Regrettably, there is abundant evidence which demonstrates that many evangelical Christians exhibit intolerance towards individuals of other faiths. However, by embracing Christ’s personal example of love and compassion, we have an opportunity to transcend biases and unify a church culture that has become increasingly polarized.
Social Monsters
I have struggled to find a charitable description of the changes I have witnessed in people I love over the course of the past decade. Evangelicals, including a significant number of clergy, who formerly were bearers of unconditional Christlike love are now spreading vitriolic hate regularly on social media.
At first I believed it was merely a kind of xenophobia, but fear could not motivate the bold rhetoric and rage that is expressed daily. Pastors, grandparents, and people otherwise known for cute but annoying cat videos share posts that call for the deportation of entire religious populations, and some promote bodily injury or even murder.
This is more than the racism evangelical churches in North America have perpetuated for centuries. And according to the Department of Homeland Security, as the Israel-Hamas war rages on, religious hate crimes are expected to escalate. Make no mistake, social media is a faithful predictor of future violence.
It’s Worse Than You Think
It turns out research indicates my observations are not paranoid.
A 2022 report by the Pew Research Center found that religious intolerance is rising worldwide, and that social media has become a breeding ground for discrimination against multiple faiths. Platforms like X/Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp are increasingly being used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and incite violence against religious minorities.
Another Pew Research report from 2023 revealed that a significant proportion of those who identify as Evangelicals continue to hold negative views towards individuals of other faiths. This finding highlights a specific dimension of religious intolerance that persists within certain religious communities.
Compared to similar studies from years past, Evangelicals increasingly express negative attitudes towards people of different faiths.
I spoke with several mental health professionals, and they universally described the proliferation of religious intolerance by Evangelicals on social media as deindividuation, a state of reduced inhibition and lack of self-awareness that can occur when people are part of a large group. In this state, people are more likely to engage in behaviors that they would not normally do.
More than one compared such expressions (particularly those with patriotic verbiage) to the groupthink that occurred in Nazi Germany and the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol. Groupthink may be defined as decision-making that occurs when a group is so focused on achieving consensus that it ignores alternative viewpoints and critical thinking, leading to poor decisions. As a result, the group does not consider relevant or obvious information or the potential consequences of its decisions. Several pointed out that this kind of mass dissociation is also observable behavior among cult members, such as the former adherents of Peoples Temple.
One psychologist offered this insight: “There is an inherent detachment virtual mediums like social media offer that gives some the false security of plausible deniability, especially when they merely share and do not author the original post. Not only are some more receptive to ideas and attitudes they may have previously rejected, but others have deeply submerged feelings that rise to the surface.”
How Jesus Treated People of Other Faiths
The life and teachings of Jesus depicted in the gospels provide profound insight into his approach towards people of different faiths. In a time when religious and cultural boundaries were quite rigid, he demonstrated approaches that transcended religious differences. Although he interacted with individuals from extremely diverse religious backgrounds, he consistently emphasized love, inclusivity, and compassion.
Interactions with Samaritans
Samaritans were considered outsiders and heretics by many Jews in Jesus’ time. However, Jesus showed them sensitivity and respect.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus interacts with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4:1-42). He offers her living water, symbolizing eternal life, and challenges her to worship God in spirit and truth. This encounter demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to cross religious boundaries and offer salvation to all.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is another powerful example of Jesus’ teachings on inclusivity. In this story, a Samaritan helps a wounded Jewish man, showing love and compassion beyond religious divides. Jesus used this parable to emphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor, irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or social status.
Other Faiths
In Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, we encounter the story of the Roman centurion who sought Jesus’ help to heal his servant. The centurion, a Gentile and an outsider to Jewish faith, demonstrates remarkable faith in Jesus. Jesus not only agrees to heal the servant but also praises the centurion as an example of great faith. This story highlights Jesus’ acceptance of individuals from diverse backgrounds, even those many others in the his faith had labeled “oppressors.”
In both the gospels of Mark and Matthew, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who seeks healing for her daughter. Of course, Jesus praises her great faith and heals her daughter. This story transcends the religious and cultural divide between Jews and Canaanites, demonstrating the universality of Christ’s message of salvation.
Compassion and Salvation Are Universal
Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized the universal message of salvation. In John 3:16, he offers salvation to all people, regardless of their faith or background. According to Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus taught the importance of loving your enemies, challenging conventional wisdom and calling for a new kind of compassion that has no exception for any individual or religion.
What We Can Do
Jesus’ compassionate approach to people of different faiths is a compelling example for believers to follow today. In a world that is often divided along religious and cultural lines, Jesus’ teachings call us to bridge these divides and love our neighbors, regardless of their faith or background. We can do this by showing compassion and respect to people of all faiths, building relationships, and sharing the love of Christ with others.
Here are some specific ways that we can apply Christ’s teachings to our lives today:
Get to know people of different faiths: This could involve attending religious services, participating in interfaith dialogue groups, or simply befriending people from different religious backgrounds.
Remain mindful of our language and actions: We should avoid making negative generalizations about people of different faiths.
Be a witness to the love of Christ: When we interact with people of different faiths, we can do so in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. This means being kind, compassionate, and understanding, even when we disagree with others’ beliefs.
By following Jesus’ example, you can help to create a more inclusive and loving world where people of all faiths can live together in harmony.
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