Why do believers of God like to criticise the non-believers?

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  1. cloudy_cool profile image71
    cloudy_coolposted 11 years ago

    Why do believers of God like to criticise the non-believers?

  2. lone77star profile image73
    lone77starposted 11 years ago

    Not all do.

    Why do some non-believers like to criticize some believers in anything?

    Perhaps there's something to criticize. Perhaps ego becomes bruised and hits back. Perhaps they're being illogical, like the question being asked here.

    Some theists (believers) and some atheists or agnostics are pretty cool when it comes to discussing topics. Exploring our beliefs can be highly rewarding and the best exploration is a challenge.

    1. d.william profile image74
      d.williamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Non-believers (in organized religion) voice their rational opinions. Indoctrinated believers shout their beliefs as validation.  It is quite difficult for believers to rationally discuss anything with their opposites.

    2. profile image0
      Larry Wallposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      d. William you said non-believers in organized religion...that is a contradiction in terms. Then you said it is ...difficult for believers to rationally discuss anything... Do I detect a certain bias against believers?

    3. d.william profile image74
      d.williamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      L.W.: There is a difference between non-believers in organized religion and atheists. My God knows no denomination. I have no biases, just disdain (scorn) for the willfully misinformed who wallow in self righteous emulation.

    4. lone77star profile image73
      lone77starposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      DW, I like the part "God has no denomination." Bravo! But you betray your bias -- "disdain (scorn)." That speaks very heavily to bias against (disdain). I detect that you have a good point to make, but scorn doesn't help. Love does (as God does).

  3. lburmaster profile image71
    lburmasterposted 11 years ago

    Because people criticise everyone who does not share their beliefs. Individuals like believing they know what is best and that their beliefs are the only ones that make perfect sense. It's part of being human.

    1. Cherrietgee profile image67
      Cherrietgeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It's usually best to avoid making generalities. I don't criticize anyone who doesn't share my belief. On top of that, I know that what makes perfect sense to me may be hogwash to the next person. That, too, is part of being human.

  4. d.william profile image74
    d.williamposted 11 years ago

    Good question.  Simple answer.  Those who question, or doubt, their basic indoctrinated beliefs have a subconscious need to attack those who blatantly make those doubts and questions real and visible to their conscious minds.

    1. gmwilliams profile image84
      gmwilliamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      A+ & succinct answer!

  5. Brandon Tart profile image60
    Brandon Tartposted 11 years ago

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/6584535_f260.jpg

    I agree with lone77start...EGO is a big factor. They shouldn't criticize at all.  I am a believer, and it hurts me to hear a criticism from others, but if it is a wise rebuke, then I'd be a fool not to listen.  Both believers and non-believers are flawed.  Is this so easily overlooked?  Really?

    The whole point of Christianity is to disregard one's own "goodness" to accept the completely flawless life of Christ. 

    Where in that, is there demonstrated how any believer would have room to criticize anyone, other than himself?  And it stands that Paul the Apostle said, "I do not judge any...not even myself."

    Are non-believers and true believers headed toward different eternities??  Well, the point of accepting the sacrifice of Christ is to cover the flaws of all who believe, not ALL. 

    "For as many as believe (operative word - believe) he gave unto them the power to be sons and daughters of God."  In either case, believe it or not, criticism should only be steered toward hateful attitudes.  If we can't respect one another's differences, then none of us are genuine.

    One last comment: I will say that it is tough to debate with an atheist who has clearly never studied Christianity, and has his or her offense geared toward how they think Christians are supposed to behave.  I went to public schools all my life, and at 34, A bachelors degree from an accredited University, and two years of Seminary toward a BA there, I have to say that when you actually begin to study, everything that the public education system pumps down your throat begins to clearly be the only religious system, and Christianity is clearly the only source of fact...scientifically, spiritually, cosmologically, phenomenologically etc. etc.

    I would suggest non believers actually finding a good teacher online who has science and technology as a background, and here's a link to one that has PhDs, education in the aforementioned areas, and was a defense systems engineer for the DOD overseeing U.S. missile defense as an informations systems specialist.

