Lisa O
Faith is a deeply personal part of a person’s identity, and Christianity is no different. When talking to someone who holds Christian beliefs, it’s essential to be sensitive to their faith. Here are 15 things you should never say to a Christian unless you want to cause trouble for yourself and others.
“All religions are the same.”
While this might seem inclusive, it actually oversimplifies the diversity of world religions. Like many other faiths, Christianity is based on unique ideas, like the belief in Jesus Christ as divine and the concept of salvation through grace. Saying all religions are the same can (unintentionally or intentionally) ignore the deep and personal beliefs someone holds close to their heart.
“You just need to believe in God, that’s enough.”
Christianity teaches that salvation isn’t just about believing in God; it’s also about following Jesus’ teachings. This statement may miss the core parts of the Christian faith (like the importance of living out your beliefs through actions). Faith is all about having a relationship with God, not just acknowledging some kind of higher power.
“I’m sure God will forgive you, just try harder next time.”
While it’s true that Christianity highlights forgiveness, saying it’s just about “trying harder” misses the point of grace in salvation. Christians believe grace is something that’s freely given by God, not something you earn. It’s not about working harder—it’s about accepting God’s love and forgiveness with a sincere, repentant heart.
“Christians are all judgmental.”
There’s a common misconception that all Christians are judgmental, but let’s clear that up: not everyone. Sure, some people may misuse their faith to judge others (we highly suggest you stay away from these kinds of people), but at its core, Christianity is all about treating everyone with kindness and love.
“Don’t you know that the Bible is just a bunch of stories?”
For Christians, the Bible is seen as the divinely inspired Word of God, a guide for life, and a source of spiritual truth. Dismissing it as just a bunch of tales can really come off as disrespectful to many believers. The Bible plays a big role in shaping moral values, guiding life decisions, and helping Christians understand God better.
“I think it’s all about following rules, not love.”
At the heart of Christianity is love—love for God and love for others. You can see this in the two commandments Jesus talks about: love your neighbor as yourself, and love God with all your heart. Christianity is all about living a life filled with grace and love, not just following strict rules. If you see it as just rule-following, you’re missing the core of the belief, which is all about practicing compassion and spreading kindness.
“Isn’t it hard to follow all those rules?”
From the outside, Christianity might seem like it has a lot of rules, especially around moral conduct, but these rules are actually there to help believers live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. For many Christians, these teachings aren’t a burden—they’re a way to stay connected to their faith and values. The focus is more on transformation through Christ, not just enforcing rules.
“You don’t need to go to church every Sunday.”
While it’s true that Christians can have a personal relationship with God outside of church, going to church regularly plays a big role in building community, worship, and spiritual growth. Church isn’t just a Sunday ritual—it’s a place for fellowship and a chance to grow spiritually alongside other believers. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your faith and be part of a bigger spiritual community.
“I’m sure you’re not that good of a person, you’re just pretending.”
Many Christians work hard to live a life that shows their faith through kindness, honesty, and helping others. Saying their goodness is just an act undermines their real efforts to live out their Christian values. Christianity teaches that faith can transform people, and many believers truly try to live by Christ’s teachings every day— not to put on a show but because they genuinely want to serve and love others.
“I thought Christians were all conservative and intolerant.”
Christianity is a diverse faith. While some individuals may lean more conservative, many others embrace progressive ideas (especially on issues like social justice). At its core, Christianity teaches unconditional love for others, no matter their background or beliefs, and many Christians are actively working for peace, inclusion, and positive change.
“Why do you need a religion to be a good person?”
For some people, religion offers a framework for understanding life’s meaning and the purpose behind it. For many Christians, faith is an important part of who they are. It helps them deal with all the challenges they face in life. And it’s not about needing religion to “be good” but more about having a personal relationship with God that shapes their actions.
“But didn’t Christians cause a lot of harm in history?”
While it’s true that some historical events, like the Crusades or the Inquisition, were justified using Christianity, these actions don’t reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ at all. Like any faith, Christianity has been misused by individuals in the past. But today, many Christians focus on peace, love, and forgiveness, aiming to make a positive impact on the world and truly reflect the spirit of their faith.
“I can’t believe in a God who would send people to hell.”
The concept of hell is a tough one in Christianity. People interpret it in different ways. Some Christians see it as a metaphor for being separated from God, while others view it as a real place of punishment (a place where you pay for your sins). What’s important to know is that for Christians, God’s ultimate goal is for everyone to repent and find salvation.
“You’re so lucky you have faith to fall back on.”
While faith can offer comfort in tough times, calling it just a “crutch” for people who can’t handle life’s challenges oversimplifies what religion really means. Faith is a source of strength for many Christians, not an escape. It’s a relationship with God that brings you hope and purpose, even when you are facing challenges in life.
“You’re just following what you were taught, right?”
That’s completely wrong. This assumption overlooks the fact that many Christians have made a choice to follow Christ based on their personal experiences. It’s very important to realize that faith is a personal and transformative journey, where you have to see from your own eyes, listen from your ears, and speak from your own mouth.