I've noticed among a lot of my friends that it just doesn't seem to be Politically Correct to be Christian. I've got a pretty ethnically diverse friend group even. I know some Hindu believers, a Buddhist, Scientologist family, and several aethiests. It just seems like their more willing to accept religious differences in each other than in me. Example: my aethiest friend had scheduled his birthday party for Dec 2nd, which was a Sunday. He had to work that afternoon and evening, so he scheduled it for the morning. Well, I had church Sunday morning and do my very best not to miss it. Telling him this, didn't go over well. Yet I found out later that he was totally fine with some jewish friends of ours giving him the same reason. I don't get it. I totally agree with people believing in their own religion as the Bible does say not to force our way on others. I mean how often did the people in the Bible find others forcing their religions or interpretations of the same religion on them? My question is: Why can't I have as much respect for what I believe as those of other religions? Any thoughts would be greately appreciated.

Jesus warns us of this and tells us why therefore it never surprises me...
John 15:18,19,20,21 (all quotes from KJV)
18-"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you."
19-"If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have choosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
20-"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
21-"But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

But we can find comfort in these words from Jesus...
Matthew 10:22 "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

We are even told in 1 John 3:13 to not be surprised if the world hates us.
"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you."

The world hated God since the beginning, it never changed and it never will. But take comfort kadit, for it does not matter what the world thinks of you. This hateful world will end where you will continue in the greatest love you have ever known, where only love abides. God gives love in which this world does not possess nor can give even if they wanted to. The world can't possibly give us the love God can. So why would we want love from this world anyway?

I for one, do not discrimminate. I think all religious beliefs are equally silly! -lol

Edited, no need to attack one specific denomination of Christianity, esp when it is unfounded bias, *** FC***

The only way it will be PC to be a Christian is when Jesus returns and takes His Reign on earth.

Hmm. I apologize, although I take exception to your use of the word "attack". I was simply pointing out that this particular denomination makes claims that even other Christians find silly. That's a fact. Not an attack.

What denomination are you speaking of?

Well, I didn't mention it lest I commit the same offense twice! -lol

Let's just say, they expect to see Jesus in Missouri soon (or one of the southern US states). Another hint: There is a person seeking to become president of the most powerful country on earth who also believes this stuff. That's downright frightening to me.

Agreed attack was too strong, I am sorry, but of course all denominations in the most part claim that the others are either silly, wrong or even of satan. If you pray in front of a icon holding beads, you will be told you are doomed to hell by some on the far right.

If you were not immersed for baptism, some groups try and say you were never really baptised.

If I was to try and put holy water on some people they would act like it is battery acid.

But would you agree that some claims are more outrageous than others?

The chances that that Jesus rose from the dead is small indeed. But the chances that he not only did this, but will shortly be living in Missouri is many magnitudes MORE unlikely! In other words, this is a much more outrageous claim than simply claiming he rose from the dead 2000 years ago.

Like I said, I think it's all silly. But clearly some religious claims are sillier than others.

If your "friend" doesn't understand why you feel it is more important to go to church than to his party, perhaps you need a new friend.

The answer to your question is, you CAN have as much respect for what you believe as those of other religions; you just have to find people who are willing to dish out respect equally. It's tough, but they are out there.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...

I think the problem is that there are millions of "Christians" in America that are hardly deserving of the name. They do not act in a Christ-like way. They disrespect other faiths, even other Christian denominations. They steal, murder, sleep around, etc. The result: The world sees these examples and views Christians as a group of unorganized idiots who bend the rules of their faith to suit themselves.

My point is that the lack of unity between the various Christian denominations is the very reason why nobody takes Christianity seriously.

Did you know that 86% of Americans describe themselves as Christians?

All the excessive complaints from Christians about how they are persecuted ARE MADE UP and exaggerated to stir up fear in people who don't know any facts. Lots of Christians are ruled by FEAR in America, not love or brotherhood as Jesus taught. In fact, he taught his disciples not to worry(be fearful)!! Christians are called to be A LIGHT IN THE WORLD, not more darkness, ignorance, and fear.

Sadly most that describe thierself as Christian are not, they may have been in a church once but know little. And even some of the so called christian churches have long since stop being christian and now teach a more modern teaching of personal preference.

But they are not in fear but in anger of being placed in second place over those religions that get preference. Such as Congress who voted last week on a resolution mentioning Islam but would not vote on one about Christmas.

Jesus definitely was not "PC" - look who he associated with.
So take comfort in that.

Also remember that, love and respect for others, especially for those that don't seem to deserve it, is the ultimate message.

I'm assuming you are from an Anglo counrty [ US UK Australia or maybe Canada]?

I'll admit, my faith has not been challenged like it would be if I were in, say, China, or Iraq, or certain parts of Africa. We have got it much easier in the US.

I wanted to say EXCELLENT response from Moonlitwaves originally...

AND

I am always surprised even after not coming to this site for several weeks that nearly every post in the christianity board regardless of what the original question is always ends up on the same theme with the same players arguing the same points... very interesting

The answer is that many people are afraid of the Truth, therefore, of God and His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ. They will shirk and whine and become recalcitrant and rebellious and find excuses to not be confronted with what they innately know is the Truth about Christianity, that they too are sons of God, simply and after all, because God made these people (the unbelievers) too and they will always feel that spiritual connection to Him though in their continuing and all-consuming defiance may not come to acknowledge it until it is too late. God, of course, allows them to do so due to their free will. But it will be a different story when it comes time for their passing and they see Jesus standing before them as Scripture relates. How hard it is for some to believe in Jesus and their Creator. How hard it will continue to be when they come face-to-face with Him at their appointed time.

"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." -- JOHN 5:24 (KJV)

"Jesus saith unto him, I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." -- JOHN 14:6 (KJV)

Christians have gotten a bad rap with a lot of other people in the community, depending on the community. Good people come from all religions, or none, etc. You know this because these people are your friends. But, Christians to some people are thought of as being self righteous, pushing their religion on people, self centered, not culturally diverse. With good reason, hell, look at the crusades, or the majority religion of politicians, etc. To say that treating you a certain way is fair based on that stereo type is just as bad as treating any person differently based on those things. If these people are really good friends, just have a good frank conversation with them.

Maybe ask them, "Hey, have you ever felt isolated or alienated based on something in your life, like the way you look, or your religion?" they will say yes, all people have "I have felt that way recently and I don't know if it's just my perception of the situation, if it is not accurate or not but wanted to talk you about my feelings" then explain. People are more apt to understand when you bring them to a place that made them feel the same way, versus an out and out question that might offend them.

I have to assume that you speak in reference to the USA when you say that persecution is a made up issue. In many parts of the world, persecution against Christians is widespread and severe. Sometimes it is on the part of communities, other times it is by government. Did you know that it is a capital crime to convert to Christianity in Saudi Arabia?