    I think his authority trumps a great deal of people.  He's interesting and I hope you enjoy not being criticized by me.  Cheers! Thanks for the good Q.  Here is a link worth watching.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuK3d0GPh5U

    1. Cherrietgee profile image67
      Cherrietgeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Love! LOve!! LOVE this answer. Wish I could vote it up more than once. You said everything I couldn't think to say.

    2. dndswordsmith profile image71
      dndswordsmithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      +1

    3. lone77star profile image73
      lone77starposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, @Brandon Tart, thanks for the powerful words.

      I've learned a lot from some atheists and some non-believers (non-atheists). More value seems to come from those who don't hold onto their ideas with ego.

      @Cherrietgee, "love," yes!

  6. Cherrietgee profile image67
    Cherrietgeeposted 11 years ago

    What do you mean by "critisize"?

    As a believer in God, I feel that this question is unwarranted and maybe could have been phrased differently. I mean, people from all walks of life criticize others every day. Rebublicans criticize Democrats. The poor critcizes the rich.  The older generation criticizes the younger generation. And non-believers also criticize believers. In fact, I feel that I am constantly being criticized by non-believers, but I choose not to take offense. People are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs.

    I think the real question is why do people feel the need to be critical of others because having a critical disposition really has nothing to do with being a believer of God.

    1. Brandon Tart profile image60
      Brandon Tartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I could not agree with you more.  Thanks for being bold...  no one is perfect... that was what I think I wanted to say...  we all do the deeds that requires a savior.  Absolutely right on the very last sentence!  Nothing to do with belief.

    2. Ms Dee profile image87
      Ms Deeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Cherrietgee, well said! This is what the REAL issue is.

    3. EtherInfomat profile image58
      EtherInfomatposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Atheists normally are looking for answers, not criticizing. The question are just upfront, and not sugar coated. Religious folk just see it as criticizing because they can't answer one damn question.

  7. profile image0
    Larry Wallposted 11 years ago

    Part of being a Christian is spreading the good news, the teachings of Jesus. There are several ways of doing that, such as by example, through personal testimony and witnessing to others. Some people who are believers become over-zealous and more often than not that will turn people away. Conversion of a non-believer to a believer usually happens over a period of time, where conversation and not preaching is the tool. There will be cases where the non-believe has a moment, when something happens or everything becomes clear to him and he becomes a believer. That person still needs guidance and mentoring so he does not become over zealous.

    1. Brandon Tart profile image60
      Brandon Tartposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Voted up, man.  And you couldn't be more right.  Faith, does however, come by hearing and hearing by the word of god.  I think you implied that in your conversation element.  That would, too, be expected.  CNVO about the faith, pair w/ friendliness.

  8. H P Roychoudhury profile image41
    H P Roychoudhuryposted 11 years ago

    It is not justified to dishonor the statement or opinion of any body. We are fortunate enough to visualize the facts of religion in the pages of history. Opinion in favor or against should be our treasure of wealth to reach the goal of destination.

    1. cloudy_cool profile image71
      cloudy_coolposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Nice to see you again HP!
      Very to the point and practical comment!

  9. Radical Rog profile image73
    Radical Rogposted 11 years ago

    Some believers criticise other believers for believing differently. They even go to war and kill each other. Christian, Jew and Muslim all believe in the God of Abraham so when they get together and make it absolutely clear what I'm meant to believe I might, but I don't think they ever will.
    Now I'm waiting for the reply that it's all a mystery and mankind isn't meant to know. But if mankind isn't meant to know what they are meant to believe, but I don't believe that. Like Adam, I want to eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.

  10. nightwork4 profile image61
    nightwork4posted 11 years ago

    i have said this before and i'll say it again. first off, not all of them do. i know many believers who never critcise me for not believing. the ones that do, i think it's because they are either jealous that i have the strength to be honest or they are angry because deep down they don't believe but they are afraid to voice it.

