Some people hate Christianity, and justifiably so. It might be violence masquerading as the Lord’s cause (i.e., the Crusades). It might be criminal activity among church leaders. It might be immoral behavior that is tolerated or ‘swept under the rug’ to keep a church scandal hidden from the public. Where high ideals and moral behavior are preached but hypocrisy is seen, it is found to be highly distasteful. For that reason, some do not hate Christianity without cause. (See last week’s article.) And yet, those displays of ungodly behavior are not real Christianity.
More confounding are those who hate Christianity when God’s people are following God’s word. Those who are saints live by the Golden Rule, live the Sermon on the Mount, strive to love God and love their neighbor. They may not lead perfect lives, but they are not hypocrites. Nor do they wear their holiness like a badge of honor. Rather, in humble sincerity, they stive to live like Christ. And yet, some people still hate Christianity and those who are Christians, and there is nothing we can do about it.
The reason is rather simple. It is rooted in the character of God and the human conscience.
We understand that fellowship with God is based on living according to the divine character of God (compassion, grace, forgiveness, faithfulness, kindness, love, justice). Anyone who goes against the character of God naturally breaks fellowship with God. Said another way, God cannot embrace anyone who is foreign to His divine character of purity, holiness, love, and justice. So, those who oppose God are rejected by God. However, it is not because God rejects them. Rather, by their values and decisions, they choose to reject God.
The sad truth is that many people do not wish to live in harmony and fellowship with God. They wish to be independent of God and live according to their own standard. They oppose the very character of God and His holiness.
However, when they oppose God’s character by sinning, they feel guilt in their conscience. That is because God placed within every human being a moral code that does not require oral or written law. Paul refers to it in Romans 1 as the ‘ordinance of God’ (v. 32). This unwritten moral standard forbids murder, disobedience to parents and immorality, among other sins. So, even those who reject God know that some things are wrong, and their conscience informs them of their guilt.
Since they do not wish to live by God’s standard, they attempt to justify their sin or rationalize it. Yet, Christianity (and Christians) are a stark reminder of God and His standard of holiness. So, they despise Christianity.
The following Scriptures inform us of our responsibility toward those haters:
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.--Romans 12:18
He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you,Reprove a wise man and he will love you.--Proverbs 9:7-8
Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine,or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.--Matthew 7:6
If you discover that a person is a scoffer, one who mocks God, mocks the teachings of Jesus, and mocks the people of God, your best response is generally silence. By engaging in debate, especially publicly (including social media), you may be the one providing them a platform for openly mocking God. The exception may be if naïve listeners would benefit from your correction.
Be wise and do not provide haters an opportunity to further mock God.
Mark Stinnett
September 20, 2026
