I am a Christian

I knew that would get your attention, but it is true. I came to this conclusion today. I had no supernatural experience, nor did I speak with any Jehovah's Witnesses. I was pondering the way people view a person who is openly atheist and wondered if their was a more tactful way to express my beliefs. I am not ashamed of my beliefs, but let's face it, in everything from romance to job interviews ones beliefs effect ones reputation among others. I considered the term Christian Atheist or Atheist Christian. One might think that this term is a form of double think, but I do not.

Some atheists might gag at the idea of calling themself a Christian just as many Christians would be upset at the idea of not believing in God. This is a very narrow unscientific way of thinking. This is a yes/no way of thinking. Most things cannot be expressed in binary language. Christian or Atheist? Why not both? I will explain, and I am sure the same formula can be applied to other religions. Basically one must strip the dogma, faith and the supernatural from the religion.

If one considered the nature of the word Christian, one knows that it means Christ-like. I considered Jesus and determined he was a non-conformist just like me. Other qualities that Jesus shared with me include a distrust and vocal opposition to religious and political institutions that stifle the human spirit. Compassion for the lower classes was his trademark. Jesus helped the poor, he was a populist and a socialist. I am both. Jesus loved all races and attempted to enlighten all people, I too wish to enlighten all people of all races and backgrounds. Jesus was an internationalist, not supporting a nation, but the entire world of humanity. I too am an internationalist and believe that the world should disolve its nations. Jesus did not favor those who judge, think of the prostitute that was going to be stoned, "He who is without sin may cast the first stone." I also believe that judging people should be avoided as we all can be judged negatively.

There are some things that me and Jesus would have disagreed on, such as the idea of faith being beneficial. I am not completely convinced that Jesus admired faith. I am not sure Jesus admired scientific inquiry, though this is unfair as scientists were a small faction of eccentric Greek citizens at the time and unknown or at least not in vogue in Israel. I am beginning to think he did exist, but he was not divine, but a simple human philosopher whose story got inflated after his death. Jesus always gave his followers evidence of his power, resurrecting the dead and turning water into alcohol. This suggested that Jesus understood humanity's need for evidence as a precursor to belief. I have to admit he did say that faith could move mountains though this may have more to do with symbolism and allegory. I do believe that Jesus died for our sins in that he died so that people would sin less. Martin Luther King and Ghandi did the same thing.

Who is to say what a Christian is? Recently a friend of mine has made me rethink about the corruption of Jesus teaching after his death by the Apostle Paul. We have no idea of who the man was and what he was like except through the corrupted writings of early "Christians." Some may see this as a detriment to Christianity, but I see it as liberating. It gives us more freedom to ask questions regarding the true personality of Jesus. It eliminates the the church's strangle hold on Jesus. Philosophers now can lay claim to him as well. It allows Christianity to leave the realm of mysticism and enter the realm of secular moral philosophy.

If one looks at the history of the Church from the beginning of the scientific revolution, the church has steadily been turning into a secular organization as a result of scientific bombardment. This may not be the end of the Christian doctrine, but its return to its original form. Christian Atheism is the future. Christianity is going to evolve into a secular moral system devoid of mysticism. Christian Atheism is almost here now. Many say the laws of the United States are just that, Christianity devoid of mysticism..

I encourage all of my readers to question their own beliefs, believer or not. Have the courage to do this. Do not give into dualistic thinking. Ask the hard questions. Answer them as truthfully as you can.

© 2007 Justin Kunsman

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