Why do other Christians "hate" Catholics?

[28562]

Thank you, robwar.

Do you folks really care about people who hate you? Seriously? I don’t care myself if strangers were to hate me unless: 1) They could actually harm me; or 2) I wanted fellowship with them and felt excluded. Are any of you really in fear for your life or safety from such people here in the US? Do any of you really want fellowship with these people and honestly feel hurt?

I’m sorry for wanting to understand other people and how they form their thoughts and opinions. Apparently it’s out of line to be curious.

 

[robwar]

Good grief. I certainly expected reasonable grown adults to be able to understand that a reasonable person who is clearly posting rationally would obviously know that all other people don’t “hate” Catholics. And I certainly figured that most people would understand the intent behind putting the word hate in quotes. Guess I was wrong. Arguing semantics is one of my biggest pet peeves.

First of all, hatred is a pretty strong term and it is a rather lighting rod type word. Secondly, there are many more Protestants that work with, are friends with and actually say nice things about Catholics and the Catholic Church than there are those that teach “hatred”. If you wanted to discuss it, you need to stop generalizing with the word other Chrisitians (mostly Protestants) because Protestantism is such a broad stream and ranges from fundamentalism to Quakerism. All the title shows is ignorance in generalizing other Protestant Christians. If you really want to know why “other” Christians so call “hate” Catholics, maybe ask that type of question on some fundamentalist forum and look at the answers you get. Instead, it is asked on a Catholic forum which is another way to pound on other Christians in speculation on why they “hate” us Catholics. Maybe if Catholics acted like Catholics in taking their faith seriously in how we act and treat others, they might not “hate” us so much.

 

[House_Harkonnen]

I’m sure many of you have had some of the same experiences I have regarding many Protestants. I’m not sure what it is that makes them so hateful, judgmental, and rude towards Catholics. What is it? I feel that a lot of it is ignorance about who we really are, but what is their reasoning for their opinions?

Christians shouldn’t be hating anybody.

 

[boomerang]

I’m sorry for wanting to understand other people and how they form their thoughts and opinions. Apparently it’s out of line to be curious.

People love to argue, don’t they? There’s nothing wrong with observing that there are people who hate us. People who profess to be Christian, no less. It’s obvious, and it’s everywhere. I’m now seeing comments on forums calling for Catholics to be killed. It’s rational to want to know the origin of this kind of hate. Unfortunately, this kind of hate is so irrational, there really isn’t any way to combat it with logic. Our only option is to pray for them.

 

[boomerang]

First of all, hatred is a pretty strong term and it is a rather lighting rod type word. Secondly, there are many more Protestants that work with, are friends with and actually say nice things about Catholics and the Catholic Church than there are those that teach “hatred”. If you wanted to discuss it, you need to stop generalizing with the word other Chrisitians (mostly Protestants) because Protestantism is such a broad stream and ranges from fundamentalism to Quakerism. All the title shows is ignorance in generalizing other Protestant Christians. If you really want to know why “other” Christians so call “hate” Catholics, maybe ask that type of question on some fundamentalist forum and look at the answers you get. Instead, it is asked on a Catholic forum which is another way to pound on other Christians in speculation on why they “hate” us Catholics. Maybe if Catholics acted like Catholics in taking their faith seriously in how we act and treat others, they might not “hate” us so much.

If the OP had phrased it “Why do SOME other Christians hate Catholics?” would that have been more acceptable? I understood what he/she meant.

 

[28562]

First of all, hatred is a pretty strong term and it is a rather lighting rod type word. Secondly, there are many more Protestants that work with, are friends with and actually say nice things about Catholics and the Catholic Church than there are those that teach “hatred”. If you wanted to discuss it, you need to stop generalizing with the word other Chrisitians (mostly Protestants) because Protestantism is such a broad stream and ranges from fundamentalism to Quakerism. All the title shows is ignorance in generalizing other Protestant Christians. If you really want to know why “other” Christians so call “hate” Catholics, maybe ask that type of question on some fundamentalist forum and look at the answers you get. Instead, it is asked on a Catholic forum which is another way to pound on other Christians in speculation on why they “hate” us Catholics. Maybe if Catholics acted like Catholics in taking their faith seriously in how we act and treat others, they might not “hate” us so much.

I guess next time I get the urge to join a Protestant forum I’ll just ask them instead.
It’s not a way to “pound” on anyone. I assumed there were non Catholics here or people who used to be other religions. Thankfully, there have been some of those folks who have been able to give me a little insight into the topic I was curious about rather than just gripe and moan about wording they do not approve of. I’m glad some folks were able to figure out the cryptic meaning behind my question.

