SkippingStones,
But, I wonder, what made these people behave this way. What is it all based on? What human characteristics makes religion so appealing to people?
Some people, esp. those born and raised in strictly religious families simply don't know any other way to be.
Another important factor is insecurity: We all feel insecure in our life, esp. in the young age. A certain insecurity seems to be an inavoidable and natural companion of a developing personality.
The way we approach this insecurity is what makes the great difference between people. Some people choose religion, and follow those writings by the word. Some people subscribe to the philosophy of a certain philosopher or to a certain (political) ideology. Some other people use many diferent sources for their knowledge.
Like I said, a lot of Jesus teachings make sense to me. They promote actions and thoughts that are helpful, but only if understood. As such, they are human, revolving around human characteristics.
I agree. I love the verses in James saying that faith without works is worth nothing.
What I cannot accept though is this fallacious thinking some Mormons were trying to impose on me; namely that "if one part of a message/scripture is true, the whole must be true too".
Another example: As that certain politician came to the rule in Europe in the first half of the 20th century, he issued new laws that prohibited maltreatment of animals. I certainly think this was a good thing. He also boosted the economy of his country. But should I therefore accept everything this man did?!
This man was Adolf Hitler ...
But, they are not the only human characteristics out there.
This is the danger of having a pre-set scripture: no new addings are possible, or allowed.
Trained to "be nice" to everyone, I find that it is very easy to think myself above people who show darker emotion, or even emotion at all.
Just look at the word: TRAINED. Not nice from a natural kind inclination, but TRAINED. As if you were a robot.
I've never really thought about niceties as a defense mechanism before.
Well, this is how they come across to a non-Christian observer.
There must be more to it though. Maybe it's the human connection.
Exactly, a lot is about the human connection that is often painfully missing when Christians are dealing with non-Christians. I feel they treat me as if I am their problem to solve. They don't treat me as an equal.
Another reason for this cold and insensitive treatment one often gets from Christians is most likely due to the fact that they have everything named, they have words and definitions for everything. If it's not in their book, then it doesn't exist. One gets pigeonholed, and one's sentiments and thoughts get pigeonholed -- and what is more, this pigeonholing happens without much previous inquiry. As if the Christian already knows what you are about, and you are just a mere dumb object in this. Christian love tends to be so impersonal, so abstract.
I get the feeling that they are unable to listen -- maybe because of all those words they got implanted into their minds, or because of all those words they run to for shelter, to cover up their social and emotional inability.
Of course not all the Christians are like that; but most of those that I have met and been with made me come to the above conclusions.