what is an atheist? what do christians think about them?
By bluewhite20
@bluewhite20 (41)
Philippines
April 11, 2007 2:01pm CST
We sometimes make the mistake of thinking that statements such as "X" is a Christian" and "Y" is an Atheist" are similar statements. Yes, they are grammatically identical, but logically they are very different (aside from being theologically different). The "a"prefix in "atheism"and"atheist"is the negative prefix in Greek,and it means simply "non""not" Atheist means, then,"not a theist". And that is ALL it means. A "theist" is one who has some belief in a deity or deities.) Therefore, to say"So-and-so is an atheist" is not an affirmative statement, but a negative one. Well known, atheist affirmatively deny God:"There is no God, that's for sure."Others say."I don't believe in God." On the otherhand, Christians obviously believe in God and Jesus Christ. If you regard yourself to be a Christian, you will probably have a personal definition of exactly who is a real Christian and who is not.
2 responses
@ryanphil01 (4182)
• Philippines
15 Apr 07
let me go direct to the point. no one could give us exactly a good definition of a real christian. but the bible is clear that a christian (tho' the word was not ACTUALLY used) is one who believes and accepts thru baptism that Jesus is the only saviour. for He has paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross and promised eternal life upon His resurrection. as John 3:16 says "...whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
otherwise..."those who does not believe shall be condemned." Mark 16:16
@arseniajoaquin (1732)
• Philippines
19 Apr 07
The Greek word for God is "theos" from where the English word theist probably came. Yes, the prefix "a" is negative and therefore "atheos" means without God or no God - all that is negative. Theist and atheist are nouns referring to persons. An atheist therefore is a person without God, or who has no God, or who does not believe in God, etc. - all negative. The God that we are referring to is the God in the Holy Bible because as the Holy Bible says, there are many gods but there is only one true God and that is what we are referring to as God and not the many gods which are false gods whom many people worship also.
A real Christian is a person who follows the doctrines or teachings of the Christian religion in the Holy Bible.
