Chriatian Atheism?

Question

Christian = Christ-like. Living life according to how Jesus lived (modifiable for the difference in society and time period). As none are able to be exactly like Christ, it would be reasonable to say that living close to the way Christ lived would make you like Christ (different levels of likeness). With this in mind, is Christian Atheism possible, if a person were to reject the notion of God, yet live their lives by many of the teachings of Jesus (whether or not they credit Jesus with their actions)? If they were to forgive people when they have been wronged, because they felt it was the right thing to do. If they were to treat others as they would have others treat them. If they were to show love toward all people. Yes?

Also note, this says nothing about salvation.

I like the variety of answers I've received. Differences in definition, several good points brought on both sides of the question. And the expected response from some people who think they know me because of a theoretical question I asked. Hopefully more answers will come in, as they have been interesting thus far! Thank you to all who have replied.

Answer 1

The more I see of people in here, the more non-Christians I see acting more Christ-like than some of these Christians. In the basic sense you have given it, yes it is possible. You can be without belief in the Biblical God, and hold yourself to the morals laid out, accredited to Jesus, in the bible.

Answer 2

I've been told by several Christians that I'm one of the most 'Christian' people they know aside from my atheism. I think it's entirely possible to lead a decent, "Christ-like" life in that one can be kind, generous, loving, compassionate, understanding, and all the good qualities Jesus supposedly embodied etc etc, while at the same time being without belief in any deity. In fact, I KNOW it's possible. It happens every day.

My mother, a Catholic, has told me that she believes I'll be in heaven with her when I die... I think it's probably because she doesn't want any of her children going to hell, but it's also because she believes very strongly that God is a loving deity that wouldn't condemn a person simply because they didn't choose the "one correct religion" or even choose one at all. She believes being a good person is enough to show God that one deserves reward.

Answer 3

All you've got to do is trust Jesus. You aren't that far from it. Stop trying to "get around" the fact that Jesus was born to die for yours and my sins. That was God's plan. Jesus accepted it. Jesus calls everyone to trust Him for their salvation. Why would you ever try to live a Christ-like life if Jesus was less than a perfect, sinless man? Whats the point in that? Millions aim for Christ-likeness because He was perfect in every way (approved of by God). All you must do is call out to Him and ask Him into your heart. That is all. Its soo simple, and yet so profound. You'd be silly to not give it a try. :)

Answer 4

Why not a Ghandi-like life? You seem to associate a person who lives a good, respectful, and decent life as only being christian. Being religious does not exclude anyone from the worse attributes of humankind....there are many examples that proves this. Also, if someone needs the threat and fear of some god hanging over their heads in order to treat people the right way, in order to live a decent and respectful life....how confident are you in that persons ability to really know what it is to be human?

Answer 5

Oxymoron indeed. I bet you're one of those people that haven't even read the entire Jesus account and are working out of the notions given by culture. Being "christ-like" takes more than what you describe. Are you ready to give away all your money and to go out to the world to save the poor? How can you be christ-like and not pray or believe in the holy ghost?

Answer 6

You have described what is called a "God fearer". They didn't belong to any organized religions but lived according to the law written on their hearts. The only difference is that the Christian Atheist would have absolutely no belief in the God who put those laws in him.

[Rom 2:14] For when the Gentiles who do not have the law by nature observe the prescriptions of the law, they are a law for themselves even though they do not have the law.
[Rom 2:15] They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them

Answer 7

I think you make some good points about Christ, but you also leave out how divisive he was. He turned the temple upside down. He insulted religious leaders. He pissed off so many people even his disciples disowned him. He was put to death by the Romans and the Jews of the time.

He doesn't exactly sound like Mr. Rogers.

If you follow his commands you will love God and your neighbor. That was what he said was the sum of the law.

Answer 8

I think you're trying to be smarter than you really are. Living the way you discribe really has nothing to do with christ or god or christianity. If you think about it, it is human nature to be good to others, wether you are being good for your benifit or theirs. We tend to want to treat people well because they in turn treat us well. Christ just stated it as a "teaching".

Answer 9

Can one not follow God and still act in a way that is similar to the way Jesus, even closer than the way many Christians do? Yes.

Now, Jesus also taught prayer, submitting oneself to God, and repentance. I don't know of any Atheist who practices these.

Answer 10

Atheists worship themselves and christ teachings shows an existence of a GOD. Atheists believes that their moralitiy comes from their parents teachings or themselves not God therefore not possible.
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