"So go consult instead. Ask the Godless atheist how to live out the bible. Learn from him, he rejects the bible, but he knows how you should treat other Christians. Have at it!"
I don't consult Atheists, but I will listen to them with an uncritical ear, so long as the spirit of their commentary is not vicious. I don't see that he rejects the bible, based on his statement that Christ was enlightened and that the bible lays out how we are to treat other people. He is actually RIGHT about that, and most people here agree. But instead of discussing what we have in common and accepting the content of what he is saying, this thread has turned into a doggypile on the "out" guy.
I am encouraged that he is interested enough to delve into scripture, and that the content of his initial interest was that of unifying all Christians under the banner of charitable work. His message better exemplifies Jesus than those who count as non-Christians and heretics those whose demonination has a different cultural character.
It's not like he is insulting Jesus. On the contrary, he respects Jesus and I respect him for having enough class to not go off on everybody here based on the way he has been treated. I think he is a Christian in his heart and we should embrace what is Christian about him, rather than trying to kick him out of the circle. Is it better that he be here and express his opinion or on an Atheist site reinforcing anti-Christian views?
You and I have a very different view of who Jesus was. There are three possibilities only.
One, he is a liar and evil.
Or Two, he is totally insane.
Or Three, he is exactly who he says he is. The very son of God. With all the authority to speak for God and forgive our sins and reconcile us to God.
He cannot be someone to respect unless he is number three. To think otherwise is madness.
I think he is a Christian in his heart and we should embrace what is Christian about him, rather than trying to kick him out of the circle.
You are delusional about him. Ask him if he is Christian instead of making him into what you would LIKE HIM TO BE.
Is it better that he be here and express his opinion or on an Atheist site reinforcing anti-Christian views?
IT is better if he believes what he wants and doesn't try to stick his nose in where he has no credibility.
Very thoughtful post. Thank you.