There has been some discussion in a few scattered threads about pastors (and church members) who do not believe in God, yet who still identity with Christianity. I find this to be a curious phenomenon; I think Paul was right when he says that Christians are to be the most pitied of men if Christ had not been raised. Nonetheless, I can see why people would want to stay within the structure of a church; it's something they're used to, and people enjoy the social benefits of belonging to organizations, and generally like to fit in somewhere. However, why wouldn't people want to do this within the context of fraternal organizations, or other groups that don't require somebody to basically play pretend? I have also seen the argument that some like the values that Christianity teaches, especially Jesus's ethical teachings. I guess I don't understand why somebody who likes these would require the context of a church to practice/promote them.
Announcement
Collapse
General Theistics 101 Guidelines
This area is open for nontheists and theists to interact on issues of theism and faith in a civilized manner. We ask that nontheist participation respect the theistic views of others and not seek to undermine theism in general, or advocate for nontheism. Such posts are more suited for and allowable in Apologetics 301 with very little restriction.
The moderators of this area are given great discretion to determine if a particular thread or comment would more appropriately belong in another forum area.
Forum Rules: Here
The moderators of this area are given great discretion to determine if a particular thread or comment would more appropriately belong in another forum area.
Forum Rules: Here
See more
See less
On atheists who attend church
Collapse
X
-
On atheists who attend church
"I am not angered that the Moral Majority boys campaign against abortion. I am angry when the same men who say, "Save OUR children" bellow "Build more and bigger bombers." That's right! Blast the children in other nations into eternity, or limbless misery as they lay crippled from "OUR" bombers! This does not jell." - Leonard RavenhillTags: None
-
Some could also conclude (accurately) that while they themselves may find value in Christian ethics, others won't unless they also believe so they may support Christianity purely for the institution's secular benefits. I'm not an atheist but if I was this is probably what I would do as I've long concluded that even within an atheistic framework atheism is a huge impediment to humanity (and I've met atheists elsewhere who more or less agree)."As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." Isaiah 3:12
There is no such thing as innocence, only degrees of guilt.
-
Originally posted by KingsGambit View PostThere has been some discussion in a few scattered threads about pastors (and church members) who do not believe in God, yet who still identity with Christianity. I find this to be a curious phenomenon; I think Paul was right when he says that Christians are to be the most pitied of men if Christ had not been raised. Nonetheless, I can see why people would want to stay within the structure of a church; it's something they're used to, and people enjoy the social benefits of belonging to organizations, and generally like to fit in somewhere. However, why wouldn't people want to do this within the context of fraternal organizations, or other groups that don't require somebody to basically play pretend? I have also seen the argument that some like the values that Christianity teaches, especially Jesus's ethical teachings. I guess I don't understand why somebody who likes these would require the context of a church to practice/promote them.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
All their friends go.
I went a few times when invited while I was an atheist but I never went unless there was a specific reason. I told very few people about my atheism - mostly because I didn't want my mom to find out (I thought it would hurt her and saw no reason to do so). I didn't go to 'keep up appearances' and didn't respect atheists who did."He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
"Forgiveness is the way of love." Gary Chapman
My Personal Blog
My Novella blog (Current Novella Begins on 7/25/14)
Quill Sword
Comment
-
Originally posted by Darth Executor View PostSome could also conclude (accurately) that while they themselves may find value in Christian ethics, others won't unless they also believe so they may support Christianity purely for the institution's secular benefits. I'm not an atheist but if I was this is probably what I would do as I've long concluded that even within an atheistic framework atheism is a huge impediment to humanity (and I've met atheists elsewhere who more or less agree).A happy family is but an earlier heaven.
George Bernard Shaw
Comment
-
Originally posted by Catholicity View PostAnd some may go because they like the food."Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." ― C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock: Essays on Theology (Making of Modern Theology)
Comment
-
I think that some agnostic and even atheistic businessmen attend church to establish connections (networking) and politicians do it to increase their chances of being elected.
I'm always still in trouble again
"You're by far the worst poster on TWeb" and "TWeb's biggest liar" --starlight (the guy who says Stalin was a right-winger)
"Overall I would rate the withdrawal from Afghanistan as by far the best thing Biden's done" --Starlight
"Of course, human life begins at fertilization that’s not the argument." --Tassman
Comment
-
Originally posted by rogue06 View PostI think that some agnostic and even atheistic businessmen attend church to establish connections (networking) and politicians do it to increase their chances of being elected.The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Cow Poke View PostThat was incredibly obvious in Tyler - they'd suddenly start attending Church and even sing in the choir, and put that in their Bio - then when election was over, so was their church attendance.Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Comment
-
I saw a funny story about post tortoises and politicians today. But I forgot to bring it with me so I won't tell it now..."He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot
"Forgiveness is the way of love." Gary Chapman
My Personal Blog
My Novella blog (Current Novella Begins on 7/25/14)
Quill Sword
Comment
widgetinstance 221 (Related Threads) skipped due to lack of content & hide_module_if_empty option.
Comment