 

[robwar]

If the OP had phrased it “Why do SOME other Christians hate Catholics?” would that have been more acceptable? I understood what he/she meant.

The whole premiss is off and what do you mean by hate? Is it hatred of Catholics in general? is it hatred of Catholic teaching? Is it hatred to the point of wanting to kill us like what is happening in the middle east? Now what is happening there is real hatred. Chick tracks and junk like that is just that junk that only influences the very few the read or listen to that stuff. Basically it is really only a small minority of “other” Christians that “hate” Catholics or the Catholic Church. I think if one actually reads the forum rules about posting about or on non-Catholic religions, generalizations about beliefs of others is discouraged. It is like asking why don’t atheists believe in God? There is no answer, just speculation, silliness and immaturity of discussion.

 

[28562]

Christians shouldn’t be hating anybody.

I completely agree and that’s why I don’t understand where it comes from.

 

[28562]

The whole premiss is off and what do you mean by hate? Is it hatred of Catholics in general? is it hatred of Catholic teaching? Is it hatred to the point of wanting to kill us like what is happening in the middle east? Now what is happening there is real hatred. Chick tracks and junk like that is just that junk that only influences the very few the read or listen to that stuff. Basically it is really only a small minority of “other” Christians that “hate” Catholics or the Catholic Church. I think if one actually reads the forum rules about posting about or on non-Catholic religions, generalizations about beliefs of others is discouraged. It is like asking why don’t atheists believe in God? There is no answer, just speculation, silliness and immaturity of discussion.

Thanks for the hijack. If you don’t approve of the topic, report me and the thread and don’t bother posting anymore. Surely you don’t want to be involved in immature discussions.

 

[28562]

I don’t think other Christians hate us… but rather they think we’re under the spell of some wicked cult that is leading us all to hell. They think:

~The Catholic Church is not “Christ-centered”.

~The Catholic Church is not “Bible-centered”.

~Idolatry.

~Worship of Mary/Saints.

~Salvation through works.

and others…

Just look at some of the major Protestant/Reformed websites/forums and see what they have to say about us. They may not hate “us” per se; but numerous Protestants (but by no means the majority, though) have no love or respect for our faith.

These are some of the major things that I’ve heard other attack us about. Does anyone know why they believe these things about us? I can see the confusion about Mary and the saints, but I really don’t get why they think we don’t follow Christ or the Bible.

 

[AbideWithMe]

I’m sorry for wanting to understand other people and how they form their thoughts and opinions. Apparently it’s out of line to be curious.

28562, of course it’s not out of line to be curious. Wanting to understand other people is usually good. Your best recourse, IMO, is to go straight to the horse’s mouth, and try to find a decently reasonable and respectful member of a group you feel misrepresents and misunderstands your religion, and pursue dialogue (perhaps via PMs). They are out there, and can be found with some effort. No Christian has an excuse for being unable to dialogue respectfully with the “other”.

But if you can’t find such a person among a particular group, well then, as Boomerang noted, you’re dealing with crazies. Shake the dust off your feet and move on. They can’t hurt you; commit them to the Master’s hands and let Him remit justice. If you seriously feel in danger for your life or safety, the law is on your side in the US, and you can seek legal means to stop the harassment.

There are so many Protestants --the majority—who have at least tolerance, and also often respect and friendly intentions, towards Catholics. We seem to get nearly ignored here, though, while some Catholics fixate and go on and on about the bullies. I sympathize with any Catholic who is truly stuck in, say, a family relationship with a genuinely anti-Catholic bully. But for most people, all you have to do is ignore a bully and pick up your marbles to play with all those many people who have good intentions towards you. Walk away and move on from being bullied.

Some other Protestants are not bullies, but well-meaning though obnoxious. They think you are seriously in danger of damnation, and they mean well in trying to “evangelize” you. Accept that caring as well-meant but ignorant, and politely educate them or move on. I’ve been “evangelized” by many a person of another religion, including Catholics, and I recognize they mean well.

 

[rfournier103]

Do you folks really care about people who hate you? Seriously? I don’t care myself if strangers were to hate me unless: 1) They could actually harm me; or 2) I wanted fellowship with them and felt excluded. Are any of you really in fear for your life or safety from such people here in the US? Do any of you really want fellowship with these people and honestly feel hurt?

I care about mis-information and outright lies about our Faith.

