Why I Am a Christian (Sort Of)

[realFedUp]

http://www.alternet.org/story/33236/

Why I Am a Christian (Sort Of)
By Robert Jensen, AlterNet
Posted on March 10, 2006, Printed on March 11, 2006
http://www.alternet.org/story/33236/
I don't believe in God.

I don't believe Jesus Christ was the son of a God that I don't believe in, nor do I believe Jesus rose from the dead to ascend to a heaven that I don't believe exists.

Given these positions, this year I did the only thing that seemed sensible: I formally joined a Christian church.

Standing before the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, I affirmed that I (1) endorsed the core principles in Christ's teaching; (2) intended to work to deepen my understanding and practice of the universal love at the heart of those principles; and (3) pledged to be a responsible member of the church and the larger community.

So, I'm a Christian, sort of. A secular Christian. A Christian atheist, perhaps. But, in a deep sense, I would argue, a real Christian.

continued

[shrike]

1. Works for me

The world needs as many good people as it can get. And if he follows Christ's teachings (whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers; do unto others, etc.) he'll be good and do good.

[leftyladyfrommo]

2. I would much rather run into someone with your honesty than

try to deal with someone who is a loudly avowed Christian who is also a despicable person. That combination always blows me away.

Nothing wrong with thinking people and questioning people. They keep us all on our toes.