# A message to all atheists, unbelievers, and lukewarm christians **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 25, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164 "2013-08-25T23:56:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![DrumBum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e79b87/32.png) [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/141 "2013-08-27T16:45:15Z")
> [@Meatros](#): > > Perhaps next time, bring pie, Jesusguy. Shepherds pie šŸ˜ƒ ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/142 "2013-08-27T17:30:10Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > Jesus is coming back someday and heā€™ll back like a thief in the night. ā€¦so act NOW and get free installation on a new home security system! ---
**Author:** ![Askthepizzaguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askthepizzaguy/32/9405_2.png) [@Askthepizzaguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askthepizzaguy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/143 "2013-08-27T17:32:31Z")
Sorry Jesus, I got Safe Touch. Which is appropriate, because if I wanted an unsafe touch, Iā€™d join your church. ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/144 "2013-08-27T19:18:31Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > This classification ignores other splinter groups such as Donā€™t Give A Crap and Just Bring Me Another Margarita. Splitters! ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/145 "2013-08-27T20:48:18Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > I keep hearing that Jesus died for our sins. So if we donā€™t sin, then Jesus died for nothing. Am I right? Thatā€™s okay; Iā€™ll make up for about eight other guys, and keep the averages high. Heck, I covet my neighborā€™s car every time I see it! (Beautiful vintage Ford Mustang. Sighā€¦) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2013, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/146 "2013-08-27T20:58:57Z")
Has he a maidservant? Has she a really nice ass? Iā€™ll save a place for you, if I get to Hell first. ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/147 "2013-08-28T01:47:27Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > I keep hearing that Jesus died for our sins. So if we donā€™t sin, then Jesus died for nothing. Am I right? ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ - Romans 3:23 Jesusā€™ death was not in vain ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/148 "2013-08-28T01:54:21Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ - Romans 3:23 Jesusā€™ death was not in vain So youā€™re just going to spout Scripture and not actually try to engage in discussion. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/149 "2013-08-28T02:04:29Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ Actually most people are far superior to God in everything but power, judging from the way his followers describe him. Smarter, more moral, better people in general. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/150 "2013-08-28T02:10:31Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ - Romans 3:23 Jesusā€™ death was not in vain I must admit Iā€™m completely lost as to how all this works. So Jesus died for the sins weā€™ve all committed, but where does that get us? 1/ Does this mean we now get into heaven despite our sins? Was Jesus kind of like a friend who pays your fine for you, so you avoid jail without paying yourself? 2/ If not, why wasnā€™t Jesus death in vain? Was his death as if he paid our fine for us but now we have to pay it again ourselves, and if so what was the point of Jesus paying? 3/ Was Jesus death kind of like a part payment? Was it a bit like he paid $50 but the fine was $150 so we still have to pay the rest? 4/ Or is it sort of like Jesus paid our fine for us, but if we donā€™t agree to accept that heā€™s a really great guy and totally accept he like got us out of a complete jam, man, he can get a refund and we still have to cop the fine? Enquiring minds want to know. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/151 "2013-08-28T02:11:17Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ - Romans 3:23 Jesusā€™ death was not in vain Tell me more about this Jesus person. For I am but young, forty years in age, and I have never heard of this person of whom you speak. In other aspects of life I have been quite lucky, having been chosen by NASA to be their first Mars astronaut, where I have remained in seclusion since I was a wee child. This explains my woeful naivete, which I hope you will assuage by informing me of this interesting-sounding new person. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/152 "2013-08-28T02:14:31Z")
Depends on who you ask. Matthew relates his last words as despair, abandoned by faith and dying for naught. Maybe Jesus didnā€™t get the memo. Other Gospels tell a much different story, but Iā€™ll leave off here to politely avoid spoilers. For my two nanobits, Matthew (Matthew 27:46) tells the better story, without the despair of death, where is the sacrifice? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/153 "2013-08-28T02:34:03Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > ā€œFor all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Godā€ - Romans 3:23 Jesusā€™ death was not in vain Been there, done that, read The Book. Do you ever converse _with_ people, or do you just talk _at_ them? ---
**Author:** ![PBear42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@PBear42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PBear42)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/154 "2013-08-28T03:30:29Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > This classification ignores other splinter groups such as Donā€™t Give A Crap and Just Bring Me Another Margarita. Any classification system with a manageable number of groups is going to have that issue. The folks you describe (what some people call [Apatheists](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatheism)) would be Non-Theists under the studyā€™s scheme. Which isnā€™t to suggest the study is definitive. Indeed, its authors acknowledge it isnā€™t. But it does strike me as an interesting and useful way to look at diversity and disagreement within the atheist-agnostic community, which was the issue it seemed to me **Slithy Tove** had raised. ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/155 "2013-08-28T03:56:32Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > I must admit Iā€™m completely lost as to how all this works. So Jesus died for the sins weā€™ve all committed, but where does that get us? > > 1/ Does this mean we now get into heaven despite our sins? Was Jesus kind of like a friend who pays your fine for you, so you avoid jail without paying yourself? > > 2/ If not, why wasnā€™t Jesus death in vain? Was his death as if he paid our fine for us but now we have to pay it again ourselves, and if so what was the point of Jesus paying? > > 3/ Was Jesus death kind of like a part payment? Was it a bit like he paid $50 but the fine was $150 so we still have to pay the rest? > > 4/ Or is it sort of like Jesus paid our fine for us, but if we donā€™t agree to accept that heā€™s a really great guy and totally accept he like got us out of a complete jam, man, he can get a refund and we still have to cop the fine? > > Enquiring minds want to know. Are sins are atoned for once we accept Jesus as our savior and repent for our sins. Itā€™s as simple as that. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/156 "2013-08-28T04:06:08Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > Are sins are atoned for once we accept Jesus as our savior and repent for our sins. Itā€™s as simple as that. OK so arenā€™t you at option 2/ then? If we have to do saviour accepting and repenting thing to atone, for what did Jesus die? Wasnā€™t it in vain? ---
**Author:** ![jesusguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/94ad74/32.png) [@jesusguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesusguy)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/157 "2013-08-28T04:13:45Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > OK so arenā€™t you at option 2/ then? If we have to do saviour accepting and repenting thing to atone, for what did Jesus die? Wasnā€™t it in vain? He died so God could hear/accept our repentance. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/158 "2013-08-28T04:17:53Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > He died so God could hear/accept our repentance. Godā€™s all powerful, but required killing his son to get his hearing back? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/159 "2013-08-28T04:21:40Z")
> [@jesusguy](#): > > He died so God could hear/accept our repentance. He didnā€™t really die, just his earthly body. He went back to where he came from. Thatā€™s some sacrifice right there. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2013, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164/160 "2013-08-28T04:24:00Z")
> [@simster](#): > > Godā€™s all powerful, but required killing his son to get his hearing back? As I said: > [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Actually most people are far superior to God in everything but power, judging from the way his followers describe him. Smarter, more moral, better people in general. Claiming like **jesusguy** are making are an example of what I mean; they make God out to be either an idiot or a lunatic, and either way not a benevolent entity at all. After all, what would you think of your boss if he/she killed their son and said ā€œThere! Now I can forgive you for that screw up last week!ā€ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-to-all-atheists-unbelievers-and-lukewarm-christians/667164.md?page=9)