Question for Atheists and Agnostics...?

Question

This should not be an offensive question to you. I think it is a neutral question. Here it is:

What do you think about someone who says "forget about religion" but then they start talking about how Jesus is the only way? Does this sound like a cop-out to you the way it does to me? I am religious and am not ashamed to say it. I will also be the first to admit that I am a sinner and am far from the religious ideal that I struggle to meet. But I think that a lot of people don't know what being religious means. What do you think?

Answer 1

Cop out. Atheist here.

Answer 2

There has been some sort of great divide in spirituality, religion and faith somewhere along the line. Saying one is religious and having a solid knowledge of the bible, or any other holy book means nothing unless you possess the spirituality to open you mind and head to those around you. To have faith in a higher power, and realizing that there are more powerful forces than just yourself.

I have found that in the absence of spirituality and faith religion becomes a weapon. Spouting off a verse or two to condemn or prove yourself is not Religion. I have found that many people have confused having knowledge with having religion. I grew up in the church and have since left. I have always thought that in order to follow in a true path you must be willing to forsake yourself to an extent for the needs of others. You must be able to look at other with compassion and understanding, even if you don't agree. You must recognize your imperfections and strive to improve. It is a tireless pursuit to improve yourself and the lives of others. Trying you hardest to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Many christian i have encountered although having a great understanding of the bible somehow forgot what Jesus was about, and why we follow in his teachings.

My point being that I see far to often religion being used as a tool of condemnation, or oppression. This is not the way it is supposed to be.

Answer 3

I think that the "religious" people of religions give religions a bad rap sometimes. I personally know a lot of christians and muslims, for instance, and most of them are real good people. It is the crazy nutjobs that start wars and spread hate. And most of those kind are the ones preaching about love, which is ironic when the two are totally different.

I choose to be atheist because to many things do not make sence with any of the religions.

Answer 4

Yes, sounds like a cop-out - people are making a very religious statement with the 'Jesus is the only way'. Jesus, by the way, IS the only way but so is the Buddha and others - only contradictory when we see it from a dualistic perspective (Buddha and Jesus both experienced God, saw the separateness of themselves and others as illusory, realized there's only One thing, and then become symbols for the One way -- a direct experience). Secondly, there is no sin - sin, guilt, hell, judgment -- all ego projections onto god. The only thing that's important is to experience the Love.

Answer 5

You are confusing faith and a belief in God or Jesus, with following the strict rules many churches require of their members.

Is it not possible for someone to believe, and to strive to be the best possible person they can be, using the bible as a guide, without having to be a strict member of any specific church?

If you think not, then I would suggest that you have a very closed minded view of religion. There is a difference between being religious (believing in the word and having strong faith) and being observant of customs and rules. One can be either or both.

The paths to God are many. Why do you think there are so many different religions? There is no ONE truth.

Answer 6

The people that I have met with this attitude, usually mean to forego the organized aspect of religion, i.e. catholic, baptist, etc.

History has proven the folly of the church (the crusades, anyone). I would have to say its not bad to go for being spiritual instead of religious. (I'm neither, but that's beside the point.) If you're going to do either though, stick to your guns. Don't pick and choose what you think works with your belief. Give in whole-heartedly, and understand that its all very personal, and maybe at the end of the day, you'll truly be happier for it.

Answer 7

Amen. This is a deceptive approach to discussing one's religion. In many ways, religion has gotten itself a bad name- exploitation of believers by cynical, conniving pastors; the churches raking in bucks; extremists hurting others in the name of their faith; holier than though adherents who are quick to judge the sins of others while excusing their own, etc. So some religious people have picked up on the game of appearing to sympathize with the non-religious person. The religious person can appear to distance himself from all the negative parts of religion by saying that he has no religion, just a personal relationship with God.
Of course it's just semantics and, by any rational standard, wrong. Religion's a systematic set of beliefs about the supernatural, usually involving rituals. Invariably, the person claiming to have only a personal relationship actually has a formal religion. The person's religion probably even has most, if not all, of the negative sides of religion that the person's pretending to distance himself from.

Here's a test: ask the person (if you are in the US) if his church is tax exempt. Only religions get this protection. Ask the person if the Constitution protects the exercise of his "personal relationship." They are quick to protect the religious liberty rights, they just pretend they aren't a religion when they are trying to convert you. If it prays like a religion, if it judges like a religion, if it demands tithes like a religion- it's a religion.

Answer 8

Some people want to have their faith and beliefs and not be grouped in with religion. Like for example I knew of a guy who considered himself a Jesus follower but didn't want to be called a Christian. He believes in Jesus and the Bible but doesn't want to be grouped in with the Christians, maybe because of how Christianity has been so abused and so tainted and so corrupted. People just want to have their beliefs and not be labeled, or discriminated for it or whatever. The problem is, from what I understand, if you believe in Jesus as savior and He is the only way and died for our sins, that is the definition of Christian. But still, it's understandable.

Answer 9

Just for the record. Gnostic means "with knowledge".
Agnostic means "without knowledge". Agnostics are people who are unsure, or who do not know how to believe. Lumping the two together is like putting gravy on ice-cream.

Answer 10

I don't care what it means, it is ridiculous. If someone says they are not religious, but talks about Jesus, I would move away from them. That is insanity.