Can Athiests still be religious?

[Legacyof22]

Can an Atheist be religious? As a Jew, I went through the whole year of Bar Mitzvas. At the time and even today, some of those Bar Mitzvas' are Atheists, yet they still attend regular services.

This made me think, if nothing else, religion is a good moral compass. Is Atheism just another religion, no different than any other, except that they do not believe in Adonai?

The only 'bad' Atheists are those who break the moral compass, who feel that the compas is indicative of Adonai himself, and even then, who is right?

If an Athiest has led a perfectly sinless life without an acknowladgement of God, does he go to heaven?

 

[RND]

Can an Atheist be religious? As a Jew, I went through the whole year of Bar Mitzvas. At the time and even today, some of those Bar Mitzvas' are Atheists, yet they still attend regular services.

This made me think, if nothing else, religion is a good moral compass. Is Atheism just another religion, no different than any other, except that they do not believe in Adonai?

The only 'bad' Atheists are those who break the moral compass, who feel that the compas is indicative of Adonai himself, and even then, who is right?

Atheist? Sounds like an admittance to me.

If an Athiest has led a perfectly sinless life without an acknowladgement of God, does he go to heaven?

Sinless? Without God? How would one know?

 

[SoldierOfTheKing]

"Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God."
-Martin Luther

 

[DarylFawcett]

Rom 3:23

for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

Based on the above everybody sinned, therefore, nobody, Christian and atheist, have lived a sinless life, however, if the atheist had lived a sinless life, then the atheist would never have been an atheist.

 

[freeindeed2]

No one is good. Not even one.

Doing or 'not doing' is not what we are measured by, nor is it what saves us. We are measured by whether or not we have been credited with the righteousness of Christ himself and that we're known by him. Obedience flows from realizing 'Whose' we are, not who WE are, and we work FROM victory, not toward it. In Christ (right relationship with him through faith) we are already victorious.

What you have described with the atheist is simply legalism (all about us and what we do). No different than many groups under the umbrella of Christianity.

In Christ alone...

 

[RND]

Hey Free! Long time no see. What's shakin'? I hope things are well.

 

[Legacyof22]

But Freeindeed, would Christ grant salvation to someone like I described?

Serious question, as a Jew, I haven't read the new testament, so I don't exactly know what you are saying.

If the only thing that matters is Christ's salvation, then what would happen to me? I follow the rules in the old testament that Adonai gave to Moses, except for the outdated ones (I own no slaves nor have ever bought a wife). Am I missing something?

Let thou without sin cast the first stone, none are without sin, but is there such a thing as morals without G-d?

 

[RND]

I know you didn't ask me but asked Free but if you don't mind I'd like to offer my understanding.

But Freeindeed, would Christ grant salvation to someone like I described?

First of all, I don't think anyone here would be so bold as to say for sure they know exactly what Jesus will or won't do. I can say this though with confidence and that is the fact that you are asking questions demonstrates to me that the Holy Spirit is calling you, tugging at you, wooing you to learn more about the Messiah and His love for you!

Serious question, as a Jew, I haven't read the new testament, so I don't exactly know what you are saying.

Start at the book of John, then the other Gospels. John is a great book to learn about the wonderful humanity that God, in the form of Christ Jesus, displayed and showed to all the world through the life of Christ.

If the only thing that matters is Christ's salvation, then what would happen to me? I follow the rules in the old testament that Adonai gave to Moses, except for the outdated ones (I own no slaves nor have ever bought a wife). Am I missing something?

Is not about following the rules to be saved but trusting in Christ who gives us the spirit to follow the law for the reasons of love, not to be saved.

When we follow Christ following the "rules" becomes part of our nature.

If I may I'd like to recommend a Messianic Rabbi that has a firm grasp on the law and following Christ. He is quite good and I think you'll find his teaching quite helpful...Here a little, there a little

Let thou without sin cast the first stone, none are without sin, but is there such a thing as morals without G-d?

Morals without God? Well, in a way I suppose. God has written His law on your heart and when you do good towards others it is evidence of that law written on your heart, even if you don't know or rejects He who wrote those laws on your heart. (Romans 2:14-16)

It's what allows most of us, whether we are Christian or not, to know that beating up a defenseless old lady and stealing her purse is wrong. What's harder though is to look in a mirror and realize we are no better ourselves than the thief that accosted the old lady!

