christians are like that?