I’m an agnostic ex-Christian. I don’t believe a higher power can ever be proven, so I choose to live my life as if one does not exist. Although I no longer subscribe to God or any kind of Christian dogma, there’s one big part of Christianity that I still have quite a bit of appreciation for Jesus.
Jesus was a social justice worker and revolutionary of his time. He regularly hung out with society’s “untouchables,” cared for the poor and sick, treated women with dignity, and encouraged non-violence. (Also, news flash: he wasn’t white.) You don’t believe in his divinity or resurrection to recognize that Jesus is an incredible role model. Just look at what he taught.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Jesus was big on not judging others. He goes on to talk about how we need to make ourselves right before pointing out the flaws in those around us. If that’s not a great way to live, I don’t know what is.
“I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
One of the reasons I left Christianity is because of how Christians treated the poorest and most disadvantaged among us. So many are focused on advancing their own agenda that they forget that Jesus taught that how they treated the underprivileged was how they treated him. That’s pretty incredible when you think about it. Maybe it’s time to reconsider giving tax cuts to billionaires and cutting welfare programs.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you."
The Golden Rule is present in many religions, not just Christianity, and it’s a simple, rock-solid principle to live by. It forces us to step outside of our own heads and consider other people’s feelings and reactions.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Similar to the Golden Rule, Jesus taught that we should love others like we love ourselves. That means doing good things for others and treating them with respect. How does that sound when someone cuts you off in traffic or is rude to you in a grocery store (fellow cashiers can relate)? Give ‘em love, folks.
“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.”
Jesus was not only kind — he was also generous. He reached out to the poor and sick without any expectation of compensation. We should follow his example and step up our efforts to help those less fortunate than us. If able to help, we should help. (Need an example? Think: would Jesus keep out the refugees?)
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies!”
Kill them with kindness. I know personally how easy it is to be petty, but why fan the flame when you can defuse the situation with love? Jesus wanted us to be good to everyone, not just the people we like.
“Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.”
This is one of my favorite things that Jesus teaches. A little context: a woman who had been caught committing adultery was about to be stoned to death. Our guy Jesus asked the sinless one to throw the first stone, knowing that everyone has done bad things. Everyone dropped their stones and walked away. Jesus saved this woman’s life. That’s the way we should be living. How can we cast judgment on others when we’ve all done stuff we’re not proud of? It’s best to focus on bettering ourselves, not tearing down others.
This isn’t an attempt to convert anyone to any sort of religion; after all, I’m an agnostic myself — to what would I convert people? I simply want people of all faiths and creeds to realize that Jesus had some really cool things to say about love, generosity, and non-judgment. If more people — Christians and non-Christians alike — followed these teachings of Jesus, I think this world would be a much, much better place.
