Does a "Church" cause hatred through its views/opinions?

I met my partner Gwenneth at the office through our shared love of classical music and gardening. We went out together, sharing a good nighr kiss at the end of an evening. This became serious so we discussed whether to remain just friends or to go on. Thank heaven we chose the latter. We purchased a house and moved in together. Her family became horrid and it was only Gwen's serene calm in the face of this that helped me go on with our life.
Years later I had to take long leave. Gwen said she was feeling tired but helped me plan the trip and asked for lots of lovely photos. I had a wonderful time but returned to find that she had died from a virulent cancer. Her family had claimed her remains and buried then in their "church's" private plot. On visiting the grave, one of her family warned me to stay away. I ignored her and saw the stone which bore only her date of birth and "UNKNOWN TO GOD".
Is human nature only to blame for such hatred? I cannot forgive, not yet
Rose P

Gwenneth and I are both female. I use the present tense as I believe she is still with me.
Before I finally broke down, I asked my brother if I should try to get the stone altered. His reply was "The bastards have money and their church behind them. They will only take theopportunity to further degrade Gwen and yourself. Make a shrine in your heart, the repose of memory is more important than the repose of the body'
Rose P.

I am so sorry, Rose! It sounds like her family has some serious issues. I can't believe anyone who truly knows God would say that anyone is "unknown" to God. That is absolutely untrue! The Lord knows and loves each one of us, regardless of our choices. And I don't think either of you made a wrong choice in your relationship. You obviously loved each other very much and love is a good thing created by God.

With that said, I do believe that some churches breed hatred by its overzealous views on things. Some churches are obviously more skewed than others, as well. More modern churches realize that some of the views and beliefs of the past are no longer valid, such as same sex relationships, sex before marriage, interracial couples and so on. Some churches are steadfast in their beliefs and teach their members intolerance, even though that is not how Jesus lived his life. I have always been a believer in God. I don't necessarily subscribe to any organized religion, though. I think they are all a bit wacked. That and the bible doesn't say you need to be a certain religion to believe. I have my own faith and beliefs in the Lord based on real life experiences, not the ramblings of someone in a special uniform standing behind a pulpit that I've had to listen to my whole life.

When I went to nursing school 10 years ago, I went to a Christian college in southern California. I was a wild child. I wore big black doc martens, jeans, some rock n roll type tshirt and a big leather biker jacket. I was standing outside of this little chapel they had on campus where you could go and pray alone, or just sit in a house of the Lord. This other student (a guy maybe 19 years old dressed in slacks, loafers and a polo shirt) asked me if I was a Christian. I said "Yes of course, why would you ask?" and he said "well, you just don't look like a Christian" I was shocked. What, exactly, does a Christian look like? So I told him "well, are YOU a Christian? because you certainly don't act like one!" he was bent out of shape. I will never forget that. It's people like that in the church that cause these awful feelings of hatred and intolerance. Who think that every man and woman of God should look and act a certain way and anyone who is outside of that good Christian box is wrong and from the devil. It makes me really sad that people who claim to be religious are some of the most judgmental people in the world.

If I were you, I wouldn't forgive them, either. I'd tell her family to kiss my butt and I'd visit her grave as often as possible. I'd also have her headstone replaced with her mane and birth date and an inscription that says "LOVED by GOD, exactly as God made her". Because that is the truth.

I will pray for you both, Rose. Please don't think that everyone who believes in God are like those people. Most of them are not.

A church that truly teaches the truth of the Bible will NOT foster hatred for any person. Christ loved all people. He hated sin. Not people. Unfortunately there are many churches that are not teaching the pure truth of the scriptures. You need to forgive - not for Gwen's sake, or her family's sake, but for your own. Bitterness and resentment are cancers to the soul. May I kindly and sincerely suggest that you read some in the New Testament. Forget church. Find Jesus.

OH....I am so sorry....i have one question. Where you both females? Nothing agaist you if so.If not i am sorry i asked.And i wouldnt be able to forgive just yet either.Me my self i would get the UNKNOWN TO GOD removed.Check in and see what you can get done about that.For your self and for Gwen.God does not hate so you should not think bad of god.Its her Family that hates.I hope you can come to terms and i hope you can get the other fixed.My prayers are with you.

Yes. And here's what I would do:

I would add to the inscription: "Unknown to the bigoted & blasphemous mirror of yourselves!" and place a mirror under the inscription...and then under that add another inscription that says something like "...but known to all souls who ever tasted drank and breathed the true spirit of love, generosity and pure devotion...my one love and heart...rest in peace and may your spirit remain forever in the enfolding bosom of God, the creator and preserver of us all.........."

Peace to you sister!! And bless you for that story! You make me "rich like a king"!!! (Whitman)