Why Are Christians so Narrow Minded?

"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."

-Origination Unknown

Many atheists and Christian adversaries would say "yes."

All too often Christian haters use the argument that Christians just need to have an "open mind" to other ways of living, which is synonymous for "let me keep on sinning, because it's working for me."

While there are appropriate times to share the truth in love and with tactfulness, if a Christian does not agree with a person's lifestyle, the Christian should remove himself from that situation. That means stop hanging out with people that are openly sinning. It's not that difficult.

Spiritual Fellowship With an Unbeliever?

Many Christians attempt to have fellowship with non-Christians, based on non-spiritual common interests. Ultimately, one of three things will happen:

1. The Christian will be dulled by the presence of sinful living, affecting his or her spiritual life
2. The non-Christian will be impacted positively by the Friendship Evangelism efforts
3. The two "friends" will come to a mutual impass in worldviews, and the friendship ends

(More often, the first option happens, because it is much easier to leave Christ at home, than to take a firm stance for the Lord)

The Christian cannot be in true spiritual fellowship with those that do not have Christ. The root word for fellowship is "koinonia" which is a Greek word that means (communion) "that which we have in common." The Christian and the non-believer cannot be in true spiritual fellowship, although you may be able to find common interests and common ground to be civil.

What Does the Bible Say About the Narrow Path?

Matthew 7:13-14 says: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Christians are directed by the Bible to walk a narrow path. It is a path that not everyone will travel. It is much easier to walk the broad path that most people take. This is a path that allows any man to be his own god, and to create his own sense of morality, and come up with his own set of rule for living on Earth.

My Path is Narrow, Should My Mind Be Narrow Too?

It is very difficult living in this world, where religions and ideas clash.

Can one maintain a respectable persona, while adhering to one's faith?

I believe so, but it is much more difficult for those living under a religion that requires the killing of infidels and those that do not accept their religion. Under such conditions, it would be impossible.

Christianity Teaches Love, Not Eternity Through Killing

Christianity is not such a religion. Christianity says to "love your neighbor," yet so many Christians struggle with this.

Notice that Jesus did not condone Peter chopping off the ear of a Roman soldier. Jesus touched and healed this man.

When his own people (the Jews) gave Jesus over to be crucified, he did not turn around in a rage and violently protest. He went through with it, because he loved the very people that hated him, which sadly were his own people.

Editorial Commentary: I would say that teaching to love those that despise you is very difficult. This is an extremely narrow path that Christians should walk, yet many Christians fail at this.

Can one show love to those that oppose Christianity?

I believe so. The below forum post is a good example of one walking a narrow path, despite a tumultuous environment of criticism.

The inspiration of this Hub actually came from the forum discussion titled: Narrow Opinions in Religion, by Hubpages user, jonnycomelately. (See Hubpages forum path above)

A respectable answer by Hubpages user, maramerce:

"I have always contended and confirmed the truth that my faith is personal as are my values. It's not my right to tell anyone else how to live their lives, but my right to make sure I am living my life aligned toward my own personal faith and values. Sometimes that means refraining from intimate relationships with those who do not share my faith or values, not because I wish to change them or am intolerant of them, but simply because I don't want to make bedfellows with someone who holds opposing ideals which would cause me conflict and strife on a daily basis within my own spirit. It's one thing to be open-minded. It's another thing to compromise your beliefs. I have many friends of all kinds of faiths and nationalities. I love diversity and love open discussions on topics of faith. However, I am not willing to change my values to accommodate anyone."

Would you consider maramerce narrow-minded?

The forum discussion creator, jonnycomelately responded with:

"Thanks for a bit of down-to-earth honest, Maramerce. I can accept your point of view without any problem at all. There is your personal point of view, without negating some one else's point of view. The way to live together (at least as neighbours) in harmony."

Judging by this answer, Hubpages user maramerce was not perceived as a threat, and not received as a narrow-minded Christian in this particular forum discussion.