Out Our Way: The "Atheist Christian"

Luke 10:25-37

Out our way, livestock can sometimes surprise you. While I won't say they have human emotions and such, there are times I wonder. The mama cow who "babysits" for the rest of the cows while they graze or go down to the water for a "girls day out." Sometimes people show as much consideration for each other, although sadly it is not as common.

Back in seminary, I was introduced to a Jewish scholar and writer named Martin Buber who survived the holocaust. He often wrote stories and one I just read concerned a Jewish rabbi who was asked by one of his students how to be a righteous man. 

"Become an atheist" the Rabbi suggested. He went on to explain that to do what is right in order to please God and gain His favor is somewhat self-serving, but to do what is right simply because it is right is true righteousness. "The atheist doesn't do what is good and right in order to please God and enter heaven. The atheist doesn't believe in God or in heaven, so has no other motive to do what is good and righteous but simply because it is good and righteous." Oy! That hit home. Guilty as charged, your honor. 

So, of late, I have been attempting to be a "christian atheist." And I am beginning to become aware of other "aheisests" around me. I saw an elderly man trying to park in the handicap site and couldn't navigate the turn. Someone walking to their car stopped and went over to help the elderly man manage what he could not do on his own. Did anyone else notice? I have no idea - but I did, and so did God.

Another incident was someone left their shopping cart in the parking space and drove off. I saw someone who had just parked a few spaces away get out of their car and get that cart and walk to the other end of the section to deposit it in the corral. Did anyone notice or care? I have no idea, but I did - and so did God.

In seminary, while taking Hebrew, we had some rabbis in our class. Back on the East Coast "yiddish" is common amongst many Jews and a Rabbi taught me the highest praise for a fellow human being is to be called "Ein Mensch" It means a "person" but even more, it refers to a real human being. A good and righteous soul. These two righteous souls I mentally admired as "religious atheists" in the sense that wise Rabbi used it, did not do it to please God, but likely did so far more than they could have imagined.

I hope when my time comes for "the last roundup" and I approach the Boss's Ranch gate, I will be recognized by the Lord as a good Christian "atheist" and a righteous Mensch, and invited in.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].