by Zachary Heil

Created on: August 19, 2008

Although I'm not Christian, I find this "issue" very compelling and feel the need to tackle it. Christianities repute, simply as a religion (regardless of its philosophies), is riddled with many disturbing and unsettling events. There's no denying that it's as fallible as mankind, and has often portrayed its flaws in the past. American foreign policy in its entire history shares the same inequalities. Still, within them both lie intentions of good will, loving, and understanding.

Its not unreasonable for someone to feel resentment for any potentially dangerous ideal. Ideal's that have roots in poor interpretations, or in not understanding context of history and culture. The Norwegian "black metal" music scene is fronted by many descendants of families that were all but destroyed by Christianity, hundreds of years ago. Norway, is in no way the only country to be affected negatively by the "spreading of the gospel". North and South American Indians were subdued and forced into a religion that had no identity in their ancient cultures. African tribes were decimated, when it came time to for the greed of Europe to absorb more sovereign nations. Nearly all over the world, Christianity was enforced (often by threat of death) into people's lives, regardless of who they were.

That fact of history alone is enough reason to incite hatred for Christianity. Thankfully, I as well as many others, understand the differences of today and the many days passed. Hating a Christian, just because they're a Christian is as morally wrong as being racist. It shows blatant ignorance of the many variables that define an individual.

Some Christians can be down right mean, spiteful, and resentful. Just as well, some can be sweet, loving and kind. Doesn't it make sense to simply ignore the bad apples instead of associating them with the rest? Shouldn't we learn from our mistakes and focus on the importance of community?

From each side of the religious/non-religious debate one can grasp; wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, love, positive influence, kindness. Of course their are negative aspects, but those shouldn't be the focus. The more focus you give them, the more power they have, and that will simply flare our inability to understand what we see and hear.

Earlier I likened America's foreign policy with Christianity's past (and somewhat present), in an attempt to show how universal and massive its affects are. Worldwide, people are with mixed emotions over America's foreign policies, especially

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>