Generally speaking, who do you think understand Christianity (history, origins etc.) better?

Question

A. Christians

B. Pagans

C. Jews

D. Atheists

What is the reasoning behind your choice?

Answer 1

I am a Christian, and unfortunately I think Atheist understand Christian history better than most Christians. This isn't to say Atheist have a good understanding of Christian History, I just think they understand it better than most Christians. Unfortunately many Christians have dropped the ball when it comes to loving God with all their mind.

If you are a Christian, don't get mad at me prove me wrong I am begging you read the source documents about our history, it isn't as bad as secular scholars have led us to believe.

Answer 2

Perhaps E: Individual basis.

Answer 3

I'd probably go with either jews or atheists.

Jews simply because it seems to me that history is a large part of the indoctrination into their faith.  They are a little too close to the subject matter though, which could possibly cause them to ignore certain details that might not agree with their own view of history.  

Atheists, I think, are at an advantage to actually learn about christianity in that they're totally removed from any dogma.  Certainly, not all atheists choose to learn about the religions of the world; but I think many do, if only to be able to answer questions concerning their lack of faith.  It's been my experience since joining R&S that many christians know very little about the faith they've chosen to embrace....some being unbelievably ignorant.

Additionally, I don't think many atheist reject the "god concept" very lightly.  For those raised with a religious background, many years are often spent trying to "cling" to the faith of their childhood.  Most only come to reject their religion when they tire of the inevitably circular arguments put forth to bolster the side of religion.

Unfortunately, I think christians tend to close their eyes and minds to anything that could possibly be viewed as negative about their religion.  The mere mention that christian practices could have pagan roots causes many of the faithful to recoil in horror; generally using the old "you'll burn in h**l for that" rebuttal that has become such a staple of their argumentary arsenal.

Answer 4

D then B then C ... A is last there !                  

  

   Christians don't bother learning about their beliefs origins or history .Atheists do and so do pagans . Even some Jews study Christianity . Christians just read their bibles and figure that all there is to know !

Answer 5

D. Probably some atheists, because they are capable of thinking beyond the box that most ( at least in the US and the middle east) insist "God" resides in. I'm not sure how much there is to understand, anyhow, because all religions boils down to is being afraid of being alone in this huge universe and hoping that some big daddy or force out there will protect us ( if we are good and obedient, of course).

Answer 6

Generally speaking, Christians are most knowledgeable about Christianity.

I believe that much of the true history of the religion has been suppressed by the church since the very beginning.

Answer 7

Well love I personally think it would have to be either B or D.  My reason for D is pretty obvious, most Atheists have studied the bible and Christian history and that is one of the things that helped them make their decision.  The reason for picking B is a bit more personal.  I have learned over the years that most of the Christian "rituals" and stories are pretty blatant ripoffs of ancient pagan rites.  I mean come on, how else can you explain them celebrating Jesus rising from the dead with chocolate eggs and bunnies?    Although the time of year that this is celebrated just happens to coincide with the pagan fertility festival of Beltaine...just saying..

Btw...I've noticed most fundies get really testy when you ask them to explain that one ;)

It does seem strange that I know very few Christians who really know anything about their own religion.  Most of them are just sheep following the rest of the herd never questioning anything.

Answer 8

That will vary from person to person. Unfortunately, I'm one of the only Christians I know who likes to read about Church history. I haven't taken college courses, and I don't plan on it, but I do make an effort to study and understand early Christian tradition. That's not to say I know it all though. I distinctly remember one time on this site when an atheist pointed something out about the Church Father Eusebius that I hadn't yet learned.

Answer 9

sorry i can't use any of these,i believe the person that truly believes in the love of christ and god,just might be your answer...

Answer 10

E. Those with open minds and a quest for knowledge. Gandhi was someone who studied all religions. If A, B,C and D's stopped arguing about the "truth", then the world would be a more peaceful place.  

Answer 11

D. Because it was by studying their religion, that atheists came to be atheists.