CHRISTIANS AND ACCUSATIONS OF BIGOTRY

Nowadays, the term “bigot” is a buzzword very often thrown around without much thought as to what it actually means.  It is considered to be one of the harshest insults.  Nobody wants to be called a bigot.  But this put-down is often used against Christians because of our “intolerance” and “insensitivity” toward certain people and ideas. 

The “B” Word

Apparently, when having debates in this politically correct society, all one has to do is scream “Bigot!” and the target of his attack is automatically wrong and is forced to apologize and rethink his opinion, no matter how fair and reasonable he’s been.  It seems to be one of the ultimate badges of shame, ranking right up there with “racist” and “homophobe.”  Today, it is one of the most feared titles that anyone could bear, causing many to back off from their opinions in order to salvage their reputation, especially when in public.  

But what IS the definition of the word “bigot”?  Sadly, some sources are actually not very helpful.  Are you a bigot simply because you strongly disagree with someone’s views (as some believe)?  But if we are bigots because we don’t agree with their views, then so are they, since they are are disagreeing with us!

Some Definitions

According to Dictionary.com, a bigot is:

“A person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.” 

And according to the Collins English Dictionary, it is:

“A person who is intolerant of any ideas other than his or her own, esp on religion, politics, or race.”

But these definitions seem to be too general.  If these are true, then we are ALL bigots, since all of us are intolerant of something.  For example, the great majority of people wouldn’t tolerate murder, child molestation, or kidnapping.  We pretty much all have strong “intolerant” views toward these!  But rightly so.  Intolerance of certain things is not necessarily wrong - in fact, sometimes it is absolutely necessary!

Better Definitions

But notice these next two sources for the definition of “bigot”:

The Cambridge Dictionary:

“A person who has strong, unreasonable ideas, esp. about race or religion, and who thinks anyone who does not have the same beliefs is wrong.”

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: 

“A person who has very strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions about race, religion or politics and who will not listen to or accept the opinions of anyone who disagrees.”

Notice the term “unreasonable” in these last two.  This would make more sense as a definition.  This makes it more specific and more meaningful.  If one’s intolerance is unreasonable or not rational, then he could be a bigot. 

Merriam-Webster also leans in this direction by referring to prejudice in its definition of bigot:

“A person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially :  one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance.”

Also according to Merriam-Webster, prejudice is “an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge.”

So, if a person is intolerant of a quality that cannot be changed (e.g., color, race, ethnicity), then that would be unfair and he would be a bigot.  But simply disagreeing with someone is not grounds to call you a bigot.  He would have to demonstrate why your view is unreasonable, as well as intolerant. 

“Unreasonable.”  “Unfair.”  “With prejudice.”  “Without just grounds.”  These terms would point to true bigotry. 

The Battleground 

When we Christians share the truth of Scripture with socialists, feminists, atheists, liberals, leftists, the LGBT crowd, etc., they will often be quick to brand us as close-minded, judgmental, intolerant bigots who try to “force” our “outdated” beliefs on everyone.  We are branded as those who “reject diversity,” and spew “hate speech”  (more inflammatory buzzwords).  When emotions run high, they often resort to these tactics to try to end peaceful dialogue to silence Christians.  Well… if they hated Jesus, they’ll hate us, too (John 15:18-19).

The Real Reason

But much of the source of contention they have with us is not so much with actual bigotry, but with our use of the Bible.  For some reason, they automatically seem to connect Scripture with bigotry.  It grieves them to no end that we could possibly believe the Bible, which they consider an “absurd” and “antiquated” book.  It seems that as soon as the Bible is mentioned, many will mock and complain that the Bible is either out of date, too narrow, or irrelevant, or they may only believe certain portions of it.  Regardless, our arguments are immediately dismissed.

From Whence Come Your Morals?

But everyone has values, i.e., a sense of right and wrong.  And we have to get our values from somewhere, don’t we?  So, what is your standard?  What is it that defines your morals?  This is a most important point in our disagreements with anyone. 

