Can a person be both an atheist and a Christian?

I would say that one can be an atheist and have similar positions as a Christian on certain issues. The moral law (against killing, lying, stealing, etc) for example was expounded on and taught by even pagan philosophers.

However, one can't be an atheist and a Christian at the same time. I define an atheist as someone who: does not believe in God or a person who holds that no gods exist. I am defining Christianity broadly as holding to the essential teachings of the Nicene Creed (even if one does not hold the Nicene Creed to be particularly important, such as a Baptist, they will still be able to agree with all the teachings in it [even if understood differently].) Atheists run into a problem in the very first sentence.

Conversion to Christianity is a beautiful thing that requires that the person accept that Jesus is the only way to salvation. As a Christian, you are probably concerned about atheist friends who are choosing to not accept Christ into their heart. Here is a guide on wikiHow to persuade an Atheist to become a Christian

At times a confused CHristian could be mistake as an atheist & vice versa....it's a touchy subject that's best to avoid & not get into debate mode over & just not judge because at the end of the day a person is going to lean towards where they feel most comfortable themselvs.

Worldslaziestbusker said:

Hello everyone
I have a question about definitions. An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation. In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian, his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation.
Is it possible to be an atheist Christian? Can you be Christian without Christ?
Regards
WLB

Click to expand...

You can hardly be a Christian without Christ, but you can believe in Jesus of Nazareth and what he said, making allowance for the fact that he lived in the times he lived in and spoke with the knowledge those times had. What, otherwise, was the point of his being human?

Worldslaziestbusker said:

Hello everyone
I have a question about definitions. An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation. In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian, his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation.
Is it possible to be an atheist Christian? Can you be Christian without Christ?
Regards
WLB

Click to expand...

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Can a person join the KKK for the respect towards cultural traditions and that sense of community of belonging to an all white people and call himself a KKK even though he does not himself believe in the bigotry and alienation & mistreatment of other people by skin color and other prejudices? Other KKK members will not see him as a KKK, but a pretender.

1 Corinthians 9:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Believers are called to love one another, but there is no real fellowship with nonbelievers nor is there to be an ecumenical joining of any kind.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Until you & your freind address why you & your friend do not believe in the hopes that God the Father will reveal His Son to you from the believers you are hanging around with, you will only get a false sense of belonging.

Some atheists still enjoy religious music and ceremony, especially at Christmas.

Worldslaziestbusker said:

Hello everyone
I have a question about definitions. An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation. In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian, his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation.
Is it possible to be an atheist Christian? Can you be Christian without Christ?
Regards
WLB

Click to expand...

One can be a Christian who professes to be an atheist. IE they have been born from above but for whatever reason they are now walking in unbelief.

I've met a few people like this in atheist verses Christian forums. Born again people who have been snared by evolution propaganda and lies and falling for bible disinformation campaigns. People who literally refer to themselves as "ex" Christians and our now very vocal vigilant and zealous atheists.

I don't see how it is possible to be both, even with some modern day Christians loosening the criteria to be a Christian.

IMO, there are many folks who claim to be Christians, that really believe very little in core Christian beliefs, but they go along because of cultural pressures etc. to be considered a Christian.

Worldslaziestbusker said:

Hello everyone
I have a question about definitions. An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation. In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian, his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation.
Is it possible to be an atheist Christian? Can you be Christian without Christ?
Regards
WLB

Click to expand...

Sure it is:

BBC - Religion - Atheism: Types - Christian Atheism

"An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation."

SO he's essentially just another unregenerate human.

"In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian,"

Interesting combination. He's obviously pretty deep into self delusion.

"his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation."

SO "Church" to him is just his "Social club". Going to church doesn't make you a "Christian", any more than sleeping in the garage makes you a car.

"Is it possible to be an atheist Christian?"

Nope - it's mutually exclusive. If he rejects the crucifixion as his path to salvation, then "Christianity" isn't even on the radar for him - since the SIN OFFERING that Jesus made is the ONE event on which all Christian faith is predicated.

"Can you be Christian without Christ?"

Can you have a ham sandwich without ham???

Atheist's probably go to church services hoping it will make them feel better.
Especially If they do not see anyone living or professing a diffrent life style than they are living.
Kind of like looking for loop-holes imo.
Most that do not accept Christ just dont want a life changing expierence. It is the old ego
trip of not wanting to lose control. Fear keeps many in darkness.

I think its possible to be a Christian and atheist, but it would be a very impoverished sort. Such a person would be a "cultural Christian". Having said that, there are plenty of people that struggle with doubt and historic churches outside the Anabaptist and Non-denominational traditions have always tolerated material heresy among laity for practical and pastoral reasons.