    1. cloudy_cool profile image71
      cloudy_coolposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      True! Any opposite or alternate perspective that tries to gain strength has to face the warth of jealousy, or should i say insecurity?

    2. lone77star profile image73
      lone77starposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good points, @nightwork4. What you're talking about is ego -- the part of humans that can be bruised and which many try to defend.

      And it is this "ego self" of which Jesus spoke -- the "self" which must die in order for us to gain everlasting life.

  11. Darrell Roberts profile image70
    Darrell Robertsposted 11 years ago

    I do not think that if a person has faith or not makes them critize.  I think that if a person likes to critize that is what they will do, and if a person does not like to critize then they will not.  I do not think it is about believing or not I think it is more about the person's nature.

    Best wishes.

    1. cloudy_cool profile image71
      cloudy_coolposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      However, there is also smthng called constructive criticism beneficial for development and improvement. Maybe?

    2. Darrell Roberts profile image70
      Darrell Robertsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, it is in the presentation smile

  12. profile image49
    hogcrazieposted 11 years ago

    I don't think this can accurately be answered. I feel as though this question, if aimed towards someone in particular, could be based on your criticism of not being a believer of God. Likewise, not all people who say they are believers, actually are. But hypothetically, we are saying every believer of God is critisizing every one else, period. Long stretch, but I will go with it.
    I would figure the Bible itself has a lot to do with that. There are so many things the Bible says you can't do, so you try not to do them. When somebody does them, its against religion and you need to be saved. Just bottom line there. Judgement is inevitable by people, regardless of race or religion. You will be criticized by anyone that does not see everything, the exact same way that you do. It will happen.
    I would like to see this question flipped however, seems more appropriate this day and age.

  13. nassaugirl profile image59
    nassaugirlposted 11 years ago

    When a person gives their life to God, they automatically think that they are perfect. Sometimes the people who criticize non-believers are being reminded of who and what they used to be when they were out there doing wrong.
    Many people think that this is ok but they are judging others and if they are really as grounded as they think they are, they would help the non-believers instead of looking down on them.

    1. EtherInfomat profile image58
      EtherInfomatposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Why do you think they are doing bad. people didn't just start being nice people when religion came around. No humans do acts of kindness without religion.

  14. dndswordsmith profile image71
    dndswordsmithposted 11 years ago

    We as Christians are taught that we are the righteousness of God, and that we are heirs to His throne. I really believe that some people take the Bible and misinterpret it horribly. That's when you get the snobby looks and the "I'm better than you attitudes." What we have forgotten is that God is kind, gentle and merciful. Yes, we have a duty to spread the word of God and lead people to Christ but it's all in the way you do it. Everyone has to make the choice themselves. We can't bully God into anyone.

    The message of God has been very tainted by self-righteous, judgemental people using it "In the Name of Jesus." Sometimes it's not what you say, it's how you say it. Christians are people too and all of us make mistakes, but sometimes its seems like its harder for Christians to admit it.

    Back to misinterpretation of a thing,  it's hard to convince believers that they aren't always right in their views once they've got it in their heads that they are right. Just because Christians are supposed to be "like Christ" or "Christ like" doesn't mean that they are. Christians need spiritual guidance and constant renewing of the mind. That is accomplished by reading and receiving God's Word.

    It does upset me though when I hear a "Christian" being judgemental. I know I am a Christian and when I hear criticism towards believers, non-believers, or anyone else with different views I cringe. I think to myself "well if I wasn't a Believer, wow they'd turn me completely away."

    I pray that I am a good example. Although I have my faults, I try not to criticize not only because I am a Christian but because we are all human beings. We all have sinned but we also all have a choice.

  15. OneFineG467 profile image60
    OneFineG467posted 11 years ago

    I haven't observed lifestyle of a person who doesn't believe in God but i have seen people  who don't have God in them they are usually unkind in nature and they will critcise everything not just God for they think they are selfmade and bigger than God such people don't get love and attention from everyone unless its a person of similar kind . They don't know what love is and their heart is like ripe fruit.

