I agree, the question didn’t accurately reflect his real meaning, but when you read the details it’s possible to catch onto it.
But he’s clarified himself already, so okay: what he really wants to know is why some Christians feel they have to hide the fact they are Christians. He’s made that clear now, so let’s move on.
@NaturalMineralWater: perhaps it’s a fear of being put down or looked down upon by others. It’s human nature not to want to do things that make you feel pressured or uncomfortable when you them.
Personally, I don’t feel the need to hide that I’m a Christian, but at the same time I also don’t feel the need to make it blindingly apparent to others. Actually, a preacher might call me a “luke-warm Christian.” I’m not “on fire” but I’m not exactly a “whimp.” I’m somewhere in between, for various reasons.
But to be honest, I’m not looking to be an “on-fire” Christian. What does that really mean anyways? I’m not a go-out-and-spread-the-word-by-mouth missionary; I know that’s not what I’m supposed to do with my life. I traveled to Guatemala when I was twelve on a mission trip, and it was cool and rewarding and maybe even did something for the people there, but I knew that wasn’t my thing. Actually, I probably do more good sharing my faith with others online and through email than I do in person because the written word seems to be my medium of choice for communication. Bad/good? I don’t know, but I actually don’t care at this point, lol.
What about you, @NaturalMineralWater? You said you don’t feel the need to hide the fact that you’re a Christian anymore. Why did you feel you needed to before, and what changed that you don’t feel that way anymore?