nPeace
Veteran Member
It is often said, that Atheists know the Bible better than Christians.
Although I would agree that this statement is true regarding the commonly held misunderstood and trivialized modern view (See Explanation), it certainly is not true when considering (1) the correct understanding of what Christianity is, and (2) the true understanding of what Atheists misunderstand.
Thus, the Atheist has created a fantasy world for himself - a myth, by mistakenly thinking that he is engaging a Christian.
The other way the Atheist has created his mythical world, is by deluding himself into thinking that he knows and understands full well what he reads in scripture.
To give a simple example, consider the very first book of the Bible, and just the third Chapter. Here is where we will take our first close look at truth.
Gen 3 - particularly verse 14...
Atheist think that they know all about this scripture, and God cursing the serpent. However, a close look reveals that they, as well as "Christians" are mistaken.
Was God cursing a snake?
Evidently not. How do we know? The context.
When we consider the texts closely, from verse 1-15, we realize that there is an entity involved, that is not identified at this point in time, but is revealed much later.
Verse 15 however, sheds some light on a future revelation.
God said, "... I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
This is not a prophetic utterance regarding a slithery reptile.
For the Christian, this is clear. The Atheists however, is evidently in the dark.
In just that early beginning, is is clear, the Atheist does not know the Bible as the Christian does.
Is he willing to learn? Let's see.
Although I would agree that this statement is true regarding the commonly held misunderstood and trivialized modern view (See Explanation), it certainly is not true when considering (1) the correct understanding of what Christianity is, and (2) the true understanding of what Atheists misunderstand.
According to Wikipedia
Christians are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
If we are going to use this definition, then we cannot turn a blind eye, or ignore ignorance concerning the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
In other words, we cannot refer to any person as Christian, regardless of if their religion and religious beliefs reflect the way Jesus lived - his actions and activities, and his teachings.
For example, suppose a religion promotes a life of luxurious living, with leaders taking prominent titles, etc., would it be correct to say that this religion follows, or reflects the life of Jesus Christ? Surely, we can agree... most certainly not! (Matthew 23)
Or suppose a religion professing Christianity, taught that Jesus did not face death, or that he is not the son of God, can we truthfully say that such religious teachings are based on Jesus' teachings? Of course not. (Matthew 20:28; Matthew 16:13-17)
Hence, it is clearly evident, that the words Christian, and Christianity are being used lightly, and with frivolousness, thus incorrectly.
With such distortion, it is easy to overlook the clear distinction between Christian and "Christian"; Christianity and "Christianity", and thus fool oneself into thinking that the "Christian" knows what they are talking about... when evidently, they don't.
Christians are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
If we are going to use this definition, then we cannot turn a blind eye, or ignore ignorance concerning the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
In other words, we cannot refer to any person as Christian, regardless of if their religion and religious beliefs reflect the way Jesus lived - his actions and activities, and his teachings.
For example, suppose a religion promotes a life of luxurious living, with leaders taking prominent titles, etc., would it be correct to say that this religion follows, or reflects the life of Jesus Christ? Surely, we can agree... most certainly not! (Matthew 23)
Or suppose a religion professing Christianity, taught that Jesus did not face death, or that he is not the son of God, can we truthfully say that such religious teachings are based on Jesus' teachings? Of course not. (Matthew 20:28; Matthew 16:13-17)
Hence, it is clearly evident, that the words Christian, and Christianity are being used lightly, and with frivolousness, thus incorrectly.
With such distortion, it is easy to overlook the clear distinction between Christian and "Christian"; Christianity and "Christianity", and thus fool oneself into thinking that the "Christian" knows what they are talking about... when evidently, they don't.
Thus, the Atheist has created a fantasy world for himself - a myth, by mistakenly thinking that he is engaging a Christian.
The other way the Atheist has created his mythical world, is by deluding himself into thinking that he knows and understands full well what he reads in scripture.
To give a simple example, consider the very first book of the Bible, and just the third Chapter. Here is where we will take our first close look at truth.
Gen 3 - particularly verse 14...
Atheist think that they know all about this scripture, and God cursing the serpent. However, a close look reveals that they, as well as "Christians" are mistaken.
Was God cursing a snake?
Evidently not. How do we know? The context.
When we consider the texts closely, from verse 1-15, we realize that there is an entity involved, that is not identified at this point in time, but is revealed much later.
Verse 15 however, sheds some light on a future revelation.
God said, "... I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
This is not a prophetic utterance regarding a slithery reptile.
For the Christian, this is clear. The Atheists however, is evidently in the dark.
In just that early beginning, is is clear, the Atheist does not know the Bible as the Christian does.
Is he willing to learn? Let's see.