By Trevin Wax, Religion News Service.
The rise of the “nones” — Americans who no longer check a religious affiliation on demographic surveys — has stirred up interesting conversations among church leaders. A generation ago, many Americans would have been considered “nominal” in their devotion. Today, many have stopped claiming a religious identity altogether.
But what happens when the “nones” find themselves longing for the religious world they once knew? Is it possible to reclaim your religious affiliation if you no longer believe in the doctrines of the faith?
This is the situation of Alana Massey, who calls herself a “cultural Christian” — an atheist who finds she can neither fully embrace a secular identity nor abandon her Episcopal heritage. In an article in The Washington Post, “How to Take Christ out of Christianity,” Massey claims a “profound connection to Christianity” even without “theistic belief.” In her experience, secularism isn’t good enough; it doesn’t create a lasting community bond for celebration during the good times and comfort during the bad. What’s more, the “self-help” advice from the nonreligious world is a poor substitute for the robust vision of Christianity, where the moral and ethical stakes in the Bible are so high.
So, if younger American Jews can base their identity on “ancestral, ethnic and cultural connections rather than religious ones,” why can’t Christians celebrate their religion’s moral benefits and societal aspirations, even if they don’t believe in God?
Massey believes we should broaden the meaning of Christianity so that nonbelieving people can be part of the same family seeking peace in the world.
Should we accept a “cultural Christianity” that relishes religious ritual while rejecting religious belief? I offer both a firm “no” and an unreserved “yes.”
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Of course all sinners are welcome in Christian churches. We’re all sinners. It’s up to ministers and true, faithful Christians to inform/teach/minister to the marginal—it’s our calling—it’s fundamental Christian doctrine. God is The Word, and we must hear The Word (as found in Holy Scripture), Speak The Word, and try to follow The Word. Always invite ‘marginal Christians to Church’ or to read literature and Christian web sites(like the Laymen), listen to Christian radio, etc. Sinners and ‘worldly’ souls need to hear the true Word of God from Bible believing ministers, elders, and other lay people who have more knowledge and experience in the faith journey. New Presbyterian Churches must not appear ‘stiff neck rigid.’ They should have Bible studies, group discussions, and other less ‘religious ceremony’ also available to hungry, needy souls.
Christian worship is intended to bring the sinner into the presence of a just and holy God, in order that the sinner might be convicted of his or her sin, repent of it, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation from the penalty, power, and ultimately presence of sin.
Christian fellowship is intended to unite all who believe and trust in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in one spirit, centered around the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.
That a self-avowed atheist should feel comfortable attending a worship service or fellowship events at a church of Jesus Christ says much that is not good about that congregation. Christ is not preached, God is neither exalted nor respected, the congregation is not educated in the ways of the Lord. Yes, I know that all too many pastors and congregations fit the bill for what Ms. Massey seeks—and many of these pastors and congregations bear the name of “Presbyterian”. But such pastors and congregations are not truly Christian but rather false teachers and synagogues of Satan.
May God pour out His Spirit and bring a true Reformation to the American Church, that His Word would go forth across this land and many unbelievers should be converted—including those unbelievers who sit comfortably in the pews of nominally Christian churches.
Can I be a Christian without Christ???? Can I walk on water with my bare feet 50 ft deep and live???
You know the answer to both, NO. No Christ, No salvation, NO heaven, but yes Hell, the Lake of Fire. John 3:36 and Revelation chapter 21.
Is this a question of Christianity without Christ or Christianity without religion?
“Moral and ethical stakes” is another way to worship your self. It is a form of self-righteousness. Sure, It helps us in this life. Good works should never be discouraged, but our efforts are limited and do not bring the peace of reconciliation with God that only the death of Christ brings.
Good works do not give you a pass to Eternal Life.
Would the person who is good but rejects JESUS Christ really want a place in heaven where CHRiST is worshipped and is the center of all things.
I don’t think so.
In this world, Christian virtue, morals, and biblical mandates can help make life livable and good. Community is wonderful, (Christ or no Christ is the big division underlying denominations today, so is it real community?)With Christ, the rewards could be eternal and death would be not the last word on a persons existence.
BELIEF in Christ brings a different perspective, an unselfish perspective,
a surrendering of all that brings true, lasting PEACE with God……Joy unspeakable. Why would you want to live with out JESUS? His is the only power that can bring true moral good for the sake of our world.
Please define the “religion” that you would have Christianity do without.
Sorry to be so blunt but wallowing around debating stupid questions like this is why we have “Noners” in the first place. We’ve all tried to change Christianity around to “appeal” to everyone. We all want programs that will convince people to follow God. We can’t do any of that! Jesus calls us to be His light and his witness. The best way I’ve ever heard this described is “we don’t sell Jesus, we introduce people to Him and He sells Himself.