Why Evangelicals Are So Disliked, Part II
“In all of this, Evangelicals come across to the general public as mean-spirited, hypocritical in their claims to be moral, and insincere in their professed allegiance to Jesus. I’m not saying this is accurate–I think it shows great misunderstanding–but this is the perception.” - Veith
It used to be misunderstanding. I think it’s now at least 50% understanding. “Evangelical” is now such a mixed multitude on social-political ethics that much of what used to be unfair caricature is now on target… or even understatement. Most days, evangelicalism seems determined to prove its critics right. (Latest example: what has become of CPAC.)
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
I would also say that many who considered themselves conservative evangelicals are in dismay over broader evangelicals and what has creeped into churches. The fact that the general public dislikes them, should not be a shock :)
As people, I suppose evangelicals are rather nice kind hearted folks. It’s in the process of evangelizing that the friction comes in. When you evangelize to a person, the subtext to the conversation is “I know more” or “I know better” than you. No one likes a know-it-all. No one. I grew up Catholic, and went to Catholic schools through High School. I’m not saying that those years made me a subject expert on Christianity, but I do know what I need to know about Scripture. More than my fair share of, perhaps well meaning Christians have tried to school me on how I’m wrong, they’re right, and how I need to change in order to be right with God. I can’t begin to tell you how irritating that is, and how arrogant that comes across. If you are willing to engage me in Bible study, and listen as much as you talk, we may get off on a better footing.
Julie
Discussion