As many of you know, I’m a big fan of studying theology and religions, especially my own, Christianity.
As a born-again believer in Christ, I consider myself a disciple who struggles daily to be more Christ-like.
A while back, I was browsing in the Christian bookstore when I came across a book that caught my eye–
The Christian Atheist by Craig Groeschel
Believing in God but Living Like He Doesn’t Exist
I added it to be TBR list, excited because I thought, Finally! Maybe this book will help me understand why so many of the people I know are in church on Sunday morning, but are making choices that are so contrary to Biblical teachings every other moment of the week.
With promos from authors and theologians like Francis Chan, Andy Stanley and Dave Ramsey, among others, I was really thinking that this book was going to support my right to be angry and frustrated with some of the people in my life.
When I got the book, I dove in, expecting to be fist pumping in agreement with Groeschel’s assessment of why so many acknowledge God but live like he doesn’t exist.
But instead of fist pumping and nodding along in agreement, ladies and gents, I sat in stunned silence as my eyes moved over the pages–convicted.
Convicted.
I realized that I, too, am a Christian Atheist.
Are you a Christian Atheist, believing in God, but living like he doesn’t exist?
A Christian Atheist is someone who believes in God, but doesn’t really know him. A Christian Atheist is someone who believes in God, but isn’t sure He loves you. A Christian Atheist is someone who:
- Believes in God but not in prayer
- Believes in God but doesn’t think He’s fair
- Believes in God but won’t forgive
- Believes in God but doesn’t think He can change you
- Believes in God but still worries all the time** (This one really, really hit me hard)
- Believes in God but pursues happiness at any cost
- Believes in God but trusts more in money
- Believes in God but doesn’t share his or her faith
- Believes in God but not in His church
This book has really opened my eyes to my own Christian Atheism.
I’m going to dedicate a few blog posts to some of the points that have brought me pause. I have no doubt that they’ll speak to you, too.
If you are looking for a good read, check out this book. You won’t be sorry.
Share with me: Which of those points above about Christian Atheists interests you the most?
Hale and Hearty Words 
The worry one is especially convicting. My pastor tweeted once that worrying a form of temporary atheism. It was a quote from somebody, but I can’t remember who. Now I wonder if he was quoting this book!
Could be!
Wow! This post came at just the right time for me. Thanks for the thought provoking post. Looks like I need to read that book, too.
You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy the posts that will be coming from the inspiration I got from this book.
I definitely worry waaaay too much, but the one that really hit me was:
“Believes in God but doesn’t think He can change you.”
I know in my heart that God is strong enough and powerful enough and loving enough to change me and form me into His workmanship, but sometimes (a lot of times) my mind forgets this and I am left in a pity partying slough of despond because I feel like I am so sinful I can’t be changed. I have thought this a lot. But I have been realizing that to not believe that God can change you is to believe that God isn’t strong enough or loving enough to do so–therefore, it is doubting Him.
And when I really think about that, it really boggles my mind. Because I know that God is in control and I know that He is more powerful and awesome than I can imagine–and yet, I think that He can’t change me. It is ironic, really. Because I think that He is too good to care about me. Doesn’t really make sense.
Anyway, thanks for the reminder. My God is great enough to make me His own.
Hannah– and we think we aren’t good enough to be changed. I’m with you, sister. I’ve had these thoughts before too. “I’m just too sinful.” And I am. Which is why I am so grateful for grace, mercy, and God’s patience and unending love for me. It IS mind boggling.
Jenn,
You may have seen on my FB page recently that my younger sister buried her first child after the baby was born prematurely at 23 weeks. The beautiful little girl survived a week before God took her home. While I fully believed that our God is good, there are many in my family that really struggle with believing that he is. While the situation was certainly not a fair one, I would be interested in reading about the topic above regarding God’s fairness.
Crystal– the story about your sister broke my heart. I’m still praying for her and for all of you. I also wonder about God’s fairness in those kinds of situations– in a situation where anyone buries someone they love, but especially a child. It’s a great fear that I think every parent has, and understanding God’s fairness is certainly something I struggle with, too.