Am I more Christian than an actual Christian even though I'm an atheist?

Question

I've known several Christians to be quite rude to me, and tell me that I'm going to hell for not believing in what they say. I've read the Bible, but haven't memorized it. It seems to me that I live by more of Jesus' teachings than some of these people. Even though I don't believe in God, I act morally. I turn the other cheek, love my neighbor, and try to help humanity in the small ways I can. This is because I believe these things are right, not because I fear God or the law. How can one claim to be a Christian when an atheist believes more fundamental tenents of one's religion than the believer?

I'm not saying that I'm a Christian in that I believe in Jesus being a god. I'm saying that I obey several fundamental Christian tenents without fear (or love) of God or the authorities.

Answer 1

Christian= follower of Christ.

You don't follow Christ, you aren't a Christian. That doesn't make you immoral, it just means that you aren't a Christian.

Just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn't mean they are perfect. I know plenty of people who are total assholes who would tell you they were Christian if you asked them.

Answer 2

1. atheists believe in no beliefs.
2. Even some Christians will be surprised when they are allowed through the entrance of heaven. (see Matthew 7:21-23)
Morals are good, but these will not get you into heaven.
a. accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
b. repent and ask forgiveness for sins and transgressions onto God.
c. to know Jesus and to do God's will

Jesus is coming for a spotless bride.

I have found some Christians viewpoints bend more toward personal beliefs than the Bible. This is shaky ground to walk on. These people are implying that God's law is more of a teaching that the gold standard. By doing so, they say that God either doesn't know what He's doing or they refuse to acknowledge this, in turn, twisting the truth of God into a lie.

I will give this much credit, atheists and agmostics are stubborn on their "nonbelief." Too bad some Christians aren't they same way when it comes to the Bible..

Answer 3

You're moral? Ok, then let's take a test.

1. Have you ever wished in your heart or mind for anyone to be dead? If so, -1 points

2. Have you ever used God's name in vain, such as using it in any form in conjuction with a cuss word? If so, -1 points

3. Have you failed to honor your father and mother? Do you laugh at them or talk about them behind their backs? Have you ever wished you had different parents? If so, -1 points

4. Have you ever lusted after a someone else who is not your spouse? This includes perverted thoughts, and trying to imagine someone without their clothes. If so, -1 points.

5. Have you ever stolen anything? No matter how small the item, stealing is stealing and God says it's wrong. If you have stolen, -1 points.

So, how did you do? Most people, if they were being honest, would score -5 points. If you scored anywhere from -1 to -5 you are not as moral as you think you are.

The writer of most of the New Testament addresses your concern by saying that "no one can be perfect" (1), and since no one can be perfect none of us are worthy of getting into heaven.

The problem with your thesis is that you attempt to wrap morality in with the tenents of the Christian faith. Christianity has nothing to do with morality. Morality is a by-product of having a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the folks that you have run into seem to not have a very good relationship. That's what happens when one tries to practice a religion instead of working on a relationship.

D7

Answer 4

The fundamental tenet of Christianity is that God sent us his son to be our Savior; his death and resurrection defeated the old spiritual covenant that enslaved humanity to evil and made it possible for us to reconcile with the Creator. Since you don't believe that, you're not a Christian.

It's great that you are doing some of the behavior that Christians are called to do - turning the other cheek, loving your neighbor, and so on. I commend you for these and I think that God approves of you trying to live your life in the best way that you know how. However, that's not enough to make up for the sins and crimes that you also commit; nobody is sufficiently good through their own effort to win admission into the Kingdom.

(Basically, you're dressing up nicely, packing your bags in the approved carry-on size, and showing up to the airport on time - but you haven't bought a ticket.)

All that said, it isn't up to human beings to decide where other human beings are going to go - all we can do is tell you what we believe. The final decision is God's.

I'm really sorry that Christians have been rude to you; we're sinful creatures too, and we often make mistakes. I hope and pray you find some Christians who can share the faith with you in a loving way, and lead you to a closer walk with God and even a conversion.

Best of luck, and God bless.

