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

Where Are You Living?

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
--Ecclesiastes 7:10

Looking Back
This verse is about looking back. When life’s trials loom before us (job loss, family issues, lengthy illness, death, etc.), it is easy to drift in to the past. Missed opportunities can also weigh heavily. “Yesteryear” was easier. Life was simpler then.

Who do you know that often relives the ‘glory days’ of high school or college? Every conversation soon turns to that ‘great’ event of the past or the way it was.

“Those were the good ol’ days.”


This kind of thinking, Solomon said, does NOT come from wisdom.

Looking Forward
The other side of now is also addressed in Scripture. James wrote about those who make future business plans without taking into consideration the brevity of life. As an alternative to boasting about one’s future:

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.” 

--James 4:15

The emphasis is not as much about the planning as it is the uncertainty of life. You do not know if you will live until tomorrow. Tomorrow is in the Lord’s hands. So, boasting about tomorrow’s plans is futile. Some people live in tomorrow pouring their thoughts and efforts into uncertain outcomes to the extent that they forget to live today.

Ah! Vacations!
You may remember vacations that would qualify as “the good ol’ days.” Each day’s agenda: play, play, eat, play. There were no responsibilities.

Ah! The early years!
What about the first few years of marriage? New wife, new job, bright future, great vegetable garden, new baby, good friends. What was so good about the early years of marriage? We remember the good but hardships and mistakes are often remembered with laughter.

Ah! The prospects of tomorrow!
Planning for the future can be quite fun, but speculative. Why? It has its feet firmly planted in...“if.”

Ugh! Today!
Many people are weary of the reality of today before it even beings. Today is filled with responsibilities and obstacles of many kinds. That’s no fun.

Wisdom From Above
Solomon teaches us that it is unwise to live in the past, while James reminds us of the uncertainty of tomorrow, that it is also unwise to live in the future. We are not taught to shut our eyes to the past or to the future. We should learn from the past. Whatever our future on earth holds, we can look forward in hope to our eternal home. Yet it is important to live now.

Look back! Laugh. Evaluate. Enjoy memories. Just don’t live there.
Look forward! Dream. Make plans. But don’t live there either.

The past is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is reality. Today is your residence. Today is where your friends and family exist. Today is life. Meet the challenges and responsibilities of each day head on.

For a New Testament perspective on past, present and future, read Romans 5:1-5. Then, persevere through the hardships and consider how God is refining you into someone better.

Today, where are you living?

Mark Stinnett

February 16, 2025