by Thresia Paulose

Created on: October 15, 2009

Did Jesus Christ mean to put hatred in Christianity when he said, Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on, in one house five will be divided; three against two, and two against three. (Luke 12: 51-52) Did Jesus take the initiative of putting hatred in Christianity? No, rather his only mission was love and not hatred in any form.

Ten Factors That Put Hate In Christianity

1) Overlooking of Love Brought Hatred in Christianity

The first and foremost commandment of Christianity is love. It is through the real love that Christianity is known from its beginning. Jesus said, I give you a new commandment: love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:4-35). It is the way early Christians were living.

2) Selfishness Put Hatred in the Place of Love

It is mere selfishness that put hatred in Christianity. For selfish motives the Christians themselves betrayed Christianity and introduced hatred therein. Selfishness leads to pride and pride leads to hatred. This is what we see throughout history. The early Christians shared what they had . When this spirit of sharing was devoured by selfishness hatred dominated in its place.

3) Jesus Wished and Prayed For Unity...But Christians?

The only sign that Jesus gave Christianity is the sign of love and unity. There is no place for hatred in Christianity in any way. Jesus prayed for unity and love. His prayer before his crucifixion was, Holy Father, keep them in your Name (that you have given me,) so that they may be one, just as we are.(John 17: 11) He preached against any kind of hatred. Even before going to the altar for offering, the first thing one has to do is to remove any shade of hatred and come in compromise without any feeling of hatred.

4) Hatred Enters Where There Is No Place For Christ

If there is no priority for Christ, and other things are given preference, naturally hatred enters in. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me, scatters (Luke 11: 23). Through these words Jesus has clearly stated how hatred can intrude into Christianity. As St. Paul puts it, when the mind of Christ is lacking, hatred can easily enter and cause divisions.

5) Intolerance Brought Hatred

Love is patient, kind, without envy. It is not boastful or arrogant.(1 Cor.13: 4). Then how it happened that Christianity was forced on people? Are there not incidents of violence in history

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