Is a Christian who does not follow the teachings of Christianity worse than an atheist?

Answer 1

NO Christian follows the teachings of Christ. Most of them don't even try. For example, Jesus said that if his followers wish to be perfect, they must sell all they have and give the money to the poor. How many Christians do that? Obviously, none of them on these forums, or else they wouldn't have a computer!

Jesus once listed the signs that would follow those who believe in him: raising the dead, healing the sick, the ability to swallow poison or handle venomous snakes without getting hurt, and doing all the miracles that he did, and GREATER. Name one Christian who has ever done any of these things. I would love to see one go into an emergency ward and heal everyone in it. I would like to see one swallow cyanide and survive without the slightest sign of illness. They cannot do this, of course, so they make excuses, saying that Jesus didn't REALLY refer to them, but only to his 12 disciples. Funny how anything they can't do was not really meant for them, but the easy stuff--such as preaching, praying, and getting baptized--WAS meant for them. They practice the buffet style of believing...that is, picking what they like from the Bible and ignoring what they don't like. It is their right to do this, of course, but it would be nice if they would actually admit that they're doing it, and not try to cover it up with lies and excuses. We skeptics know what they're doing, so why don't they just admit it?

Answer 2

In my opinion no, an atheist rebels against all things christian and or religious, while a christian on the other hand has excepted Jesus, has the option to repent and change their ways, not to mention has Jesus to forgive them and their faith. But from another perspective, to an atheist, the christian would be the worse of the two for obvious reasons.

Answer 3

No. A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus and is trying to follow him. Christians make mistakes and sometimes fail. An Atheist does not even believe in God. An Atheist is much worse,

Answer 4

Neither one is worse. It is about a relationship with the Teacher, not the teachings. Iknow people who were atheists before who now believe in God.

What I think, is that a person who just follows the teachings, but the teachings are not really in there heart are the biggest phonies and are very judgemental.

No one is perfect.

Answer 5

Actually the only group of people the New Testament says not to fellowship with is the group claiming to be followers of Christ but do not actually live the life of Christ. The New Testament teaches us that we should not associate with them, unless of course they change. So, yes in some ways they are worse. Jesus also told the Jewish leaders that if they claimed not to have known the truth, they would have been ok, but since they claimed to know the truth, and didn't follow it, that they were in sin. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

In the most basic hypothetical sense where the atheist was never a Christian and has knowledge of it, and the Christian has been sufficiently taught, then yes. Betrayal is worse than never knowing.

However, both are in a dangerous position and in need of our love and prayers.

Just to be clear, both are forgivable. God can forgive anyone.

Answer 7

very interesting question. I think it can really go both ways. for example,
on the day of Judgement there will be Christians who will say that they did all sorts of things in the name of Christ and Jesus will say he never knew them. I think to the Christian that this happens to it would be the most horrible thing ever. but it really should not be a surprise to them.
for the Athiest who knew that there was Christ or the rumor of him but rejected him for what ever reason it will be a surprise because they never expected to see anyone much less Jesus when they died.
I think that to specifically answer your question no the Christian is no worse just they knew better and did not do as they were taught.

Answer 8

It really depends on how you define a Christian. It could be defined as anybody who believes Jesus Christ was God on earth. Some define it as anybody who has faith in their salvation through Jesus Christ. Some even define it on a stricter level--one who believes in Jesus and follows the commands of Scripture (the "word of God"). I however, don't believe the Bible is the "word of God" (for reasons too numerous to list here). Yet I still call myself a Christian. Whether or not somebody believes that Jesus Christ actually walked the earth, and whether or not they believe he was God, I think the most important lesson to learn from Jesus is to recognize his holy lifestyle. Now, because I don't believe the Bible was written by God (through the people's bodies), I also must define my own set of morals. Often times, athiests are people with moral lifestyles. If you are a Christian, you must first decide what kind of Christian you are and exactly what you believe. If you believe the Bible, then follow its rules. Don't kill, lie, steal, etc. and if your child ever curses you, put him to death for it (as it is commanded in the Bible).

Answer 9

I don't know of a single christian( including me) who is able to follow the teachings of Christ perfectly. In fact, we are all told that we fall short. If we could be perfect , we would not need a savior. So your question is flawed, because it pre-supposes that there are two types of Christians, perfect and imperfect. There is only imperfect. God loves us all the same including those who reject him.

Answer 10

If the Christian, after receiving knowledge of the truth, were to continue to sin willfully and purposefully, he would not be a Christian.