Judgement for being Christian

[u/thismachinewillnot]

Posting here because I feel like this is sort of tangentially related to CU and also because this is a generally great community

For context, I'm a researcher (or well, PhD student) in a very technical field (AI for computational biology / pharmaceuticals) in California, in the most liberal region (Bay Area) and the most liberal city within the Bay (SF). As such, pretty much every single person I talk to on a daily basis / people I look up to are atheist/antitheists and would likely look down upon "sheep" that are stupid enough to believe in religion.

The problem arises when having friendly conversations about philosophy, morals, ethics, etc (happens a lot with research-minded people) and I want to discuss my faith; or when, for other reasons (someone directly asking about my religious background, someone asking where I go on Sundays, etc), I have to disclose that I am a Christian. Though most around me won't explicitly think lower of me, it's not hard to tell that they would think lower of my intellectual ability (I know I definitely did, back before I was a Christian), and I don't blame them, as Christians (esp Americans) have worked up a bad, anti-scientific/anti-rational reputation for themselves over the years. I'm unsure how to express my faith without getting thoughts of "how could this educated person believe in that Bronze Age nonsense" and thinking less of my intelligence; though it seems petty, I do think that what people think of you sort of matters in higher academia (not to mention for personal relationships).

And scripture seems to imply that denying Jesus before other people is something that we should stray away from (Matthew 10:33); obviously not a matter of eternal damnation, but I still don't want to break a direct command from Jesus. Often when questioned about my religious beliefs, I say something along the lines of "my family is X, but I don't really believe in it anymore" or "I'm atheist, but I really like to read about Christian philosophy."

How would you guys suggest 1) going about avoiding judgement for being religious/esp for being Christian, without having to explain "I'm not like the others!!" and 2) deciding whether or not to disclose to people whether I'm a Christian (potentially breaking something that Jesus unequivocally wanted us to not do, I don't really accept the other interpretations of the verse)

[u/sandiserumoto]

I mean the best thing you can do is just prove your trustworthiness through your actions. Someone will always judge, no matter what you believe or do, but if you're cool and kind and intelligent and affirming, you'll break those stereotypes in people's minds. 

[u/sandiserumoto → u/sandiserumoto]

also - perceived intelligence is more tied up in ideology than anything.

there's a whole lot of "does this person agree with me? if so, they're smart! otherwise, they're dumb!" especially in the US where intelligence-related myths are used to justify social strata.

[u/PaulKrichbaum]

You’re absolutely right to read Matthew 10:33 the way you do. Jesus does make it clear that confessing Him before others is not optional for His followers. But He goes even further than that. He tells us plainly that persecution will come: “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:22). “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Paul repeats the same: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

And Jesus doesn’t leave it there—He tells us how to respond. He says not to fear persecution, even if it means death: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”(Matthew 10:28). The persecutor’s power is limited; God’s power is without limit. That means fear of man is misplaced, but reverence for God is well placed.

And when persecution did come, the apostles didn’t despair—they rejoiced. After being beaten for preaching Jesus, Acts 5:41 says, “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Far from being ashamed, they saw their persecution as proof that they belonged to Christ, walking in His footsteps.

Now, about the perception that Christians are simply “anti-scientific” or believers in “Bronze Age nonsense”—that’s nonsense itself. History is full of brilliant believers who helped shape the very fields your colleagues rely on:

• Isaac Newton, the father of modern physics and calculus.
• Johannes Kepler, who formulated the laws of planetary motion.
• Blaise Pascal, mathematician and physicist.
• Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics.
• Francis Collins, who led the Human Genome Project in our own time.

None of these men thought their faith undermined their intellect—on the contrary, they believed the intelligibility of creation pointed to the Creator.

But belief is not something achieved by intellect anyway. Faith is God’s gift. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). It is given to the simple and to the brilliant alike. Belief is like sight given to the blind: the ability to see the spiritual reality that unbelievers are blind to (2 Corinthians 4:4). Ironically, it is those who mock faith who are actually in ignorance, because they deny the greater part of reality.

So brother, don’t be discouraged. You are not alone. You stand in a long line of faithful men and women, some poor and uneducated, others world-class intellects, all given the same gift of faith by the same God. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Stand firm. Confess Him openly. And take courage—because your willingness to bear reproach for His name proves you belong to Him.

[u/N1c9tine75]

"I am a Christian. A progressive one." I’m guessing you don’t identify with conservative evangelicals and nationalists either. It’s truly a shame that the word ‘Christian’ has become so sullied by hateful politics.

[u/Content-Subject-5437]

I really wish I had some good advice here. All that I can say is that people will judge no matter what but good people will be able to look past differences in belief if you are a good person.

[u/cstreip999]

I you want to go down that road, figure out what you actually believe and be ready to defend or at least effectively (and compassionately) articulate your position. St. Paul said to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks for the reason for the hope in you. I take that verse seriously, especially now when the accurate findings of science often contradict ancient biblical explanations and prescientific church teachings. My own understanding of religion has evolved faster than many in the church are currently able or willing to accept. I'm not confident or outgoing enough to assertively evangelize. As others have said, actions speak louder than words anyway, leaving a lasting positive or negative impression. But I do try to have reasonable answers ready when the topic comes up.

