18 Aug 05
Originally posted by Bosse de NageYes. If a Christian is someone who believes the Bible is the Word of God, then a Christian must belong to a church. Christians are the church - the church is defined by the "body of believers." So being a Christian automatically makes one a member of the church.
Do you have to belong to a church to call yourself a Christian?
But which church organization is another issue. It depends on what the "church" teaches - it's doctrine. If it teaches that Jesus was a not the Son of God - then I'd say those people are not Christians - they deny the clear teaching of the Bible. If they deny the Bible is God's Word - then they are not my definition of Christian.
All believers are part of the invisible church. They belong to the church that is defined as all true believers in Christ. And all true believers are compelled to have fellowship and union with other true believers. So we have the visible church - which are organized churches like your local Baptist or Presbyterian churches.
18 Aug 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerDid I ever mention that you're a complete idiot? Well it's true. I would wager that you are, without a doubt, the stupidest person on this entire planet. That's a lot of people, dj2becker. 6 billion or so, and you come out as the dumbest one out of the whole lot.
So, can an "atheist" call him/herself an atheist if he/she actually believes deep down in his/her heart that a God does exist?
Now, the question is: Is that just random chance? Or did god purposely design you to be the stupidest one?
18 Aug 05
Originally posted by dj2beckerI assume you are asking is an atheist really an atheist if he believes deep down that God exists. But I suppose he may call himself anything he wants no matter what he really believes.
So, can an "atheist" call him/herself an atheist if he/she actually believes deep down in his/her heart that a God does exist?
Technically, all people believe in the existence of God, even though many deny Him. So technically speaking, there are no atheists. But for the sake of argument, or conversation, we can say that some people claim they do not believe in the existence of God - and we call those people atheists.
Atheist may argue they really truly do NOT believe in the existence of God. And I claim that they have deceived themselves and God has made himself known to them. But I wouldn't press the point beyond that since it just gets them all upset. I think it's a little scary for them - it's like they now have permission to believe in God - and they don't want to let go of something they work so hard to hold on to.
18 Aug 05
2 edits
Originally posted by ColettiFollowing that reasoning, then I could say that there are no such thing as Christians.
Technically, all people believe in the existence of God, even though many deny Him. So technically speaking, there are no atheists. But for the sake of argument, or conversation, we can say that some people claim they do not believe in the existence of God - and we call those people atheists.
Atheist may argue they really truly do NOT believe in ...[text shortened]... to believe in God - and they don't want to let go of something they work so hard to hold on to.
18 Aug 05
Originally posted by ColettiTechnically, all people believe in the existence of God, even though many deny Him. So technically speaking, there are no atheists.
I assume you are asking is an atheist really an atheist if he believes deep down that God exists. But I suppose he may call himself anything he wants no matter what he really believes.
Technically, all people believe in the existence of God, even though many deny Him. So technically speaking, there are no atheists. But for the sake of argument, or co ...[text shortened]... to believe in God - and they don't want to let go of something they work so hard to hold on to.
Technically, that comment makes about as much sense as saying:
Technically all Christians are deluding themselves in this fairytale existence of a God named Jesus Christ. So techincally speaking, there are no Christians.
Technically you know as much about Atheism as a carrot.
18 Aug 05
Originally posted by Palynka
Yes, I am.
Rom 1:19-20 ESV For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. (20) For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
God has made himself known (his divine attributes) to all creation so they are "without excuse".
18 Aug 05
Originally posted by Colettithis is the single dumbest post i have ever read on this site. congratulations, coletti, on raising the bar of unintelligibility to impressive new heights.
I assume you are asking is an atheist really an atheist if he believes deep down that God exists. But I suppose he may call himself anything he wants no matter what he really believes.
Technically, all people believe in the existence of God, even though many deny Him. So technically speaking, there are no atheists. But for the sake of argument, or co ...[text shortened]... to believe in God - and they don't want to let go of something they work so hard to hold on to.