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Socrates was a much wiser man than I for I know not what to question those who spout fallacies. I dont know enough about the hatred of christianity myself. I find that at least in my community and social spectrum that the people are very acceptant of eachother on some level when it comes to religion. Perhaps it's my moralistic character that blinds me from it because people may assume i am christian.

I'm not going to ban you, just don't be so cold to the members unless they deserve it. As for the other members, this is not a thread to rant your hate of christianity or to rave on about how you are hated. As philosophers there should be some level of unbias. Talk about the subject in general and then you could use personal experience to back up your theories.

Will this satisfy you Shekibobo?

Back on topic, now:

I understand, to some extent, where the anti-Christians are coming from. A lot of it I blame on the seeming arrogance of our leaders, and the free-license this appears to give his more radical or, dare I say, ignorant followers.

For one, the idea that "God's got our back" is one of those things that many Christians take as an acknowledgement of their superiority over other, less righteous people. This, in spite of Christ's own teachings to humble oneself before all others - to serve others rather than exalt oneself (if for no other reason than not to shame oneself in front of others).

Of course, then, there is the idea that Christians believe that their religion is the one true religion. However, this same idea is carried through most deist religions. That is the crux of faith. Why believe if you don't think it's right? But Christians, some claim, take it one step further, as spreading the religion of Jesus Christ is a major mission of Christianity, leading to the widespread impression that they force their religion on others. Again, many Christians - but far from a majority, if even a large minority, ever force this religion on others. Granted, if one shows interest, there is incentive to spread the word. However, the main goal is not to convert - a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. It would do no good for the person or the religion. What Christ taught was to spread faith by example. Again, service.

Now, I know, you might say, "By passing laws that are founded on the Christian faith, they are forcing their religion upon us." I can agree with this - but not for the same reasons. A society is based upon the common ideals of the majority - at least in a democracy, but in most other forms as well. As has been stated, there seems to be an overwhelming majority of Christians in the United States. "America was founded on Christianity," I often hear. This is only partially true. America was founded on philosophy, more than anything else. Christianity was simply an example of that philosophy. Separation of Church and Sate is even a Christian ideal: "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's." The reason Christianity seems to be the basis of so many of our laws is because of the majority of those citizens who are active in making those laws. Democracy is a government of the people - the majority, with consideration for the minority.

Christianity is so apparent in so many of the practices in the United States, not so much because Christianity has an overwhelming power in our society, but rather, because so many of our country's ideals are echoed in the ideals of Christianity. They are concepts that work, and are often necessary for a functioning, stable, and free society.

Food for thought.

I would say the biggest source for hatred towards Christianity is spam. Many Christians feel the need to force their rhetoric and beliefs on others, whether they want to hear it or not. Or attempt to instill this in our government, schools or other non-religious social organizations.

Just as Two Tone Stoner says... there is a strong belief amongst all religions that everyone else is wrong and to put it into a common ebonics phrase... 'better recognize.'

And merely by speaking the phrase "I do not believe in God" not only invokes thoughts of sacrelidge amongst Christians, but also ostresizes the person from their religious group.

My consensus, is that religion is for personal spirituality. When that same spirituality is applied to the groups of people, it causes strife, hatred and violence. This is true from the international standpoint of Jews vs Muslems vs Christians... but is also true down to the smallest scale. Each major religion has factions or sects. Each sect is splintered into even smaller groups of churches/temples. Each church/temple is split amongst it's congregations on their beliefs... and even amongst the smallest group, such as in a bible study or youth group, you will find differences of opinion which causes strife.

Moral of the story? Keep your religion to yourself. mrgreen

I believ, as I once was slightly christain, is the pushing of their religion onto other people. Many have already stated it, but to me, thats mostly the reason. Some other reasons might be that the firm believers always say, 'god be in your life' or 'god bless you' and other things, trying to put their religion into conversations. 'God helped me with this, god did that.' I, personally, think those are a few main reasons, though they fit with most religions to date. I will make an outside opinion on all religions, they're all ignorant. I'm not a religious person, as I've said before, but I really do think all religions have their flaws, and christianity tries to go off on that. 'You god/deity did that, so you should believe this.' I, althouth believe in my own, "created" religion, try not to get others to join. I contradict myself alot on that point though.

Bleh, sorry, can't compile my thoughts long enough, so I hope you can get my main idea. sweatdrop