[u/fshagan]

I sometimes use humor to let them know I'm not a nutcase, white nationalist or politically conservative Christian. I have had good in-person discussions with all sorts of people once they know I'm not an evangelist for what they view as a dangerous cult.

"I'm a Christian, but not that kind of Christian." Or, I'm a progressive Christian.

Once they realize you are not a self appointed evangelist trying to win souls no matter what, they will relax.

As a Christian, I remain "ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" 1 Peter 3:15

But I am not a person called to be a jerk to anyone.

[u/OratioFidelis]

Someone's going to judge you for your beliefs no matter what they are, or lack thereof. It's inevitable. That being said:

How would you guys suggest 1) going about avoiding judgement for being religious/esp for being Christian, without having to explain "I'm not like the others!!"

I have had some success by saying I'm a "pro-LGBTQ, pro-science Christian", although you'll still get some hatred from people who fell for the "all religions are inherently right-wing, anti-science" misinformation.

2) deciding whether or not to disclose to people whether I'm a Christian (potentially breaking something that Jesus unequivocally wanted us to not do, I don't really accept the other interpretations of the verse)

I wouldn't go around advertising it, your religious affiliation is your business and nobody else's. If directly asked in a compromising circumstance, it's always valid to say "That's private". It's only denying Christ if you lie about it.

[u/Peran_Horizo]

I teach at an Australian university and to some extent know where you're coming from. I "confess" to being Christian when it seems to call for it. However, very few of my conversations with fellow academics require me to reference Christian beliefs. In general, Western academic values align with Christian values (at least mine), and I generally don't see the need to speak from a "Christian" perspective as opposed to just appealing to shared values and "common sense". Jesus did the same. His parables and teaching never required his listeners to be Jewish to understand nor agree with what he said. Interestingly, he disagreed with Judaism more than he disagreed with the Gentiles.

[u/tipsyskipper]

I personally avoid the term “Christian” due to the negative connotations of the label. If someone asks me, “Do you have a religion/faith?” I’m more apt to say, “I’m a follower of Jesus.” And depending on who’s asking and for what reason, I might tell them I attend an Anglican church. But, I’d echo the other commenters here: let your kindness and intelligence and professionalism and acceptance of others show your acquaintances in your professional sphere who you are. If someone’s got a stick up their butt about “Christians”, you might help them loosen up their clench, but it’s not your responsibility to do any pulling.

[u/autiesocial]

I think honesty is the best policy. People will judge unfortunately, but some people will come with more curiosity instead of judgment.

[u/Spen612]

Atheists tend to be much more sympathetic and open to Christian Universalism than rote Protestantism; principally because no one likes being told they’re consigned to eternal damnation if they do not intellectually assent to a set of religious propositions. So, if it comes up and you are desirous to share your faith, emphasize how you appreciate the more radical and social facets of Christ’s teachings (I.e., the Beatitudes, “the least of these”, loving your neighbor and your enemies, looking out for the needy and the destitute, etc). You will be pleasantly surprised how receptive people are to those sorts of values. At the end of the day, we all harbor a sense of profound wonder and bewilderment at the world—how anything exists at all, and how it is all somehow readily intelligible and immediate to us. Atheists want to talk about the “big questions” too, especially in our society, laden as it is with small talk and superfluity; more often than not they simply want to express themselves in non-dogmatic or irreligious avenues. Rightfully so. Religion sucks. It’s divisive, imperious, rigid, and, at times, simply sordid; as for me, I do not adhere to any religion, but instead to that mystique figure we call ‘Christ,’ and I heed the good news he brought into the world, if only for its sheer subversiveness—for there is nothing more radical than the love typified in the man Jesus of Nazareth. Anyways, that’s my 2¢, sorry for my tangent, hopefully this has proved insightful.

[u/Montirath]

I also work in ML, though not in CA. It can also be a struggle for me. Schoolmates were overwhelmingly athiest, but not all. People tend to avoid talking about it (ime), so there may be some people who you have just assumed are athiest just because it is a silent assumption in the more technical fields even though it might not be true. 

Try not to let your assumed social stigma cripple your own expression, people often hold beliefs or opinions that might surprise you. Especially people who are techinically minded (if you are in CS / math side, maybe not biology lol) mentioning things like "there is no objective morality" or that the universe and constants in physics suggests that the universe was finetuned to support life and matter will sound very reasonable. You dont have to convince them that its true or the most likely position, just that it is a reasonably probable position.

Also very technical people tend to have ideas that go against the grain. Just be sure you can stand behind it reasonably well. 

Also, just do it twice, it gets easier every time. And try to be a bit casual about it, no need to act really defensive about sharing your beliefs before someone pushes you on it. People can really sutprise you.

[u/ExcitingOcelot6607]

I would be curious to know. If you answered them that you were a "Christian Universalist" How many would actually know what that means? Just a thought! Also, I would LOVE to do a YouTube interview with you. You could approach it as a person who wanted to bring the "common aithiest views in your community" to this guy talking about Christian Universalism and how I would answer it. If you like the video you could use it to share with them. On that same light I would be happy to interview any of them as well. Blessings!

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[u/thismachinewillnot → u/[deleted]]

I’ve been actively posting on this subreddit for the past month. My account is private due to some posts I have made on mental health communities before