Can Christians respect atheists?

[bushprsdnt]

The title of this thread is an ignorant one. It seems to me that to ask a question like this out of context, i.e. "Can christians respect atheists?" fails to consider the context. Many atheists are worthy of respect and many are not. The same is true of christians. Being a christian does not absolve one of ordinary requirements.

A better question is this: Do christians or atheists behave in a manner that deserves respect? I think the answer must be that some do and some don't, in both camps.

 

[LadyEagle]

The title of this thread is an ignorant one.

Very true. IMHO, posting these types of threads are to inflame & incite the Christians on this Baptist Board, not for real discussion or debate.

From article posted in another thread re: trolls....

http://www.tuxedo.org/~esr/jargon/html/entry/troll.html

troll

1. v.,n. [From the Usenet group alt.folklore.urban] To utter a posting on Usenet designed to attract predictable responses or flames; or, the post itself. Derives from the phrase "trolling for newbies" which in turn comes from mainstream "trolling", a style of fishing in which one trails bait through a likely spot hoping for a bite. The well-constructed troll is a post that induces lots of newbies and flamers to make themselves look even more clueless than they already do, while subtly conveying to the more savvy and experienced that it is in fact a deliberate troll. If you don't fall for the joke, you get to be in on it. See also YHBT. 2. n. An individual who chronically trolls in sense 1; regularly posts specious arguments, flames or personal attacks to a newsgroup, discussion list, or in email for no other purpose than to annoy someone or disrupt a discussion. Trolls are recognizable by the fact that they have no real interest in learning about the topic at hand - they simply want to utter flame bait. Like the ugly creatures they are named after, they exhibit no redeeming characteristics, and as such, they are recognized as a lower form of life on the net, as in, "Oh, ignore him, he's just a troll."

[ March 27, 2002, 11:40 AM: Message edited by: EagleLives911 ]

 

[post-it]

Originally posted by excreationist:
According to that quote, if you have never broken the law in your life (including not breaking any copyright laws), then you've never sinned in your life. But you'd still inherit original sin. (Though some people in the OT were said to be "blameless")
So did Jesus die to forgive people their earthly crimes - most of which they wouldn't have been caught doing?

Jesus died to remove us from the guilt and death resulting from original sin and any other sin we happen to violate on a daily bases.

So the things that God says are sinful or unsinful (the laws) can be unjust, unfair or stupid?

Yes, they can be. Man is writing them and enforcing them, yet they are ordained by God. Man has made many stupid laws. It is that we must follow the as they are there for a greater reason.

How do you know if laws are unjust though, if your morality (right and wrong) is defined by the laws?

My morality is defined within myself as an individual. God grants us that trait which is called a conscience. It is relative to the individual and the life he leads. Yes, it can change also. This is why we have Hitler's and supporters for a Hitler type. It is only through seeking God that we can keep the conscience clean of worldly matters and influence.

 

[Clint Kritzer]

As promised, I am closing this thread at page 8. Just to add some perspective as to how Christians are SUPPOSED to act toward non-believers (and to aggravate Arrowman, who hates it when a moderator puts in the last word ), I will share with both sides Christ's specific instructions from the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5

Love for Enemies

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I suspect that Arrowman won't have too big a problem with that one!

With that being said, I will now close this thread.

Clint Kritzer
Moderator