[Maggie Beth]

I just have to vent a little bit. I have loved this forum over the years. (I know my profile says I joined in November 2003, but I think I actually joined in April 2003). So the past three years I have spent quite a but of time giving and receiving support on these forums. But I have experienced some anti-Christian bias from some members. Am I the only one? I might be too sensitive on this topic, but I have noticed that it is sometimes "okay" to bash on Christians or to assume Christians are narrow-minded, etc. This makes me very sad... has anyone else had these feelings? I remember one time I posted something and happened to mention that I had just come home from a meeting at church or something like that and someone made a rude remark about my being a "holy roller" or a similar comment. I know that many people have been hurt by a church or hypocritical church members in their pasts, but it makes me feel upset when those past bad experiences are used as a reason to assume the worst about all Christians. I strive to accept people where they are and I wish the same respect was afforded back in my direction...

Sorry for the long post... this is something that has been upsetting me for quite a while. If I am the only one who has experienced this, I will be quiet in the future...

[Maggie Beth]

I am responding to my own post -- I want to make it VERY CLEAR that it has been a small minority of people who have been judgmental. Most are gracious and loving. But it does make me wonder why it is okay for Christians to be the odd ones out...

[maddensmom]

I am so sorry someone treated you like that. It is wrong that someone made that comment to you. I am at church meetings often enough and have our priest over to dinner as often as he will come, but would not like the judgement in the term "holy roller."
I have always found your posts very respectful.

[handfull2b]

I have been called bible banger. I want to be part of a forum where we can share our faith openly with a christian adoption perspective.
We certainly should'nt be persecuted here. I hope that never happens to you again!

"so then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are the household of faith" Galatians 6:10

Maria

[etaag]

Maybe we should take it as a great compliment to be called a "Holy Roller", I want people to see my faith. I am not saying to wave a big red flag. But, don't ever try to hide your light. Christians are being persecuted all over the world, remember that great is your reward for being persecuted for Jesus' sake. REJOICE!

Melissa

[AwaitingBeloved]

Hmmm. Yeah, I can see where this might happen. I've posted about religious things, which I don't like to do in general. I try not to talk about my religion, politics, etc with people.. my experiences in these areas have not been positive. I often put something at the beginning of my posts if I'm talking about prayer, etc, about how I'm not a Holy Roller! LOL! I'm so used to being called that by the in laws, it's just my normal preliminary thing now when I talk about my religion.

I'm not a strict Catholic, either. I don't believe in all of the teachings. I can't believe that some of my friends who have had abortions or are gay or have had premarital sex or any other thing are going to Hell. It's not something I can believe. I've looked for other religions where I would feel more comfortable, but each has things I don't like. So I think we're staying Catholic...

Anyway, I've actually received nasty comments from people about how I have to repent, etc. Lame if you ask me. But to each his own. So, though it feels like you have to take crap for speaking openly and lovingly about your life in a religious way, it does happen the other way, too, to people who don't. It's assumed that we're just plain ole evil. ;-)

Sorry you're having problems here, you know, there's always going to be someone who disagrees and is not just disagreeing but plain old mean.. and that sucks. And I hate it, too.

[Jody M]

Hi Maggie and thanks for your post. It is sad that there is judgement from all perspectives depending on what vantagepoint people are looking from. Judgemental comments usually come from persons who are against God and faith or are intimidated or feel uncomfortable when church and God is mentioned. All the more reason to respond in joy and sharing the passion of our faith. But yes, it is startling when someone shares a rude comment off the cuff. I like an earlier response that responds as if the remark should be positive. I think when people make a judgmental comment , sometimes they want to get a rise out of the other person, or they want to feel "better" which is usually a sign of a low self-esteem.
God's word says we will be persecuted for righteousness sake. Not the words we desire to hear, and not the sermon many preachers want to preach- for we do not want to face opposition. But Jesus did, so I guess until He comes in glory we will too.
Thanks for sharing for I am sure others struggle with this too. And we know that the "enemy" is pleased if we become defeated. So let's encourage one another in our faith and sharing the Good News others are longing to hear and know! Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thanks Maggie- your faith MUST show or you would not receive opposition!
Blessings and hugs, Jody

[Maggie Beth]

Thanks for being so supportive guys. I am not trying to say, "Oh poor me. Everyone is so mean to me...". But I do find it interesrting that some of the people who have been crying the loudest this week about acceptance and tolerance on the forums are the same ones who accuse Christians of "using their faith like a sword". I have NEVER done this on the forums. I feel everyone has a right to be here -- me included! I have seen people say over and over how they are praying for those going through tough adoptions, hard family situations, etc. I have seen faith, all sorts of faith (not just Christian) used in a loving supportive manner.

I know that there are people out there who have been very hurt by the church in the past. BUT -- we are trying to show the truth of love and joy that is our faith. I guess Christians are the last group it is safe to discriminate against... but MOST Christians are loving, open and accepting... THANKS again for your witness!

Psalm 51:10-12
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit."

[Maggie Beth]

Originally Posted by madden's.mom

I am so sorry someone treated you like that. It is wrong that someone made that comment to you. I am at church meetings often enough and have our priest over to dinner as often as he will come, but would not like the judgement in the term "holy roller."
I have always found your posts very respectful.

Maddens Mom --
BTW, I love your signature line! Even if I am a Democrat. I agree with this so much -- true Christians are not about hate, but about love. THANKS for putting that out there!

[NDN]

I think you have an excellant point. Several of us have talked about this in the chat room. It is common to have off colored, drive by remarks in posts and, it seems, most are met with an outcry--unless it is about Christians. This isn't always the case, but many people feel that it happens to often. In fact, I have had several posts where people were afraid to mention their agreement/opinion on the issue so, instead of posting it, they sent me a private message. While I appreciated their comments, it always makes me sad that they fear being flamed for posting it in the public forum.

[mommatomm&m]

This is one of the main reasons I came to this forum Alex! r

[etaag]

Just thought I would add this verse:


"God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too." Matthew 5:11-12

[AwaitingBeloved]

You know, I'm thinking you guys are right.

I just went on and posted that I'm praying for acceptance for all, in light of this thread, and it got shut down. How come I didn't see this before?? I am thinking I've had one eye closed?

Not sure.

Well, I'm sorry that this has happened to you.

[katieb31323]

I can't believe that some of my friends who have had abortions or are gay or have had premarital sex or any other thing are going to Hell.

I too am Catholic...but have never been taught that you are going to hell if you sin. You need to repent of your sins true enough....but I don't think there are sins that automatically put you in hell. Forgiveness is taught by the church.

Maggie, I agree...and debated long and hard about posting here....I rarely do anymore. Its not safe. And it is sooo easy to get lumped into groups and have people say all kinds of things about you that aren't true. Just this week I was lumped into a group that are apparently intolerant and actively encourage "baby stealing" nothing could be further from the truth...but sometimes the truth isn't what is be sought.

I decided after reading etaag's submitted verse that it was worth getting slung through some more mud.

So, for what its worth...I hear ya Maggie, I hear ya

[AwaitingBeloved]

Thanks, Katie. Yes.. you are right. I get lost in the middle when I don't believe some things are wrong, that the church tells me is wrong. There are things that are wrong for *me* like abortion, but it doesn't mean I think it's wrong for everyone. Of course I wish it didn't happen, but I truly think that's from a selfish standpoint... then I'd have more kids to spoil if all my friends had their kids. :-) I wish they did, but what can anyone do? I pray for peace for them.

What if someone sins and doesn't feel like they did? So then they don't repent. That's where I get lost.

Thanks for your reply, btw.