Christian Atheist?

OK, first things first. What exactly is a Christian Atheist? At first, the term may seem like an oxymoron, but I know you can find many people in your own local congregation to whom the term applies. I know a few myself. In fact, I have been one from time to time and you probably have too.

I actually borrowed this term from Craig Groeschel’s book ¹“The Christian Atheist”. According to him, a Christian Atheist is someone who says they believe in God, but lives their day-to-day life as if they do not believe He exists – a practical atheist. You see, the issue is not what you profess, or what you claim to believe, or even what label you like to wear. The issue is – how do you live your day-to-day life?

Unfortunately, many Christians who lead otherwise pious lives seem to turn into atheists when it comes to dating. For some reason what they say they believe does not seem to work its way down into that extremely important aspect of life.

With that in mind, I wondered, how does that work for Christian Atheists who are single? What does it look like when a Christian Atheist dates?

If It Feels Good …

As a Christian, you were probably taught that sex outside of marriage is a sin. Christianity teaches that God’s best for your life means limiting sex to within the confines of a lifelong commitment solemnly affirmed before God and man in a marriage ceremony.

As a Christian Atheist, you may give mental ascent to the things your Sunday School teacher and pastor said. But let’s be honest, we’re only human. God knows we have certain urges and needs, right?

You can’t really expect two people to remain celibate in this age of hyper-sexuality. That goes double for divorcées accustomed to regular sex. Church and religion are fine, but don’t let them get in the way of your biological needs and deep emotional desires.

Trust Your Instincts

As a Christian, you were probably taught to seek God’s direction and godly counsel in your important decisions. And, since dating and marriage are serious matters, you should especially seek out divine wisdom in matters of the heart.

As a Christian Atheist, you understand that there is no need to call on some omniscient being or some spiritually mature advisor about who to date and how you should date. You are an adult. You know what is best for you. Your mind could never get clouded nor your judgment impaired by some pretty face or a sexual advance from some smooth talker.

Date Only Fellow Christian Atheists

As a Christian, you were probably taught that you should date other Christians. Ideally, this would mean real Christians who take their Christianity seriously. People who are careful to live out their beliefs.

As a Christian Atheist, you understand that people who take their religion too seriously will ruin your good time. Because of their extreme views, they are no fun and will be inflexible in areas where you have more freedom.

Instead, date fellow Christian Atheists. They better understand your lifestyle. And, they won’t bring up religious ideology at inopportune times, like when you are rounding second base.

What You Say vs What You Do

Having said all of that, let me ask you a few questions.

If someone who does not know you watched your behavior on a few dates, would they label you a Christian or a Christian Atheist?

If someone who does not know you took an objective look at your last relationships, would they label you a Christian or a Christian Atheist?

If someone who knows nothing about you was privy to all of your interactions with the opposite sex, would they label you a Christian or a Christian Atheist?