Do They Hate Christianity without Cause?

Christians are followers of Christ, right? Jesus stood for goodness, kindness, service, forgiveness and love. Jesus promoted godliness and holiness among His followers. The life of the Christian is on a trajectory to be more like Christ each day.

Yet, for some, the mere mention of Christianity causes a strong negative reaction. Depending on the circumstances, they might offer their opinion about the evils of Christianity. Yes, it is true. Some people think that Christianity has done far more harm than good. Some people hate Christianity and despise Christians.

Why would anyone hate Christianity and what can we do about it?

Some people hate Christianity because of the evils done in the name of Christ in the past and in the present. While you and I cannot be held accountable for the Crusades, those wars were initiated and fought in the name of Christ. For many unbelievers, that intuitively goes against what they believe Christianity should be. They are correct. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. On the day He was crucified He told Pilate that if His kingdom were of this world, His disciples would be fighting for Him. So, even Jesus would say that the Crusades were bad.

In our day, some professed Christians attach to Christianity their political views or their love of country. However, the teachings and values of Jesus transcend political ideologies and national boundaries. So, it is understandable when unbelievers are critical for such associations.

Some people look down on or even hate Christianity because of the internal problems witnessed within groups claiming affiliation with Christianity. They see sin tolerated, strife over petty issues, and division. The problem is not new, but it is damaging. Most of the content of the letter of 1 Corinthians focuses on division within the church in Corinth in the first century. One of the problems the Apostle Paul addressed was how the Christians were taking fellow Christians to the secular courts over their disagreements. He said it would be better to be wronged than to act in such a way. Another problem in the church in Corinth was the tolerance of a particular sin that Paul said would not even be tolerated by godless people.

We might sum up these reasons for hating Christianity under the header of hypocrisy. Even without being taught the Bible, most people have an idea of the kind of people Christians are supposed to be. So, when outsiders see the lives of Christians who are not living up to the standards of Christ, they justify their distaste for Christianity.

Undoubtedly, this kind of thing must make God very sad. After all, it has been His plan for Christians to showcase to the world the benefits of being in the family of God. So, what can we do? In the Scriptures we (Christians) are taught:

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

--Matthew 5:44

Let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. 

--Galatians 6:10

In everything, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

--Matthew 7:12

Love your neighbor as yourself.

--Matthew 22:39

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

--Romans 12:10

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you. 

--Ephesians 4:32

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. 

--John 13:35

If all Christians were truly devoted to these teachings, those outside of Christ would have a very different view of Christianity. 

But what about you? 

What is your part in all this? 

The answer: Self-denial. 

Read the verses again because it is not about YOU.

Mark Stinnett

September 13, 2026