Atheist, how do you define Christian?

Question

Don't say a fool or anything like that because that is just being disrespectful. This is a Serious question. Thanks in advance.

Read this question just for some food for thought.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmRnK9VaT5XYWOJyB4sws_fsy6IX?qid=20060725184701AAlfhzD

Thanks again

Yosimitedude: So does that mean other religions are true?

Answer 1

"pest"

And I am serious.

Answer 2

I don't define who is and who isn't a true Christian. That's not my responsibility and I can't claim to have any authority to do so. I'm an agnostic and an atheist and if you ask me how I define either I'll tell you at length. But when someone who is neither presumes to tell me with some sort of absolute certainty I don't take them seriously. They are usually very wrong. I would probably be the same if I tried to define who is a true member of a group I don't even belong to.
I've spoken with those who say that a true christian must be born again. Others who say that a true christian is one who believes that Jesus is her personal savior. Is it one who believes in the divinity of Christ? One who follows the dogma of the one true sect? One who lives life according to the ideas of Jesus? One who respects Jesus?
No two christians I've ever met share all the same ideas about their faith. It's not for me to decide which is and which isn't really a Christian. If someone calls himself a Christian I accept that. Christianity isn't a monolith. I don't expect all Christians to believe the same thing and I don't have a threshhold test that someone has to pass in order to be called a Christian. I'll leave that for the Christians to fight over. They've been doing so for centuries, they must be good at it.

Answer 3

I doubt there really is one all purpose definition.

The doctrinal differences between different sects and denominations and theological schools of thought prevent a hard dividing line.

I suppose that the grouping would rely on the belief in the Jesus story as the central feature of religion. Seems a bit broad, but interpretations of it are broad so I'd have to leave it at that.

Answer 4

I agree with (kathy1000), since they Don't Believe GOD Exists...how in Heavens Name would they be able to even make an attempt to define christianity That (in their minds) DON'T EXISTS!.....this should be real interesting if they try to explain it, because it means they would actually have to pick up a Bible and read it and find out that a person has to be Born Again To Understand Spiritual Things Of GOD (John 3: 1-8).......

Answer 5

Christian is a person who believes in God and Jesus Christ. The idea of believing is handed down from parents or communities that they were raised by. Christian believes God sent Jesus Christ in a form of human whose mother was a virgin and
conceived by God (having sex without orgasm) They believe Jesus Christ died for their sin. They continue to worship an object called cross which they used to crucifix Jesus. The word Christian means a person who believes in Christ.

To be or not to be Christian is a personal choice. For those who got weak mind and need something to hold on to then believing in imaginary stuff is ideal.

Answer 6

Christians can't even decide what a Christian is, and believe me I've asked. I have heard people say that all who believe in Christ are Christian, Only those who worship Christ as God are Christian, those who try to live a Christ like life are Christian. Basically it is impossible for us as Atheists to define them as they can't even do so as a community. Good question.

Answer 7

THe definition of a "Christian" is actually Christ-like. Basically it is someone who belives Jesus is their LOrd and Savior and lives their life to please him. I am a Christian and though I am not perfect I try to do what I know is the right thing to do. No one is perfect but the important thing is to strive to be your best. I respect you for having your own opinion and making the comment not to disrespect us for our beliefs. That shows me although we do not share the same beliefs, you do have respect for the beliefs of others. Thank You.

Answer 8

that depends... are you the normal decent kind, or the abortion clinic bombing kind who hates gays.


In all, christian or not - I believe religion is out dated. They were created BY MAN to spread messages about how to behave. It was also used to explain the things man didn't understand - like death, the afterlife, and nature.

THEN it was used as justification to fight wars and push beliefs on others.

So yeah.... the time has come to just sit back, relax, and admit - maybe 3000 years ago we needed the bible to tell us not to kill, but now we have the cops.

Answer 9

Someone who believes that Jesus is the son of God and follows the Bible especially the New Testament. They also consider that book to tbe the word of God (but only follows the parts that suit them). They want everyone who doesn't believe like them to go to hell and are forever trying to force their beliefs down others throats.

Answer 10

I define a christian as a person who seeks his or her spirituality through belief in the Bible and the theology created around that.

They may be good or bad, tolerant or intolerant, laid back or extreme in their belief; and that doesn't just apply to christians that applies to any belief system.

Answer 11

In general, someone who believes Jesus Christ is/was either God or the Son of God. Of course there's many branches of Christianity, so it would have to be a general description to cover them all.