A minister or priest shouldn't be an atheist, that's a travesty. But it does happen sometimes, especially in some of the more moderate or liberal traditions where it is customary to deliberate and think carefully about things and grant a certain amount of Christian liberty. No church is perfect and this is just an example of the price payed for liberty in other areas.

Worldslaziestbusker said:

Hello everyone
I have a question about definitions. An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation. In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian, his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation.
Is it possible to be an atheist Christian? Can you be Christian without Christ?
Regards
WLB

Click to expand...

I am extremely sorry but, a atheist can not be a true born-again Christian. All Christians are true born-again Christians but, not all "Christians" (They are also called false Christians, carnal Christians, and lukewarm Christians.) or those who claim to be "Christians" are really true born-again Christians. A true born-again Christian is a person who truly repents of all their sins, truly accepts Jesus Christ as their only lord and savior, becomes truly born-again when they receive the Holy Spirit by accepting Jesus Christ as their only lord and savior, and continues to live a holy, godly, rightous, repentant, obedient, and etc life before God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Hope this helps!

Bob Carabbio said:

"An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation."

SO he's essentially just another unregenerate human.

"In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian,"

Interesting combination. He's obviously pretty deep into self delusion.

"his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation."

SO "Church" to him is just his "Social club". Going to church doesn't make you a "Christian", any more than sleeping in the garage makes you a car.

"Is it possible to be an atheist Christian?"

Nope - it's mutually exclusive. If he rejects the crucifixion as his path to salvation, then "Christianity" isn't even on the radar for him - since the SIN OFFERING that Jesus made is the ONE event on which all Christian faith is predicated.

"Can you be Christian without Christ?"

Can you have a ham sandwich without ham???

Click to expand...

You are so right there Bob, it's great that an atheist attend a church group, though that group would need to be on guard if they are aware he is an atheist..as satan could lead this individual to cause division and disharmony.

This isn't necessarily the same as the person you described, but I think there are a lot of people who are sort of "atheistic/agnostic Christians." These are the people who still do all the Christian things... church, Bible, prayer, charity, following God's rules, etc... but who really doubt that God exists. I think most of these people keep the fact that they're not sure it's all real to themselves for the most part, though.

I know it's sort of a contradiction, but there are tons of people who want to serve God and love the idea of God who are leaning toward the fact that He likely doesn't exist. They just act like He does because they want Him to.

Don't know if that makes sense.

"Is it possible to be an atheist Christian?"

CULTURALLY yes. In actuality, NO.

"Can you be Christian without Christ?"

Same answer.

It's a BIT hard for me to understand the level of IGNORANCE about Christianity that would be required to even ASK the question.

The long answer:
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Nope.

Bob Carabbio said:

"An acquaintance of mine does not believe in God, does not accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, and does not think of the crucifixion as his path to salvation."

SO he's essentially just another unregenerate human.

"In short, he is an atheist, like me. We are different, however, in that he attends church and refers to himself as Christian,"

Interesting combination. He's obviously pretty deep into self delusion.

"his argument for this being that he has respect for the cultural traditions, and enjoys the sense of community derived from being part of a congregation."

SO "Church" to him is just his "Social club". Going to church doesn't make you a "Christian", any more than sleeping in the garage makes you a car.

"Is it possible to be an atheist Christian?"

Nope - it's mutually exclusive. If he rejects the crucifixion as his path to salvation, then "Christianity" isn't even on the radar for him - since the SIN OFFERING that Jesus made is the ONE event on which all Christian faith is predicated.

"Can you be Christian without Christ?"

Can you have a ham sandwich without ham???

Click to expand...

Essentially agreed. However, someone asked an Eastern Orthodox priest, "How can I say the Creeds when I don't believe in their contenst?"

The priest replied: "You just say the words."

Not-quite believer: "But I don't believe in them."

Priest: "You just say the words.

Not-quite believer: "But isn't it hypocritical of me to say them if don't believe in them?"

Unperturbed, the Priest replied: "You just say the words. Someday it will come to you."

May it be so be for this "atheist Christian".

Perhaps he doesn't know it yet, but the Spirit is drawing him in.

"This you see, is how much God loved the world: enough to give his only, special son, so that everyone who believes in him should not be lost but should share in the life of God's new age."

-- John 3:16, The Kingdom New Testament, trans. by N.T. Wright

Your friend should try the Unitarian Universalist Church. They sing hymns, and have fellowship,a dn do humanitarian out reach, and serve donuts and coffee between services, but they don't pick a single religion. They have Christians, Pegans, Buddhists, and Atheists all worship together, but with the common goal of being good people who want to do good in the world.