As a non-Catholic, you may not understand this, but it really infuriates me when a group of fellow Christians tag us as “popish idolatrous cookie-worshipers”. That’s not love. Not at all.

And I care because through THEIR mis-representation of OUR, they lead good people (who may not be all that savvy) away from the Church. That makes me pretty angry.

Catholics don’t need to be “evangelized” (at least not the way some Protestants think), we need to be respected.

 

[AbideWithMe]

I care about mis-information and outright lies about our Faith.

As a non-Catholic, you may not understand this, but it really infuriates me when a group of fellow Christians tag us as “popish idolatrous cookie-worshipers”. That’s not love. Not at all.

And I care because through THEIR mis-representation of OUR, they lead good people (who may not be all that savvy) away from the Church. That makes me pretty angry.

Catholics don’t need to be “evangelized” (at least not the way some Protestants think), we need to be respected.

Did you see my post right above yours, or did we cross-post?

Catholics do need to educate their own better, but that’s your responsibility to reach out and teach, and show love and warmth, before you lose people. I do understand, rfournier, that misinformation is never right. But come on, we’re all surrounded by “others” who misunderstand our group. It’s not just a Catholic thing. This side of Judgment Day, we can’t stop misinformation; we need to be proactive in education, then leave people to make their own choices.

 

[AbideWithMe]

Good grief. I certainly expected reasonable grown adults to be able to understand that a reasonable person who is clearly posting rationally would obviously know that all other people don’t “hate” Catholics. And I certainly figured that most people would understand the intent behind putting the word hate in quotes. Guess I was wrong. Arguing semantics is one of my biggest pet peeves.

If you’re open to feedback, 28562, I think you could take responsibility for a misleading thread title.

We’re not arguing semantics. We can’t read your mind; if you don’t mean hate, or even “hate”, it’s your job to be clear or accept and apologize when people misunderstand.

 

[PaulDupre1]

I think that the posts here so far have been right on the mark:

1. “Other” Christians don’t hate the Catholic church (or Catholics). They hate…if hate is the right word…what they perceive the Catholic church, and Catholics to be. They are almost invariably wrong.
2. They cannot believe themselves to be right unless everybody else…perhaps specifically Catholicism…is wrong.
3. Humans are tribal; they have ‘in’ groups and ‘out’ groups. Members of their perceived ‘in’ group have great difficulty thinking of any other group as ‘as good as’ their own. Considering anybody not in the ‘in’ group as inferior and wrong is pretty common, especially in religious matters.
4. It ain’t just the ‘other Christians’ who hate Catholics, folks. The above points are also very true for those Catholics who ‘hate’ others. You know, like Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses or (insert belief system here). Now me, I understand being on the ‘being hated’ side of the equation very well, as do many of you. Do you understand the reasons why many of you are on the ‘hating’ side?

Because many of you absolutely are.

And yes, I know Mormons who don’t think much of other religions, too. It’s a very human thing.

There you go again. I don’t know of anyone who hates Mormons or JWs. But I and many other people hate Mormonism and the Watchtower.

There is a huge difference there which you and other LDS can’t seem to understand.

I have family members who are LDS - my 2nd oldest brother and my younger sister. I have always loved them and I always will. Period.

But I hate the vicious cult that has torn them away from the family and caused them to pronounce us “unworthy” and “a bad influence on their children” and other cultish nonsense that has separated us from them so that they do not return my phone calls and tell me that I am not family because “well, Paul, you won’t be with us in the celestial kingdom” (a direct quote from my BIC sister-in-law).

Yes, I hate the LDS organization because I have witnessed the way it tears families apart and turns formerly nice people into religious zealots and just plain jerks. My brother was never a preachy, judgmental, insulting jerk until he became a Mormon. Now, every time I see him he uses every opportunity to misrepresent Catholic teachings (in the worst LDS urban legend style), tell me how I am an apostate, a member of the Great and Abominable Church, and I am doomed to outer darkness blah blah blah.

This is the big brother I shared a bedroom with for 9 years; the big brother who taught me everything I know about music theory and composition; the big brother who let me sing lead in his rock band when I was only 12 years old; the big brother who taught me how to play the guitar; the big brother I wrote dozens of songs with; the big brother who taught me to drive a stick shift; the big brother with whom I shared my first apartment when I first moved away from home.

And now he is the big brother who won’t return my phone calls and insults me every time we meet at a marriage or a funeral. I never bring up religion, but he uses everything I do or say as a gateway to insult me.