  16. sirifly profile image61
    siriflyposted 11 years ago

    Because they feel passionately about it and anyone trying to question their entire belief is a danger a large part of their world.

  17. letswriting profile image60
    letswritingposted 11 years ago

    When we have different faith, opinion or something else, its normal to criticize each other.

  18. steveso profile image75
    stevesoposted 11 years ago

    I think it is a social thing, that belonging to a group gives a certain measure of security. The same happens in high school when teenagers in certain cliques, feel safe and secure and bully and criticize those who are not in their group. We have examples of this in athletic teams, cheer leaders and other groups which stress popularity over anything else. Even people who drink or do drugs criticize those that don't. Very insecure people mistakenly believe that when they put some one down, they are pulling themselves up in the eyes of their peers. We must also not foget that members of just about any religion are taught and firmly believe that their religion is the one true religion. This fact alone causes members to criticize and condemn non believers.

  19. thumbappoo profile image72
    thumbappooposted 11 years ago

    If I say 2+2 =7, will you get upset? No, because you know pretty well that 2+2= 4. At the same time, if I say there is no God, a lot of people will become upset. That shows confusion. They themselves are not sure. Real believers never criticize non-believers. They are only worried about these people.

  20. profile image0
    VeronicaInspiresposted 11 years ago

    Some believers can be a little critical, judgmental and self-righteous of non-believers, but we certainly all aren't that way.

    And I think it just has something to do with our eagerness in wanting to share the gospel with others, our wanting to help put people on the path to right living, and our wanting to share what God is doing or has done for our lives so that He can do the same for them.

    But yes, that over zealousness can easily be misconstrued.

  21. EtherInfomat profile image58
    EtherInfomatposted 9 years ago

    I am a atheist, and I am not meaning to be rude. When I ask question I don't criticizes, for I am just looking for your answer. Because the funny thing is atheists (on norm) know more about religion then religious people. This is normally because where studying the human condition or trying to figure out why you think only your religion is real against all the others. There are religions that are a lot older. The Mesopotamians had a older religion. Like a lot older, and the first to have myths about it written down. So the question is why are you taking offense to question because if your religion is the only true one it should be able to stand up to criticism.

  22. gmwilliams profile image84
    gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

    https://usercontent1.hubstatic.com/7495706_f260.jpg

    Again it depends upon the leanings of the religionist in question.  Religionists of a more liberal & universal bent contend that each person has his/her particular religious,spiritual or ethical path.  Liberal & universal religionists maintain that people are where they are supposed to be regarding their specific religious, spiritual, or ethical path. They refuse to believe that there is ONE religious or spiritual path for all. 

    However, religionists of a more conservative, dogmatic, traditional, or fundamentalist bent strongly maintain that their religious viewpoint is the only sanctioned/ legitimate one.  They maintain that those who do not believe as they do are in error, do not know any better, &/or are lost.  They feel that it is their duty to get the "errant" person on which they believe is the so-called correct path. 

    Such religionists are highly critical & unaccepting of those with different, even opposite religious, spiritual, &/or ethical paths because they refuse to believe that others would take such a religious, spiritual, &/or ethical path.  They find such to be high unconscionable in their view.  They may also feel threatened by people who express religious, spiritual, or ethical views that are different from theirs.  They do not want to hear these different views for it may make them feel uncomfortable regarding their current religious beliefs thus leading them to question long-held religious beliefs.   

    It can also be envy of the person with the different religious, spiritual &/or ethical belief.  That person may be quite satisfied with his/her religious, spiritual, &/or ethical beliefs & this religionist is not really happy with his/her belief as he/she was inculcated rigorously regarding such beliefs systems since childhood.  He/she believes as he/she does because of a familial paradigm or he/she stay with the religion because of fear of being disowned by family members.  Other religionists may reluctantly stay with such a religion because of supernatural retribution, particularly in an afterlife.  In essence, the religionists is lashing out at the one with the different belief system because of his/her subconscious unhappiness with his/her particular religion.

 
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