Would you have a problem with an atheist being a Christian?

Question

Would you have a problem with an atheist person claiming that they are a Christian? That they believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ but do not believe that there is an almighty god (or rather no gods at all).

I think that Jesus' teachings of forgiveness and understanding could be taken to heart despite disbelief that he is the son of a god (or God himself).

What do you think?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Before anyone suggests that this is blasphemous, think about what you're saying. If someone doesn't believe in gods how can they.. blaspheme?

Last Ent Wife - I hate to tell you this but people have the option of believing whatever they want.

The fact that most Christians are pick&choose religious types anyway shows that your answer lacks reality.

I think people are confused by my question - I'm not saying that worship is required.

Look at it this way -

Confucianism is a philosophy that began with Confucius. People are Confucian but do not worship Confucius, they simply follow his Philisophy. (note that Confucianism is called a religion for arguments sake but really isn't)

Do you see? Although the original name may indicate worship of Jesus, claiming Christianity could just mean that you practice the philosophy of Christ.

Also, I think some of you confuse atheism with disbelief in all things supernatural. Atheism simply denotes lack of belief in deities/gods/goddesses.

I think people are assuming that I claim to be an atheist Christian. This is not the case. I'm just an atheist. The question is purely hypothetical.

Answer 1

An atheist can't be a Christian. Jesus' alleged 'teachings' were around centuries before he was invented. He is not the origin of forgiveness, understanding, etc.

Answer 2

I am an Atheist, see what all these people are saying is that an Atheist couldn't be christian because it is impossible because we don't believe in god. Which is correct, but that isn't the question. I wasn't born Atheist I was raised a Catholic I know the Bible I know the teachings of Jesus, and I do respect them. It's like you guys are trying to say that Atheists aren't people, like we are heathens who couldn't possibly do anything good. Well I'll tell ya I know quite a few people atheists who are alot better off morally than any religious person I know. My point is this yes someone who is atheist could in fact follow the words of jesus as a guide because alot of what it says in the bible is sgood and true. Don't be so high and mighty to say that it's wrong, especially that first girl, you have it completely wrong.

Answer 3

It's funny how all the good answers here have been given the lowest ratings.

Here's the rub:

To some of your friends, you claim to be Atheist, and to others you claim to be Christians.

You're lying to all of them, my friend.

Be an Atheist, if that's what you want. It's your choice. Follow the teachings of Jesus that you choose to follow. No problem, you're a better person for it. Just don't call yourself a Christian because it's not true and it's also not necessary. Jesus had no corner on the market on morality, in fact, most of his teachings came straight out of the Old Testament and had been around 1500 years in that book alone, longer through Abraham and his ancestors.

But why would you want to claim the title of being a Christian? What are you hiding from? Are you ashamed of being an Atheist?

If you want to be a Christian, and be honest about it, you have to dedicate yourself to the religion. Jesus demanded absolute devotion, and the answers here that are rated the lowest are from people who seem to understand that.

It's a big mistake for you to be something only halfway (if that). Choose something good and go with it. Be a man. That way you won't be afraid to be honest about it and you won't have to lie to all your friends.

Answer 4

Well, Jesus was a good man by all accounts and taught many things that weren't only about the spiritual world. I can see it being plausible that an atheist could believe/follow Jesus' teachings, however I see it impossible for an atheist to be a christian. That's the point of being an atheist....you're not a christian (or vice-versa). God doesn't exist to an atheist, therefore Jesus just becomes an important philosopher/historical figure to them.

Answer 5

Yes, I would have a problem with this.

The example you give is of a person who believes in the spirit of the faith, but not the letter of it. The basic tenets of Chrisitanity should be center to all human cultures....namely: being kind (even to those you don't like), sharing your time, money and resources. Forgivenss and justice. These are basic in the Chrisitan faith, but we Christians do not have a corner on the market and do not "own" these traits.

I agree with some of the things Muhammed is credited with saying, but that doesn't mean I'm a Muslim!! I am not.

I think most atheists and agnotics who practice these ideals would simply say they are kind, generous, decent people. I seriously doubt any atheist (or agnostic) would describe them selves as Christians simply because they agreed with some of Jesus' teachings.....anymore then I would call myself a Muslim.

Answer 6

Atheist believe the bible was written by ordinary men so it is not inconceivable that they could accept the ten commandments or any other concept found there. That does not make them a christian though.
I don't believe you can blaspheme about something you are sure is just a myth, however I do think you should be sensitive to the beliefs of others and show them the respect you would like them to show you.

Answer 7

It doesn't really matter what another individual believes if a person believes in the objective reality of "God". Whether or not YOU believe in "God", "God" exists. So you can blaspheme. You're wrong, after all.

Or so the logic goes.

I think it's entirely possible for a person to be an agnostic Christian. However, why would an agnostic or atheist take Jesus's teachings to heart so exclusively that they would define themselves in such a manner?

That would be my big question.

All the best,

Lazarus

Answer 8

Herein lies the problem. Yes, Jesus' teachings are excellent for living a good, decent life regardless of whether you believe in God or not. Except, you can't separate the man from His teachings. He made some very big claims: I and the Father are one, when you've seen Me you've seen the Father, no man comes to the Father, but by Me, you must be born again. The thing is that Christ presented Himself as all or nothing. He said that you HAVE to make the choice. So, you can live by His teachings, but you can't be considered a Christian until you have accepted Him as Christ, the Saviour. I think that God is speaking to your heart. The one thing that I always ask a person who is wondering about God's existence, is that if there is a God, will you give Him permission to prove Himself to you? Because if you truly want to know if He exists, I believe that He can show you in a way that will be personal to you. He can do it in a way that proves it to you, but not necessarily to anyone else. And when it comes to you, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. That's why I am absolutely positive that no one will ever prove to me that there is no God. He has proven Himself to me in my heart. I hope I helped you.

Answer 9

Those who have heard of Jesus Christ as the son of God whose choose not be believe that cannot go to heaven. I wouldn't have a problem with that person though. We all make choices in life to believe what we want. That is each persons right.

Answer 10

Considering that the term Christian translates to Christ-like, then I guess it is possible. Apparently Jesus never claimed to be the son of God, he was the elected son of God hundreds of years after his death. There could be no harm in not believing in God but yet still being influenced by how Some guy called Jesus lived his life - the basic stuff like being humble, cool to everyone and not being judgemental (after all, consider who he hung with).
It wouldn't be necessary though for you to label youself with the title of Christian, you don't need to identify yourself in any way. As for the Ent Wife and her opinion, I don't agree with it at all. Only organised religions will try and dictate and control your beliefs. You can choose whatever bits of other religions appeal to you - that is what Religious Freedom is all about. Whatever works for you!

Answer 11

Many people, athiests included, believe Jesus was a good man with good teachings to live by but they don't consider him to be God at all. That doesn't make them Christian by any means either.