What I Learned From Atheists

[Matadora]

Originally Posted by zthatzmanz28

I wonder does she mean ONLY a christian can do this or if she means as a Christian we MUST be able to do this. After reading other posts, I think she understands that such actions of forgiveness and love are not christian ONLY attributes, but that the attributes love and forgiveness HAVE be practiced if you claim to be christian?

Yes my impression was that she is saying that you must behave this way in order to be a christian. These attributes have nothing to do with any religion...we all have the capacity to develop these traits in us as they are innately within us.

I'm saying that people can cultivate these things and not be affiliated with religion in order to do so.

Originally Posted by geekigurl

If you want to be a Christian, it's going to fight you, and challenge you. If you want to be a Christian, you have to have radical compassion, and unconditional non-judgmental love for others. You have to meet people where they are and love them where they are, and expect nothing in return. You have to forgive blindly.

[Skyl3r]

Originally Posted by matadora

hi kristine,

my only question is why do you think it takes being a christian to accomplish any of the above?

a->b =/= b->a

She was saying these are traits you should carry if you are Christian; NOT that if you aren't Christian you can't carry these traits. This is a non sequitur.

[zthatzmanz28]

Originally Posted by Matadora

Yes my impression was that she is saying that you must behave this way in order to be a christian. These attributes have nothing to do with any religion...we all have the capacity to develop these traits in us as they are innately within us.

I'm saying that people can cultivate these things and not be affiliated with religion in order to do so.

Exactly, I believe she also admits this is true. They are not constricted by RELIGION. ALL people have the ability to choose being positive and encouraging or to be oppressive and destructive.