Recurring Question Time: Can a Christian Be An Atheist?

[Desert Snake]

The question has been asked here before, but I thought I would bring it up again. Is it possible for a person to call himself or herself a Christian if they follow Jesus' commands but don't believe in a deity? Do you think being a theist be a requirement for being a true Christian?

I think one of the labels for such a belief is termed "Cultural Christian", I think it's viable, most major religions have versions of this idea.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I think it's plausible. Someone still might appreciate the culture and lifestyle Christianity offers without the requirements of belief. Personally, I still enjoy the atmosphere and the "flavor" the religion brings, which imo is a primary reason Christianity remains popular. It's a culture within a culture.

 

[LuisDantas]

If one calls himself a Christian Atheist, I guess I have no business questioning that.

Still, it does seem a bit weird to me. My perspective is much like Penumbra's.

 

[Conståntine]

I think it's plausible. Someone still might appreciate the culture and lifestyle Christianity offers without the requirements of belief. Personally, I still enjoy the atmosphere and the "flavor" the religion brings, which imo is a primary reason Christianity remains popular. It's a culture within a culture.

It is implausible. A christian is one who has an intimate relationship with their GOD. You can't have a relationship with one whom you don't even acknowledge exists.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I think one of the labels for such a belief is termed "Cultural Christian", I think it's viable, most major religions have versions of this idea.

I think there can be a few takes on it.

I agree that "cultural Christianity" can be a thing... but I also think that there's a group of people who aren't so much just using the trappings of Christianity as they are actually taking the message of Jesus to heart, albeit in a non-theistic way.

I agree with some of the other posters here that it seems strange and inconsistent, but I've yet to come across a variety of Christianity that I didn't find strange and inconsistent.

 

[Desert Snake]

I think there can be a few takes on it.

I agree that "cultural Christianity" can be a thing... but I also think that there's a group of people who aren't so much just using the trappings of Christianity as they are actually taking the message of Jesus to heart, albeit in a non-theistic way.

I would just include that under the definition of "cultural Christian", though there might be argument there.

 

[Walkntune]

Is that the definition of "Christian", though? I'd define the term as something like "follower of Christ". People can follow in different ways and based on different understandings.

Christian doesn't mean follower of Christ. Being Christian means becoming
Christ- like.This is not based on the path one takes as their is only one true path and that is the path of surrender. There is no man made path that will get you there. It is impossible with man to get there in his own strength and understanding and therefore takes faith to trust that which is beyond ones own understanding and struggles.Man can only start such a path when he comes to the end of himself and his will.
An atheist who concludes their is no God has in now way come to the end of himself nor embraced the grace that is waiting when he humbles himself to his own limitations and so may claim he is a Christian but in no way is he Christ-like.

 

[Conståntine]

Christian doesn't mean follower of Christ. Being Christian means becoming
Christ- like.

Becoming christ-like involves following Christ, metaphorically speaking....

 

[Falvlun]

The core concept of Christianity is belief that Jesus provided the means for reconciliation /atonement between man and God. Without God, it's not really Christianity.

 

[Walkntune]

Becoming christ-like involves following Christ, metaphorically speaking....

Without the change it does not matter who you follow.

 

[savagewind]

The core concept of Christianity is belief that Jesus provided the means for reconciliation /atonement between man and God. Without God, it's not really Christianity.

This sounds like the perfect way of saying it. Can an atheist be a real follower of Christ 'Jesus'? No, I think not. Can an atheist make a good outward show of it? Absolutely!

 

[Desert Snake]

This sounds like the perfect way of saying it. Can an atheist be a real follower of Christ 'Jesus'? No, I think not. Can an atheist make a good outward show of it? Absolutely!

I disagree, why not just follow the teachings? Isn't that following Christ? Why is it so necessary to have the belief in divinity?

 

[9Westy9]

The question has been asked here before, but I thought I would bring it up again. Is it possible for a person to call himself or herself a Christian if they follow Jesus' commands but don't believe in a deity? Do you think being a theist be a requirement for being a true Christian?

depends how you define Christian

 

[savagewind]

I disagree, why not just follow the teachings? Isn't that following Christ? Why is it so necessary to have the belief in divinity?

No. Christ means anointed. The anointing had to be by someone. The someone has to be greater than the one anointed. The One anointing Christ is God. To be a Christian one must believe in his anointing. To be a follower of his teachings would be considered Buddhist maybe.

 

[Desert Snake]

No. Christ means anointed. The anointing had to be by someone. The someone has to be greater than the one anointed. The One anointing Christ is God. To be a Christian one must believe in his anointing. To be a follower of his teachings would be considered Buddhist maybe.

'anointed means divinity? Are you sure about that?

 

[Penumbra]

No. Christ means anointed. The anointing had to be by someone. The someone has to be greater than the one anointed. The One anointing Christ is God. To be a Christian one must believe in his anointing. To be a follower of his teachings would be considered Buddhist maybe.

Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha.

In my opinion he's a far better example for a secular-minded person to look at for inspiration regarding ethics. It's a much more comprehensive system that holds up reasonably well even when the magical aspects are not included.

 

[savagewind]

'anointed means divinity? Are you sure about that?

The lesser is blessed by the greater

Hebrews 7:7

And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.

Yes, I think I am sure. The anointing does not mean divinity. It means it was from heaven. If someone is king of the world where else would it come from?

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Christian doesn't mean follower of Christ. Being Christian means becoming
Christ- like.

If I decided to only call Christ-like people "Christians", then I wouldn't be calling the majority of Christians "Christians". I don't think this matches how the word is commonly used.

 

[Penumbra]

If I decided to only call Christ-like people "Christians", then I wouldn't be calling the majority of Christians "Christians". I don't think this matches how the word is commonly used.

I view present-day Christians as 'Paulians'.

 

[Desert Snake]

If I decided to only call Christ-like people "Christians", then I wouldn't be calling the majority of Christians "Christians". I don't think this matches how the word is commonly used.

I agree, all the more reason to support the idea "Cultural Christianity" IMO.