       

Good moral values don’t just grow on trees.  They are not created by science (science only deals with physical laws) – they are not created by the individual (that would lead to moral relativism) – and they are not created by society (remember Germany’s example under Hitler?).  Good moral values must come from a transcendent source.  They must come from God.  And we would assert that the Bible is God’s Word.  So that’s why Christians point to the Bible.  We hold it as the ultimate standard of morality (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Obviously, our opponents on the left have an issue with that idea.  Sometimes they will even try to quote the Bible against us, cherry-picking certain passages and taking them out of context (Matthew 4:6-7).  But be confident, fellow Christians, that all of the opposition’s questions and concerns about the Bible can be answered.

The Bible’s Impact

But the truth of the Bible is evident, and its impact on the world is undeniable.  The Bible has changed the lives of many millions of individuals over the centuries in a positive way.  Missionaries, carrying the gospel message, have brought civilized living to the most barbaric and heathen nations.  Christians have been “salt” and “light” in the world for centuries (Matthew 5:13-14).  They are “salt” in the sense of preserving society, and they are “light” in the sense of illumination, in understanding and sharing spiritual truths.  We cannot escape the vast positive influence that the Bible has had on the world and on our own country.  The Bible’s principles were the foundational basis for our colleges, our government, and our Constitution since the beginning of our nation.  Christianity has built schools, hospitals and orphanages throughout the world and established many charitable organizations, as well.  Again, because of biblical principles.

Further evidence of its reliability would include the fact that excavations in archaeology are verifying many truths in Scripture.  Also, consider the abundant manuscript evidence for the Bible, especially the New Testament.  And lastly, fulfilled prophecies from within the Bible provide us with powerful evidence of its truth and trustworthiness.  We can say this of no other book.

God’s Gift to Us

So, the Bible is a supernatural book from a loving and merciful God, who has redeemed mankind.  It is God’s revelation to us.  Fellow Christians, no one is perfect, but if you are truly serving God and living by His Word, then you have nothing to be ashamed of.  The Bible is tried and true.  God has proven Himself over and over through His Word.  Why should we let these people try to intimidate us into believing that their views are right, while there is something wrong with God’s views?  Anyone disagreeing with Scripture is saying that his morals are better than God’s!  By the way, when they call us bigots for using the Bible, they are actually calling God a bigot, since it is HIS Word and HIS thoughts. 

 

Justice, Equality, and Human Rights

Ironically, those very same things that our opponents are screaming for (justice, equality, and human rights) were already brought about by the influence of Christianity!  But our opponents’ version of “rights” and “equality” (which they are trying to shove down America’s throat today) are counterfeits and a perversion of true rights and true equality.

 

Conclusion

Getting back to bigotry.  No doubt, there are some who claim to be Christians who may actually be bigots.  So don’t go crying if someone calls you a bigot IF YOU ARE INDEED ACTING LIKE ONE.  Then it’s your fault.  True bigotry has no place in the Christian’s life.  We should know better.  

But having said that, if any Christian is unjustly called a bigot, he should challenge his accuser to determine on what basis he is being called that.  If they want to have a civil discussion, then fine, but don’t be bullied out of your faith by these “politically correct” scoffers.  Stand up and “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3)!  God does not want us to just be silent and conform to their morals.  The apostle Paul confronted the Thessalonian Jews and reasoned with them out of the Scriptures (Acts 17:2).  We have an obligation to do the same! 

See this very helpful link on debating a liberal:

http://www.angelfire.com/emo2/republican/Manual.htm

See these links on the Bible’s and Christianity’s influence on the world:

http://christunlimited.com/answers/aamerica.html

http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-does-the-bible-influence-society/

http://crossandquill.com/journey/the-influence-of-christianity-on-western-civilization/

http://www.byfaith.co.uk/paul200920.htm

https://www.summit.org/archives/journal/2013-03_Summit_Journal-WEB.pdf

https://www.ptl.org/alive/whyscripture.php