Another great book that I think you'd enjoy is quite short but quite powerful and will introduce you the the real Jesus Christ.

Steps to Christ

May the Lord continue to call and may you continue to listen to His voice!

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

 

[Legacyof22]

RND.. don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not here to be converted. I accept your veiws and I try to understand them a little it better every time I make a post, but I'm not here to be converted.

Christianity and Judaism are very similar, yet very different. Maybe I should read the New Testament sometime, but it is unlikely it would severley change my views.

As you pointed out, no one really knows what Jesus would do. Sometimes I wish holy scriptures could be more expansive, covering everything that could ever happen. But alas... maybe that wiggle room was put in there so Adonai may bend the rules as he pleases.

But I'm not talking about Religious morals. Kindness and thanksgiving are not Christian virtues of Jewish virtues, but human virtues. What does it take to uphold that virtue? Is it faith? Are we naturally born with it? Or does it come to be at some point in our lives? RDA has already answered these questions in a way, but would anyone like to bring it full circle?

 

[RND]

RND.. don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not here to be converted. I accept your veiws and I try to understand them a little it better every time I make a post, but I'm not here to be converted.

Oh, no sweat! But that doesn't change anything I said.

Christianity and Judaism are very similar, yet very different. Maybe I should read the New Testament sometime, but it is unlikely it would severley change my views.

Ya never know...give it a shot!

As you pointed out, no one really knows what Jesus would do. Sometimes I wish holy scriptures could be more expansive, covering everything that could ever happen. But alas... maybe that wiggle room was put in there so Adonai may bend the rules as he pleases.

Or, more likely, Adonai is expecting that you would use your mind to examine the deeper meaning of the scriptures you read. Oh, and remember, there is something new to learn each time you read the Bible.

But I'm not talking about Religious morals. Kindness and thanksgiving are not Christian virtues of Jewish virtues, but human virtues.

Evidence of the law written on the heart.

What does it take to uphold that virtue? Is it faith?

I'd say. But not faith in our doing but His.

Are we naturally born with it?

No.

Or does it come to be at some point in our lives?

As the Spirit reveals it to us.

RDA has already answered these questions in a way, but would anyone like to bring it full circle?

Circle away!

 

[freeindeed2]

Hey Free! Long time no see. What's shakin'? I hope things are well.

Hey, RND. Been hard at work! Great to see some old friends here. Things are more than well.

 

[freeindeed2]

But Freeindeed, would Christ grant salvation to someone like I described?

Serious question, as a Jew, I haven't read the new testament, so I don't exactly know what you are saying.

If the only thing that matters is Christ's salvation, then what would happen to me? I follow the rules in the old testament that Adonai gave to Moses, except for the outdated ones (I own no slaves nor have ever bought a wife). Am I missing something?

Let thou without sin cast the first stone, none are without sin, but is there such a thing as morals without G-d?

Hi, Legacy. I'll be back on tomorrow and give an answer.

 

[Idol Breaker]

Whether you know it or not, this is big request. You're asking us to explain to you, from your point of view, if man, in essence, can be justified by doing "good" or by following the precepts laid down by God to Moses. Whether we look at it from a Christian perspective or a Jewish one the answer has to be no.

Let me explain. According to the Rabinic (sic) Laws, the Laws of Moses, to atone for sin a sacrifice has to be made. Now, we as Christians understand this to be so because of what Jesus himself taught through his apostles "There is no redemption of sin without the shedding of blood." I ask, when was the last sacrifice conducted? For us that last sacrifice was Jesus the Christ upon the cross. No other sacrifice is now necessary. But for that sacrifice to be valid we each, individually, must accept it. By rejecting it we reject the salvation that is offered through it.

RND makes a good recommendation that you read the Gospels for yourself to get, at least, an understanding as to what it is that Christians believe and why. I would further recommend that you study the prophetic books from you own Talmud (sic) paying specific attention to Daniel's time prophecies. Read the minor prophets as well, these show some specifics of the messiah that are revealed within the Gospels. take you time, pray before starting and don't let anybody discourage you. I understand that you are not here to be converted and am only encouraging you to look into these things to gain the understanding that it appears you are looking for.

Shalom.

 

[ThePastafarian]

Define religion.

If religion requires a theistic belief then no.
An atheist, by definition, is one without belief in theism.