That is what Mormonism does to people and that is why people hate it. I don’t hate my brother - I long to be reconciled with him. But I know that it will never happen as long as he is in the grip of this evil cult that twists his mind and soul and teaches him to despise me, my wife and my children.

Mormonism - the family-centered religion. Yeah, right.

I am not the only one who has experienced these things. Google it and you will see that these horror stories are all too common.

Paul (formerly LDS, now happily Catholic - happy except that I am lacking a few family members.)

 

[robwar]

I care about mis-information and outright lies about our Faith.

As a non-Catholic, you may not understand this, but it really infuriates me when a group of fellow Christians tag us as “popish idolatrous cookie-worshipers”. That’s not love. Not at all.

And I care because through THEIR mis-representation of OUR, they lead good people (who may not be all that savvy) away from the Church. That makes me pretty angry.

Catholics don’t need to be “evangelized” (at least not the way some Protestants think), we need to be respected.

Yes, lies and out right misinformation needs to be addressed but to start a thread which basically accuses or lump or generalizes “other Christians” as “hating” us is wrong too. And having been Protestant, the fundamentalists that but this junk out blast other Protestants as non-Christians too.

 

[mayogirl25]

Well I guess you need to ask them why they hate us. Mostly their hate stems from ignorance and that is just what it is. I truly suspect they are fearful of us and all kinds of prejudices they have grown up with.

 

[AbideWithMe]

Well I guess you need to ask them why they hate us. Mostly their hate stems from ignorance and that is just what it is. I truly suspect they are fearful of us and all kinds of prejudices they have grown up with.

I, too, think there’s a lot of fear. Perhaps it’s akin to fear-biting in dogs.

Some people are disposed towards obsession with conspiracy theories about all sorts of organizations which they believe are powerful, dangerous, secretive and mysterious.

 

[Son_of_Niall]

Generally you find people, of any group, are haters because they cannot intellectually or spiritually overcome an emotional response. They are satisfied not questioning the status quo. Once one starts questioning, the claws and fangs come out and they act, quite frankly, unchristian.

Very true, and this is something I have seen on this forum from Catholics and non-Catholics. Questioning the status quo, or the narrative, is an unforgivable act. It all stems from ignorance of any other view but their own.
People love simplicity, and its much easier to look at the unfamiliar with suspicious eyes than attempt any level of understanding.

 

[Son_of_Niall]

There you go again. I don’t know of anyone who hates Mormons or JWs. But I and many other people hate Mormonism and the Watchtower.

There is a huge difference there which you and other LDS can’t seem to understand.

I have family members who are LDS - my 2nd oldest brother and my younger sister. I have always loved them and I always will. Period.

But I hate the vicious cult that has torn them away from the family and caused them to pronounce us “unworthy” and “a bad influence on their children” and other cultish nonsense that has separated us from them so that they do not return my phone calls and tell me that I am not family because “well, Paul, you won’t be with us in the celestial kingdom” (a direct quote from my BIC sister-in-law).

Yes, I hate the LDS organization because I have witnessed the way it tears families apart and turns formerly nice people into religious zealots and just plain jerks. My brother was never a preachy, judgmental, insulting jerk until he became a Mormon. Now, every time I see him he uses every opportunity to misrepresent Catholic teachings (in the worst LDS urban legend style), tell me how I am an apostate, a member of the Great and Abominable Church, and I am doomed to outer darkness blah blah blah.

This is the big brother I shared a bedroom with for 9 years; the big brother who taught me everything I know about music theory and composition; the big brother who let me sing lead in his rock band when I was only 12 years old; the big brother who taught me how to play the guitar; the big brother I wrote dozens of songs with; the big brother who taught me to drive a stick shift; the big brother with whom I shared my first apartment when I first moved away from home.

And now he is the big brother who won’t return my phone calls and insults me every time we meet at a marriage or a funeral. I never bring up religion, but he uses everything I do or say as a gateway to insult me.

That is what Mormonism does to people and that is why people hate it. I don’t hate my brother - I long to be reconciled with him. But I know that it will never happen as long as he is in the grip of this evil cult that twists his mind and soul and teaches him to despise me, my wife and my children.

Mormonism - the family-centered religion. Yeah, right.

I am not the only one who has experienced these things. Google it and you will see that these horror stories are all too common.

Paul (formerly LDS, now happily Catholic - happy except that I am lacking a few family members.)

It is never healthy to ‘hate’ any group, it certainly is not Catholic