Atheists, Follow up....If you agree Jesus was just a man...?

Question

Do you believe his teachings were moral? Where, at the time he was supposed to have lived, there was massive intolerance of things, such as sexual immorality, (stoning people to death for committing such), promoted through the God that was worshipped, he taught people to look into themselves for their own wrong doings.

Lets just agree, for sake of argument, Jesus was just a man, not a God, not a son of God, were his general teachings good moral practices?

I am not working at a point to prove Jesus was a Christ, just curious to see how he himself is viewed by atheists.

Answer 1

Christ was a great man, but I've always believed he was no more the son of God than I am.

The closest person that I've seen to his status was Mother Theresa...one who took compassion above and beyond where most of us put limits.

Answer 2

Being an atheist I am not saying that Jesus even existed. It's important to remember that the bible was not written for 400 years after it is said that Jesus lived.

As far as moral lessons that the bible teaches it is not because of the fact that the Bible or Jesus said them, but the idea that society simply gets along better when we don't murder each other or have sex with our friends spouses and such. The idea that we need a book to tell us where our moral compass is pointed is kind of silly.

As a matter of fact I find the entire bible kind of pointless and silly. People have taken the good in it and forgotten the bad. I'm not going to go through all the passages that are hypocritical or in conflict.

However because there are people out there that take the bible literally we end up with bible thumpers. These people read the bible looking at any point which confers with their opinion and suddenly it is the word of god. The hate of homosexuals, abortion, interracial relationships. These opinions come from hate that dwells in man. Everyone knows the bible teaches that the lord loves everyone and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. It's funny how mankind has read that yet still finds ways that justify hate in the name of God.

I have given up on religion as anything other than a method to control people and created divisiveness in society

Answer 3

Many others had also taught good moral matters, like, Buddha, Mahoma and Mahatma Gandhi for instances and nobody claims they are Gods.
In the other hand, Greeks believe that a God in the shape of a Swan came and have sexual intercourse with a mortal and birth a semi God. Christians believe that a God in the shape of a pigeon had sexual intercourse with a mortal and birth a son of God(semi God any way). Very closed, but the Greeks were first.
Why Jesus has to be a God? because he said that?, because others said that?.
There is no proof, there is no reason, just beliefs and beliefs are just that beliefs.

Answer 4

I think he offered an improvement on what people had at the time. Keeping in mind some Biblical scholars believe it is hard to seperate what Jesus might have really said from words put into his mouth by others later. No matter who said or wrote what I think he offered a better way to the people of the time. That said since I do not think he was divine or God I don't think what he preached was written in stone and thus society should continue to evolve in ways that bring more social justice. For instance, the New Testament doesn't give equal rights to women, it doesn't outlaw slavery, it condems gay people, prohibts in some people's interpretation birth control, etc... I think these beliefs no longer suit society nor are beneficial. There are still many positive messages though in the New Testament.

Answer 5

You have your books wrong. Jesus taught love and understanding, not bigotry and hatred. Also just for your information the New Testament is an addition to the original Bible. It contains the teachings of Jesus Christ as written by his disciples many years after Jesus died. It was not written by God, nor was the Bible but you shoul read them anyway.
I personally do not believe any of it is proof god exists but if your going to stick it to us "athiests" you should at least know what your talking about.
Jesus and his followers were an awsome and lasting force in history and in the present but it is unlikely that Jesus would approve of much that is done in his name.

Answer 6

I don't have a problem with the story of the man Jesus any more than I have a problem with Gandalf or Professor Dumbledore. All three wise, good men. Like 'em all. Just don't think Jesus was a God, and I doubt that he was much like the Bible portrays him to have been.

There are things in all kind of religions that I like as far as life lessons go. Aesop's fables are good for that, too.

Answer 7

Actually I am a Wiccan but I will take a shot at this one. I do feel his teachings were to give moral guidance that was pertinent to his day and much of it still pertains to today. I firmly believe that his message of peace to all is the best message for anyone.

My biggest problem with Christianity is how it has elevated him out of being human and how it has tried to control the masses and completely subjugate others because they don't obey.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 8

Jesus' teachings as described by the Gospels are for the most part moral and admirable, especially his emphasis on forgiveness,respect for all people regardless of station in life, and simplicity and honesty in living. These are the same as the man who later became known as the Buddha.

Answer 9

Let me give you a parallel. If he were alive today, he'd be one of those street preachers that everyone discards as looney.

According to the Bible, here's what he advocated.

If you do something wrong with your eye or hand, cut/pluck it off (Matthew 5:29-30, in a sexual context).
Marrying a divorced woman is adultery. (Matthew 5:32)
Don't plan for the future. (Matthew 6:34)
Don't save money. (Matthew 6:19-20)
Don't become wealthy. (Mark 10:21-25)
Sell everything and give it to the poor. (Luke 12:33)
Don't work to obtain food. (John 6:27)
Don't have sexual urges. (Matthew 5:28)
Make people want to persecute you. (Matthew 5:11)
Let everyone know you are better than the rest. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Take money from those who have no savings and give it to rich investors. (Luke 19:23-26)
If someone steals from you, don't try to get it back. (Luke 6:30)
If someone hits you, invite them to do it again. (Matthew 5:39)
If you lose a lawsuit, give more than the judgment. (Matthew 5:40)
If someone forces you to walk a mile, walk two miles. (Matthew 5:41)
If anyone asks you for anything, give it to them without question. (Matthew 5:42)

Would you follow someone like this?

Answer 10

I dont believe in Jesus, but if he existed and was not Son of God, then he teached right things, even some of what he teached doesnt fit todays standards.