Why Christians Get Offended When Jesus Gets Attacked
Recently in my college classes we discussed diversity issues and how they can affect us in college and in life. One of the exercises we do in class is called “Examining Your Own Prejudices”. It involves each student taking an index card and anonymously writing a couple of sentences about a group of people that they have the most difficulty with. I then read each of the cards aloud, and we have a class discussion about them. We talk about where these prejudices come from, how to prevent stereotyping an entire group based on them, how to work with groups with which we have difficulties, and so on.
It’s usually a pretty controversial, yet enlightening exercise. It never fails…in each class I’ve taught there is usually a card mentioning a problem that someone has with Atheists (or non-Christians). There’s also a card or two listing Christians as the problem group. These two types of cards have a tendency to bring on the most discussion, sometimes heated. It’s often because Christians get offended and hurt by some of what’s said.
This past week, I tried to convey to one of my classes why Christians get offended sometimes, at least from my perspective. I wanted to share a little insight about why this might get so heated from a Christian perspective, and why we get so hurt when people speak badly of Jesus. I shared with them a note I had typed into my phone a while back.
Imagine a friend showing up at the worst time of your life
Imagine that you go through the hardest time of your life. You end up meeting this friend, but this friend may not have the best reputation among other people. In fact, a lot of people don’t like this person. However, this friend shows up in your darkest time of need.
This person is there when you just need somebody to listen. You can call on them no matter the time of day or night. This person doesn’t get offended and will even sit there and take you yelling at them, screaming at them, and even blaming them for your situation even though they might have had nothing to do with it. Still, they sit there and take it because they know you don’t really mean it and that you were just reacting out of your own hurt and anger.
This friend helps you get through the worst times. They give you good advice and help you problem-solve at times when you find it hard to. They walk with you through the whole process, and they never let you do it alone.
This friend gives you comfort. They show you and tell you things that will make you feel better. They remind you about the future, all that you can still accomplish, and of the good things that are yet to come. When you need your space, they don’t crowd you, but they always hang in the background ready and waiting for when you need to call on them. Because of what this friend has done for you, they have now become your very best friend.
Now imagine you are criticized for this friend
Now, imagine somebody coming along and criticizing you because you’re friends with this particular person. Imagine that they make fun of that person, and they even criticize you. Some people start say you’re not a good person because you’re friends with that person. Consequently, you are offended.
Inside you might be thinking some of these thoughts…
“You don’t even know them.”
“You’re basing your opinions on things that others have said or just a mere speculation. Have you ever taken the time to get to know this person?”
“Do you realize what they’ve done for me? They were there in times when you weren’t or couldn’t be.”
“How could I not be their friend and be loyal to them? Why would I not take offense when you are criticizing somebody who has helped me so much and changed my life?”
“How could I not be sad for you and wish you could only know this person like I do?”
“If only you would give this person a chance, and you could see what they could do for you too.”
“Once you get to know them, you would see they’re not like what you think it all. If you would truly get to know them, you would learn to love them just as much as I do. You would change your opinion of them.”
When somebody has been such a good friend to you, you want your other friends to meet that same friend. You know that they will love them as much as you do because they’re just so freaking awesome!
What Jesus is to me
That’s what Jesus is to me. That’s why he’s my best friend. It’s why I get offended (and probably why other Christians get offended) when people criticize me for being a Christian and when people criticize my Jesus. He’s MY Jesus. He’s not just some random historical figure. He is very, very real to me.
I hurt when others say hurtful things about him–just as I would if someone said hurtful things about any of my other close friends or family. It’s because they are mine. I claim them, and I am loyal to them.
As Christians, it truly is hurtful and like a personal attack on us when somebody attacks or makes fun of Jesus. We take the attack as if it were on us as well. Also, we feel sad because we so bad want others to know Jesus like we do. We know what he did for us, and we know he’ll do the same for them too.
Take Some Practical Steps When You Or Other Christians Get Offended When Jesus Gets Attacked:
- First, recognize that every person can have their own opinion and has the freedom of choice. God gave His son, Jesus, as a free gift for the taking, but He will NOT force him on anyone. When Christians come across as pushy, we seem like predators.
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV)
- Next, help others to understand WHY you get offended—tell them your story. Sharing specific details about what Jesus has done for you will give them the gift of your perspective. People might tend to soften when they see that Jesus is real to you and that you have a real relationship with him. This might help them to understand why Christians get offended and hurt at times when opposing opinions are thrown around.
“Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 (GNT)
“I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.” Psalm 9:1 (NLT)
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:4 (NIV)
“”Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NIV)
- Finally, don’t counterattack. Jesus is a big boy. He has handled his fair share of attacks. He handled them better than we give him credit for. He’ll help us to do the same. Counterattacks will only drive people away from Jesus and will do more harm than good for the cause of Christ. Always respond in love. Read some more tips in this post on How to Respond When People Offend You. You might also find it helpful to read this post on scriptures to help when you feel attacked or persecuted.
“If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.” Proverbs 19:11 (GNT)
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
Do you take it personally when people attack Jesus or Christianity? Why do you think Christians get offended when Jesus gets attacked? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
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