# "Christianophobia" - is there a double standard in the way Christianity is treated? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 7, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877 "2026-09-07T16:12:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/121 "2026-09-09T22:57:23Z")
> [@eburacum45](#): > > Not at all; I’m very fond of the Church of England, simply because it is so open to new ideas and interpretations. That last comment was not directed at you. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/122 "2026-09-09T23:11:15Z")
The claim that spawned this thread was that Christianity was being picked on, but most arguments seem to be around the idea that people are afraid to criticize Islam. Now, _there is some truth_ to the latter claim IMO, depending on where in the world you are. But that doesn’t support the original claim. And also I stand by my retort: in countries like the US where Christianity has a big effect on people’s lives by for example pushing anti-abortion and stem-cell positions, being pro-war and anti-climate change because it will bring about the end times (not all Christians by any means, but enough to count) etc etc…it makes sense that we spend more time being critical of and pushing back against this religion. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/123 "2026-09-09T23:27:11Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > in countries like the US where Christianity has a big effect on people’s lives by for example pushing anti-abortion and stem-cell positions, being pro-war and anti-climate change because it will bring about the end times (not all Christians by any means, but enough to count) etc etc… Christianity is by no means pro-war or anti-climate change. In fact very few (and I am gonna call them this) cults are in favor of war. And significantly less that 50% of Christians want to ban abortions, but most do want to limit it- as do most people. > [@Mijin](#): > > it makes sense that we spend more time being critical of and pushing back against this religion. No, it makes sense that people would push bac k against tiny radical cults that call themselves Christian. And myself- I think laws that ban third trimester abortion except in medical cases would be okay. And most people agree. Even in Europe there are restrictions on Abortion. Most Euro nations allow only up to week 14. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/124 "2026-09-09T23:57:50Z")
Just pure gaslighting. We can pick apart these claims one by one, but let’s begin with the big picture: are you disputing that Christianity has significant influence on government policy, and elections, in the US (much more so than, say, Islam)? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/125 "2026-09-10T00:00:29Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > but let’s begin with the big picture: are you disputing that Christianity has significant influence on government policy, and elections, in the US (much more so than, say, Islam)? Which has exactly WHAT to do with the OP? ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/126 "2026-09-10T00:01:42Z")
Everything. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/127 "2026-09-10T00:05:59Z")
I say very little. “Is there a double standard in the way Christianity is treated” and the attacks on Christianity here are not about that. Again, it is just more Christian bashing. I give up- I will no longer reply. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/128 "2026-09-10T00:16:29Z")
Nonetheless, it is entirely explained in my OP why Christianity’s cultural entrenchment is intrinsic to the point. I’m sorry you’ve chosen not to agree. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/129 "2026-09-10T01:25:54Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > The Baptist folks, on the other hand, were intolerant, pushy, and strongly inclined to insist that anyone who was not a Baptist was going to hell. Keep in mind, that would mostly be Southern Baptists. A sect that exists purely for the sake of racism, in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/130 "2026-09-10T02:02:29Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Again, it is just more Christian bashing. In a thread where people are talking about how Muslims will assassinate you if you make fun of them, you’re worried about the _Christian_ bashing? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/131 "2026-09-10T04:28:31Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > In a thread where people are talking about how Muslims will assassinate you if you make fun of them, you’re worried about the _Christian_ bashing? Okay, there is a lot of religion bashing. But when a poster seriously says the KKK lynched all those blacks as the KKK claims they are “Christian”- when we know it is 100% for racist reason- that is Christian bashing. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/132 "2026-09-10T04:38:57Z")
And perhaps it gives insight into most Muslim bashing… ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/133 "2026-09-10T04:45:14Z")
I think the KKK had multiple motivations and racism was just the most important one. They had a reason to so obviously link their ideology wth Christian symbolism, burning crosses anyone? Christian symbols on their costumes? They were christian nationalist and very political, so I don’t think religion (specifically christianity) was totally not part of the equation. christian nationalism is unequivically entwined with racism. Are we making the they aren’t really christian claims? I remember in Lutheran Sunday school being told that all Muslims believed that if they killed a Christian they would go to heaven on a winged white horse. I don’t believe this twaddle now but as a kid in Sunday school I was pretty horrified. ---
**Author:** ![JDYanYan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jdyanyan/32/21663_2.png) [@JDYanYan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JDYanYan)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/134 "2026-09-10T04:54:29Z")
The KKK was an explicitly Christian organization. You literally had to be a protestant to join. They carried the Christian Flag. They are to Christianity what Al Qaeda is to Islam. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/135 "2026-09-10T05:00:20Z")
> [@JDYanYan](#): > > The KKK was an explicitly Christian organization. You literally had to be a protestant to join. They carried the Christian Flag. See? ---
**Author:** ![JDYanYan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jdyanyan/32/21663_2.png) [@JDYanYan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JDYanYan)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/136 "2026-09-10T05:08:39Z")
And inconvenient facts are still facts. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/137 "2026-09-10T06:24:42Z")
And pointing them out isn’t persecution. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/138 "2026-09-10T07:29:13Z")
So, the thread (like similar threads) is largely boiling down to two views: 1. Christianity is not facing a double standard. And/or, 1. Christianity is facing a double standard, but that’s a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/139 "2026-09-10T08:02:05Z")
If you ignore every bit of context, I suppose you could reach that conclusion, much in the same way you can argue that affirmative action is unfair to white people. ---
**Author:** ![JDYanYan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jdyanyan/32/21663_2.png) [@JDYanYan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JDYanYan)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2026, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877/140 "2026-09-10T08:11:37Z")
I would argue that no standard exists at all. I think no one treats Buddhists and Zoroastrians the same way, or Sikhs and scientologists, or Hindus and Muslims. The entire premise of a double standard is erroneous and hinges on a mindset that recognizes just two religions: Christianity and Other. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christianophobia-is-there-a-double-standard-in-the-way-christianity-is-treated/1032877.md?page=8)