An athiest's view about jesus christ?

Question

if we are to follow a religious leader, i feel that jesus is the best role model. he has a simple and plain message.
compassion and mercy
buddha comes second on my list
and the neat and clean lifestyles of these 2 people keeps attracting me towards their teachings even though i am an athiest

what do you think?

even if they did not exist so what? what matters is their teachings of compassion

Answer 1

If you believe He really existed and is not a mere legend

Answer 2

C.S. Lewis popularized an argument that, I think, comes originally from G. K. Chesterton (someone can correct me on that.) He says that Jesus is either a lunatic, a lier, or He is what He says He is: God. He cannot be just a good person or as you put it, a good role model. Jesus made many claims of Godhood. The above are the only viable explainations for Christ's statements. Certainly a crazy person is not a good role model. Certainly a lier is not a good role model. You don't believe in God, so the third option is obviously out. Lewis would say either accept Him and Believe or throw him out, but please, please, do not say that he is just a good person or a role model. I encourage you to examine His message more closely.

Answer 3

What possible reason do you have, if you are an atheist, to feel you have to choose just one? Don't you read more than one author, listen to more than one musician, watch more than one television show, or view movies by more than one director?

Plus your claim that Jesus is simple and plain confuses me. What do you make of the "son of man" speeches? What about the issues of damnation? Some Christians call the message of Jesus simple, but when you read the entire texts, there's a lot to be confused about.

I imagine that you are still grieving the loss of connection to your faith community. This is a normal human reaction. And my answer is not meant to criticize you, but only to point out you're limiting yourself unnecessarily.

Your attraction to Buddhism is easier for me to understand, since the Buddha placed reason and experience above any sort of divine intervention. Stephen Batchelor's book "Buddhism without Belief" is a great atheist's approach to Buddhism.

Answer 4

It is highly likely he was a real person but nothing more than a highly influential person at the time. His ideas were popular and the people followed since he was offering a better life style than the current rullers at the time. Perhaps his greatest power came from his explanations as to why things were the way they were and how the earth formed. One could argue he was a theorist and a philosopher like many other that have followed after him. Who knows, we could have even ended up worshipping aristotle or someother early theorist or philosopher. Clearly however the governments saw his ideas as a threat and hence tried to get rid of him. I don't deny he could have existed, but I don't think he was divine.

Answer 5

I would like to present here my humble thoughts on the subject you have raised, not as an atheist nor as a believer but as a human being!
Jesus was just a human being, and perhaps a good one at that! Same goes to Budha and Mohammad and many others!

There is nothing wrong in following the words of wisdom attributed to these people but one shouldn't do so blindly! If those words fit one's philosophy and outlook of life and are within reach of one's ability to comprehend and follow, go ahead and absorb by all means but let it be confined to one's private life!

Once such messages are spread with a view to influencing the lives of other people, not necessarily with their consent or willingness to accept and absorb, the charm is lost!

Answer 6

I am Buddhist but was born a Christian. If I were you, I would try to visit both a temple and a church. For me, the feeling in the Christian church was not comfortable, but I always felt comfortable in a Buddhist temple or pagoda. The differences are small as both Jesus Christ and Buddha were only teachers to lead us towards perfection of the soul. In Buddhism we believe that a soul must learn before we can reach heaven and must go through several lives to reach such purity. True Christianity or Buddhism are gentle religions. In Buddhism, few of the followers are temple-goers as we believe much in inner thoughts or prayers. I won't tell you that it is a perfect answer, that is up to you but if I may help a small amount to understand my faith, I shall be happy to offer my shallow knowledge.

Answer 7

I grew up Southern Baptist, so I know my bible and a great deal about Jesus. As I got older I questioned my faith and at times questioned whether God existed. I am now taking a look at all religions and have come up with the same conclusion. Jesus has more practical information on how to lead a happy and healthy life than any other one out there.

I still struggle with the existence of God, but still use my Christian walk to help me through life. I know in order to be completely happy again I am going to have to believe in God in faith. I am just having a hard time doing it right now.

Answer 8

Follow ur heart the answer lies within. Many religious teachers r great in their own right but none to me was greater than Jesus Christ. He proved over and over again that compassion and love turn even the hardest of hearts. Ask or find out for ur self who was the only man ever to conquer death and resurrect with proof of people who saw him after his death? Did Buddha ever make such a claim or did anyone ever see him in the flesh after he died? Witnesses accounts count in my book if I BELIEVE!!! If u should have any doubt just ask of God and wait patiently for his answer, also learn to recognize that the answer may come in an nontraditional manner or unconventional way, wait upon the Lord and he will suffice all ur needs.

Answer 9

i'm not an atheist as such, i just like to keep an open mind. ive read a few books on religion, and like you, i believe buddha is a great role model to modern society - take away greed, its all about loving each other, take away possessions and material greed.
jesus christ is also a good role model, though i think his message has been distorted too much. but any message to society that concentrates on loving each other, caring and understanding are the biggest goals for modern civilisation.

Answer 10

I dnt think anyone has any obligation to have any sort of religious beliefs! I was brought up a christian went to church every sunday the whole sha-bang. But know that I have grown up and matured I dnt feel that I have to stick to one thing and constanly think will I go to hell foe doing this. I personaly belive in different parts of different religions.

Answer 11

I think you are a Deist, just like George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and most of America's Founding Fathers. I wish today's theistic "Christians" would learn about Deism.