As for spiritual, I believe so. For the spiritual feeling one gets is the realization and amazement at how small and insignificant we are in this universe. Pretty cool feeling too.
Completely separate from religious feelings.

 

[buzzini]

Religion is between men and God. Without God, there is no true religion. So even to adapt to a religion, for a man who does not believe in God does not have true religion, just it's moral value. Men can have moral and civil life. what's lacking is spiritual life.

Hence without a recognizing God, there is no religion.

 

[Pythons]

Can an Atheist be religious? As a Jew, I went through the whole year of Bar Mitzvas. At the time and even today, some of those Bar Mitzvas' are Atheists, yet they still attend regular services.

This made me think, if nothing else, religion is a good moral compass. Is Atheism just another religion, no different than any other, except that they do not believe in Adonai?

The only 'bad' Atheists are those who break the moral compass, who feel that the compas is indicative of Adonai himself, and even then, who is right?

If an Athiest has led a perfectly sinless life without an acknowladgement of God, does he go to heaven?

You can be Atheist and spiritual, but not religious. Religion and Moral Law convict each and everyone of us of sin so an Athiest couldn't lead any more of a sinless life then a Saint, both need Christ.

Faith is something we all loose track of from time to time (I know I have) and the best thing to do is pray about it, even if it feels foolish to you.

 

[BlackSabb]

Can an Atheist be religious? As a Jew, I went through the whole year of Bar Mitzvas. At the time and even today, some of those Bar Mitzvas' are Atheists, yet they still attend regular services.

This made me think, if nothing else, religion is a good moral compass. Is Atheism just another religion, no different than any other, except that they do not believe in Adonai?

The only 'bad' Atheists are those who break the moral compass, who feel that the compas is indicative of Adonai himself, and even then, who is right?

If an Athiest has led a perfectly sinless life without an acknowladgement of God, does he go to heaven?

Three things:


1...No one can live a "perfectly sinless life"-believer or non believer.

2...Atheists can indeed be religious. The Book of James says (something like) that true religion is to visit the widows and look after the needs of the homeless and poor. Anyone one, believer or non believer can do that.

3...An atheist, regardless of how good his life is, can never be "Godly" even if he is religious.


No one goes to Heaven by their good deeds. All have sinned and all need forgiveness from sins by Jesus. Not all accept his offer however.

I hope that helps.

 

[honorthesabbath]

Whether you know it or not, this is big request. You're asking us to explain to you, from your point of view, if man, in essence, can be justified by doing "good" or by following the precepts laid down by God to Moses. Whether we look at it from a Christian perspective or a Jewish one the answer has to be no.

Let me explain. According to the Rabinic (sic) Laws, the Laws of Moses, to atone for sin a sacrifice has to be made. Now, we as Christians understand this to be so because of what Jesus himself taught through his apostles "There is no redemption of sin without the shedding of blood." I ask, when was the last sacrifice conducted? For us that last sacrifice was Jesus the Christ upon the cross. No other sacrifice is now necessary. But for that sacrifice to be valid we each, individually, must accept it. By rejecting it we reject the salvation that is offered through it.

RND makes a good recommendation that you read the Gospels for yourself to get, at least, an understanding as to what it is that Christians believe and why. I would further recommend that you study the prophetic books from you own Talmud (sic) paying specific attention to Daniel's time prophecies. Read the minor prophets as well, these show some specifics of the messiah that are revealed within the Gospels. take you time, pray before starting and don't let anybody discourage you. I understand that you are not here to be converted and am only encouraging you to look into these things to gain the understanding that it appears you are looking for.

Shalom.

IB--I don't believe the Talmud is a source of the book of Daniel, did you mean the Torah? Also--the Jews are not allowed to study the book of Daniel because of the Rabbical curse placed upon any Jew who does. Talk about fearful censorship! They know that if the Jewish ppl studied this prophecy--they would be convinced that Jesus indeed was/is the Messiah.

See this...http://www.themysticalpen.com/?p=482

 

[Iscariot]

Im an Atheist and i still attend mass every wednesday at the hospital where I work. I still enjoy the ritual and cerimony, even though i no longer see it as "valid." I also have a moral code which i follow and hold to (mostly) So, yes, i would say i'm a "religious atheist",and feel i'm, in some ways, more "religious" than some Christians.