criticizing Christianity

[Comprehend]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

 

[evearael]

I tend to feel you can object to the actions of a particular Christian or Church without reading the bible, but I don't feel it's appropriate to criticize it as a religion without at least a solid grounding in its holy book.

 

[Jaymes]

Does someone have to know a person in and out before criticizing how they act?

While it's handy to know the history behind Christianity and the Bible, I don't think a person needs to read the Bible before having justification at criticizing the dude on the street corner telling everyone they'll go to hell if they don't accept Jesus.

 

[twirlybirdy]

Personally, I have not read the bible from cover to cover. I've done instensive studies on various chapters. I still call myself a christian and defend my christian beliefs. Even though people, yeah. I lost my point. Ill let you know when i find it again>.>

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

That would depend on what they are criticizing Christianity about.
The way we behave?
The way we treat non Christians?
Our lack of Christianity?
Our lack of Faith?
our lack of Unity?
There are many ways to criticize Christianity with out a Knowledge of the Bible.

 

[Buttons*]

Does someone have to know a person in and out before criticizing how they act?

While it's handy to know the history behind Christianity and the Bible, I don't think a person needs to read the Bible before having justification at criticizing the dude on the street corner telling everyone they'll go to hell if they don't accept Jesus.

it's not only handy, it's necessary in American society. SO much of our culture is involved with the Bible, it would be ignorant not to have knowledge of it and be well read in it.

I think criticizing a person who attacks someone else for their beliefs ONLY perpetuates the hate that is in society today. If you cant play nice, you dont deserve to play. Instead of criticizing them and saying "its you bible thumping freaks who destroy society" it would be FAR more constructive to show them verses in the Bible, (so you can speak their language, so to speak) where God promises love even for sinners. It would be just all around more intelligent to use the Bible as a recourse when questioning it ... that's just my opinion though

 

[Hacker]

It's not so much about criticizing Christianity in itself, because not all of it's theology is contradicting but yes I think it's very simple to criticize it based on the concept of a loving God condemning eternal damnation on non adherents of this faith.

 

[lunamoth]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

Certainly it's a good start to read the Bible, but even just doing that will not really 'qualify' anyone to criticize Christianity. I've read the Pentatuech in pretty good detail but I don't think that gives me sufficient knowledge to criticize Judaism. I would never think that just reading the Quran would give me sufficient insight to be able to criticize Islam.

However, if you are critical of certain aspects of a religious attitude as shown by adherants I don't think you need to read and understand their Scriptures to voice your concerns. It 's a good start for building bridges to understanding though.

 

[nutshell]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

By their fruits shall ye know them.

I don't have to read any group's book to see how they act. My compliments or criticizms will be based on how they act - not on what's written in their book that they may or may not follow.

 

[Comprehend]

By their fruits shall ye know them.

I don't have to read any group's book to see how they act. My compliments or criticizms will be based on how they act - not on what's written in their book that they may or may not follow.

In that case, you would be criticizing those who follow a chosen philosophy, not the philosophy itself. For example, many people say that Islam is a violent religion. In order to find that out, you would have to actually read the Koran and other Muslim writings to determine whether or not it is true. However, you could say there are Muslims who are violent (just like there are violent Christians) but the statement would only be addressing the actions of the individuals not the characteristics or teachings of the religion itself. likewise, you could not assess Christianity by the actions of it's followers. What if the followers had all perverted what their religion actually teaches? How would you know?

 

[gnostic]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

I'd guess that you are talking about non-Christians criticising Christianity.

There is more to Christianity than just the Bible. There are the churches and their different sects. There is different interpretations; it would seem that LDS have different interpretations from other mainstream Christians. There is also the people and the Christian communities that make up what is "Christianity". There is also a long history of Christianity.

Do Christianity deserve some of the criticism?

I'd say yes.

The same goes for any other religions, like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as the the smaller religious groups. We do need to critically look at each religion, not just what's in the bible, but also the churches and the behaviors of Christians

Christians have in the past, as well as the present criticise both other religions, against another sects, and against non-religious groups. The worse ones I have come across are the ones who refuse to listen non-Christians, and who tell me, in my face, that I would go to hell. That's something that turn me off about Christianity, judging other people simply because we don't to their groups. If Christians or Muslims are going to criticise others, who don't belong to their respective religions, then they shouldn't complain if we examine their religions and put their belief and teachings under the spotlight or microscope.

 

[McBell]

Does someone have to know a person in and out before criticizing how they act?

While it's handy to know the history behind Christianity and the Bible, I don't think a person needs to read the Bible before having justification at criticizing the dude on the street corner telling everyone they'll go to hell if they don't accept Jesus.

Would this not, technically, be critisizing the person, or group of persons, and not the religion?
Or would it be critisizing the actions and not even the person?

 

[McBell]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

Then you should have to read the Qur'an from cover to cover in order to critisize Islam, right?

You would have to read the US Constitution and Bill of rights before you can ccritisize the US government, right?

 

[Comprehend]

Then you should have to read the Qur'an from cover to cover in order to critisize Islam, right?

You would have to read the US Constitution and Bill of rights before you can ccritisize the US government, right?

yes, and yes. and I have and I have. the Qur'an is not very long and the Constitution is even shorter. If you care enough to comment on the subject, the least one could do is read their primary documents. I read the Qur'an right after Sept. 11th and I have read the Constitution and bill of rights numerous times in high school, college and law school.

 

[Comprehend]

Would this not, technically, be critisizing the person, or group of persons, and not the religion?
Or would it be critisizing the actions and not even the person?

EXACTLY. at least one person is getting the distinction. thank you - frubals.

 

[Pah]

Is it necessary to have actually read the bible before one can criticize Christianity? I think it is. Cover to cover. Would anybody listen to me complain about some movie that I haven't seen? of course not. So why does anybody listen to people who argue against Christianity when they haven't actually read the Bible?

Sometimes, just a little bit of biblical knowledge is enough to counter many of the behaviors of some. Additionally there is also extra-biblical sources available on the internet.

 

[lunamoth]

But comprehend, a religion is much more than its Book. Do you think a person could know all there is to know about LDS by reading the Bible + BoM? Isn't there anything else that might be considered doctrine or tradition not found, or not directly understood, from reading those books as if in a vaccuum?

luna

 

[Pah]

it's not only handy, it's necessary in American society. SO much of our culture is involved with the Bible, it would be ignorant not to have knowledge of it and be well read in it.

...

I'll go along with that if you allow me to say "some knowledge". However, even at my layman level of knowlege, I have more understanding about the Constitution and constitutional law than most Christians. The Constitution is what what governs all of American society.

 

[Pah]

Would this not, technically, be critisizing the person, or group of persons, and not the religion?
Or would it be critisizing the actions and not even the person?

EXACTLY. at least one person is getting the distinction. thank you - frubals.

I find it disinctions with no difference in both the posed questions.

 

[Scuba Pete]

The real problem is that many Christians do stupid stuff. Really stupid stuff that they should be critisized for. Me included.

The criticisms are usually meant for the PERSON, but their professed beliefs get in the way and become the focal point of the criticism. Is this right? Well, it's incredibly important for us to not put a stumbling block OF OUR OWN in the way.

Christianity has enough issues being accepted. People hate us for what we are and they have from the very beginning.

II Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, NIV

II Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. NIV