Answer 5

Christians can't be atheists because they believe in God. But some Christians do not speak the Truth in love as the Bible advises--unfortunately. I'm sorry that you have had bad experiences with Christians. I'm sure they were just trying to warn you about what is to come if you don't believe in Jesus as your Sacrifice for your sins. All people sin. Sometimes Christians "lose it" because they know that time is running out. Keep living rightly because then you'll live longer, and read the Bible in spite of the Christians who give other Christians a bad name.

Answer 6

Who is to say what is moral or not? Absolute morals like Christians believe in are given by God. Without God what moral basis are you going off of? What sets Christians apart from others is not how good you are or what you do at all. The difference is believing that someone else (Jesus Christ) paid for your sins because He loves you not because of what you do. Being a Christian doesn't mean that your always good or nice in fact Jesus wasn't always nice but He is always pure and loving. Being a Christian means you know God as an intimate friend, savior, shield, fortress, and so much more. He is my all and all. Being a Christian means you give your life to Him, but that doesn't mean that we are instantly perfect it means we know who is.

Answer 7

Christians are people just like everyone else. Some are naturally rude and arrogant but they are slowly being transformed into the likeness of Jesus by the Holy Spirit and they will inherit eternal life.

Of course, many people who claim to be Christians are deceived. They might go to church and read the Bible but that doesn't make one a true Christian. If they haven't been born again then they are just like anyone else who might show up at a church and read the Bible.

Also, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process. The Bible speaks of "baby Christians" and "carnal Christians" who haven't progressed as far as more mature Christians. It's not like God waves a magic wand over people like Cinderella's fairy godmother and they suddenly become transformed into perfect Christ like people.

Answer 8

I have known many people who have a profound inability to explain themselves albeit what they are saying might be true.
If I came to your door one night and beat on the door kicking and screaming, you might think I am a jerk until you hear my message that your house is on fire. The inability to get a message across does not always mean the message is untrue. I don't understand how you can claim to be a christian when you don't believe in the Creator of the earth and the Christan religion. I do think it is awesome that you are living a life that worthy of mention. The problem is to a believer anyone who denies Gods will go to hell by their own choice. I do not hide behind God a excuses for my actions, I am a real moron that does many stupid things but like you I try to make a difference in my family and in my country. If you thought I was drinking poison you would warn me of the problem, the same is true of a christian telling you the fact according to the christian faith that if you deny GOD he will deny you. which translates to going to hell. I wish you the best.

Answer 9

Although it's great that you act morally and just, no you aren't a Christian. You can't be Christian unless you believe in the Lord and Jesus Christ. It is terrible how someone says they're Christian, then acts cruelly to others. I mean, the Ku Klux Klan is "supposedly" Christian and they're horrible. But I do think more people should be like you in the way you say you act. Then the world would be a MUCH better place. Carpe Diem!

Answer 10

Sadly, you're right. Jesus said "you shall know them by their fruit" meaning (essentially) actions speak louder that words. It's a sad state today that a lot of people are allowing the devil to use them to pervert and taint the name of Christ. The word Christian, by its very definition means to be Christ-like, so on that level, you're right on, but Christ also worshiped the one true God and said he can do nothing unless he goes (talks to) his Father first. I think that a lot of the "false" Christians are why there are so many non-believers such as yourself. But to be good is not enough. You MUST be born again, and believe and receive Jesus as your personal savior to get to heaven, it is the only way. We are ALL going to live forever. The difference is believers go to Heaven where there is great joy, real love, and beauty, no sickness or sadness, non-believers go to the place God prepared for the devil known as Hell, where there is no joy, no peace, no parting and fun like the liar wants you to believe, only misery and suffering, eternal death, because the first man, Adam, put us all on that road. You have to choose to get off the wrong road, and get on the right one. Not because of man, but because of the one true perfect Son of God Jesus, and he loves you more than any human ever can or will.

Answer 11

I should question the fact that they are truly christians. If you want someone to accept Jesus you don't tell them that you're gonna go to hell if you don't. But don't you have to believe in some sort of a god somewhere to have morals?? Yea God does forgive the sinners but why sin and then ask for forgiveness? I think that they don't know how to witness to ppl and that's what turns ppl away from God.

Oh and i think that churches aren't trying to suck your money out and that all Christians are afraid of dying...I can't wait till the day that i meet my Lord. Since i have confessed to God that I accept him into my heart i know that i'm going to heaven...so why fear the fact that i'm going to die one day?