I think you're raising excellent points, but I chafe at the term "atheistic Christianity" for this. I get what you're going for, but it makes me think of the parable with the two sons, one who says he will do his father's will, and does not, and the other that says he will not, but he does. Atheists are very capable of out-Christianing Christians. Belief in God is not necessary to abide in God, because God is love, and all who abide in love, abide in God. You can strip off most of the trappings of Christianity, even Christ, and still abide in God. But you can't strip out love. And that's exactly what so many Christian churches and Silicon Valley have stripped out.
I hear what you are saying, and my term of “atheistic Christianity” may be imprecise—but as I’m brainstorming another piece on a similar theme—I think an essential part of Christianity is that we need “salvation” from someone outside ourselves and ultimately, the only one that can do is is God in Jesus Christ.
Cool, and yeah, I believe that's essential, too. But I'm not sure believing it's essential is essential, if that makes any sense. We don't need any particular words, but we do need the Word, and the Word is there regardless of what anyone believes. Anyway, thanks for the response; I always enjoy your work, looking forward to more!
On a somewhat related note, and this may be controversial. But I read this Atlantic article about the dangers of excessive Buddhist meditation and kept thinking that perhaps people are underestimating what spiritual doors can be opened through these practices. There’re more powerful than we realize! Gift link: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/meditation-willoughby-britton-downsides/688474/?gift=aQqGgI6aZaxPOENLR2yl2rkRh-qaPA9c0MlTGDrHzP4
I think you're raising excellent points, but I chafe at the term "atheistic Christianity" for this. I get what you're going for, but it makes me think of the parable with the two sons, one who says he will do his father's will, and does not, and the other that says he will not, but he does. Atheists are very capable of out-Christianing Christians. Belief in God is not necessary to abide in God, because God is love, and all who abide in love, abide in God. You can strip off most of the trappings of Christianity, even Christ, and still abide in God. But you can't strip out love. And that's exactly what so many Christian churches and Silicon Valley have stripped out.
I hear what you are saying, and my term of “atheistic Christianity” may be imprecise—but as I’m brainstorming another piece on a similar theme—I think an essential part of Christianity is that we need “salvation” from someone outside ourselves and ultimately, the only one that can do is is God in Jesus Christ.
Cool, and yeah, I believe that's essential, too. But I'm not sure believing it's essential is essential, if that makes any sense. We don't need any particular words, but we do need the Word, and the Word is there regardless of what anyone believes. Anyway, thanks for the response; I always enjoy your work, looking forward to more!