I've come to the conclusion such people aren't really Christians, but are instead applying the name of Christianity to their own made-up form of "Jesusism". My sister doesn't believe in the Bible, is vehemently in favor of gay rights, has no qualms about making fun of creationists, New Age kooks, etc...yet still insists that Jesus is the resurrected son of God who died for humanity's sins...only to reverse course again by insisting that her atheist brother (me) is not going to hell. Indeed, she's trying to have it both ways.

That's why I appreciate Min's signature so much.

"Atheism. Not a religion, a personal relationship with reality.

(May 28, 2013 at 6:30 pm)pgardner31 Wrote: A rational, informed person must despise religion- and hate it because it is the most destructive cultural force in man's history. However, it is unjustified to blame (& reject) God because of religion. Religionists (not merely Jews) killed Christ, thinking that they were serving God. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!

...
{ II. The Religious System
A. The Source of Religion <Hint: NOT God>
B. The World’s Religions
C. The Jewish Religion
D. Christianity, the Religion }

Okay, how are you even defining "religion?"

(May 20, 2013 at 6:54 pm)swata224 Wrote: "I'm a Christian and I have a relationship with Christ but I don't believe in religion."

This is a direct quote from one of the RA's in my residential college today.
I think by religion she's talking about the rules and regulations of religion, yet she follows those rules ie. goes to church every Sunday, says Grace before every meal etc.
I'm just wanting a bit of help deciphering what motive would be behind this oxymoronic statement, and maybe a bit of insight into why someone would believe this?

Thanks everyone!
T

lmao, it is so simple.
So Jesus is a focal point. It is the same as joining a local soccer club if you like soccer. It's about soccer. "Jesus" is about compassion. Like being in a country. I don't believe in every rule it has, but I understand people working together to help the most we can is a good thing.

It is quite simple when you see humans as human. When you understand that saying "I do" is just words to help you focus on a commitment to your partner in marriage. You will understand following "Jesus" as just words to help focus on "compassion" and "service" to others.

of course not everybody needs it. Or does not need it. Both atheist and theist need to understand that part. People don't like theist because of what theist do, not because of what they believe.

(May 29, 2013 at 9:00 am)Rev. Rye Wrote:

(May 28, 2013 at 6:30 pm)pgardner31 Wrote: A rational, informed person must despise religion- and hate it because it is the most destructive cultural force in man's history. However, it is unjustified to blame (& reject) God because of religion. Religionists (not merely Jews) killed Christ, thinking that they were serving God. Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!

...
{ II. The Religious System
A. The Source of Religion <Hint: NOT God>
B. The World’s Religions
C. The Jewish Religion
D. Christianity, the Religion }

Okay, how are you even defining "religion?"

This appears to be part of Chapter 6 of the book "A Message For The Human Race," by Paul G. Lemons of San Antonio, Texas.

Are you Paul G. Lemons, pgardner31?

My best friend is a Christian. When he lived in Berkeley, he attended the Church of Christ there. When he moved to Maine, and later suburban Boston, he could not find a fellowship that he felt comfortable with due to scriptural issues. He identifies at a "Trinitarian Protestant".

(May 29, 2013 at 9:10 pm)c172 Wrote: My best friend is a Christian. When he lived in Berkeley, he attended the Church of Christ there. When he moved to Maine, and later suburban Boston, he could not find a fellowship that he felt comfortable with due to scriptural issues. He identifies at a "Trinitarian Protestant".

Trinitarian Protestant, what's that? I can assume a prod. who believes in a trinity, but I'd appreciate a bit more info personally.

(May 29, 2013 at 9:20 pm)Terr Wrote:

(May 29, 2013 at 9:10 pm)c172 Wrote: My best friend is a Christian. When he lived in Berkeley, he attended the Church of Christ there. When he moved to Maine, and later suburban Boston, he could not find a fellowship that he felt comfortable with due to scriptural issues. He identifies at a "Trinitarian Protestant".

Trinitarian Protestant, what's that? I can assume a prod. who believes in a trinity, but I'd appreciate a bit more info personally.

A Protestant who believes in the Father, son and Holy Ghost. Of course, most Protestants believe that.

(May 29, 2013 at 10:02 pm)Rev. Rye Wrote:

(May 29, 2013 at 9:20 pm)Terr Wrote: Trinitarian Protestant, what's that? I can assume a prod. who believes in a trinity, but I'd appreciate a bit more info personally.

A Protestant who believes in the Father, son and Holy Ghost. Of course, most Protestants believe that.

Right right, sorry, it's just not virgin birth with prodestants. Wow how far have I walked from religion that I forgot that?

(May 29, 2013 at 10:10 pm)Terr Wrote:

(May 29, 2013 at 10:02 pm)Rev. Rye Wrote: A Protestant who believes in the Father, son and Holy Ghost. Of course, most Protestants believe that.

Right right, sorry, it's just not virgin birth with prodestants. Wow how far have I walked from religion that I forgot that?

No, Protestants believe in the virgin birth, they just don't believe in the immaculate conception, i.e. that Mary was born exempt from original sin. That is a Catholic thing.