What do atheists and Christians think of this quote?

"In truth, there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross." -Friedrich Nietzsche

 

He was/is obviously wrong.

 

Not an atheist, not a Christian, and reasonably familiar with Nietzsche. This quote is hyperbolic, and logically inconsistent, although it all hinges on one's definition of "Christian." Here Nietzsche distills the term out of existence.
If it means any thing at all, the word means "a fan or follower" of Jesus. There are world of opinions about what properly constitutes Christianity. One person, we can be sure, who did not subscribe to this path is the originator of it.

 

Define followers?

 

Yes, the essential definition of a Christian, in the context that Nietzsche used it, is, "a person who is Christ-like." There are other definitions as well, such as one who professes to a Church of Christ, but the one I mentioned was the context that the philosopher used it, and it is essentially the base definition of Christianity. Then the question comes. If Jesus Christ is a perfect being, how then could any imperfect human being be like him? To put this into perspective, Nietzsche was probably questioning the validity of those Christians that didn't go to Church, that did kill or steal, etc., etc., even though it explicitly says not to do so within the Bible. Since we all do those things, then whence can we claim to be Christ-like?

In terms of whether Jesus himself was a Christian or not, it all depends on your perception and, once again, definition of Christianity. I think that it's more of a question of whether a person's personal beliefs should be taken on the word of the person who believes it or other people. Jesus obviously professed that he was a Jew, and that he personally subscribed to such faith. However, if a person's personal beliefs would be decided from an objective, omniscient point of view, then Jesus would be considered a Christian, because he would believe that he is God himself -- as in the Holy Trinity -- which is the main distinction between Judaism and Christianity. He could obviously take on the definition that Nietzsche used, which is, "One who is Christ-like." Now, whether other people can determine what a person personally believes is up for debate. We see that happening a lot in recent times as well. President Obama, for example, keeps professing that he is a Christian, and yet other people determine that he is a Muslim from what they derive and evaluate of his character and the ostensible facts. That's a topic that can merely be discussed concurrently with the primary topic at hand as well, as it is a valid question.

 

~ "There was only" - Implies at the time of the event Jesus was abandoned by all his followers which is a peculiarity of the event that was predicted by Christ and a hollow point to Christianity that others might not have sacrificed themselves or that culpability for his unjust death may be within the scribes themselves.

~ The quote does not give leeway for there to be present-day Christians than for those who crucified Jesus to be brought to justice as their deed prevails to this day for someone to truly then to become a Christian.

 

I've never been a fan of Nietzsche. Wasn't he an unhappy and pessimistic man?

 

i'm christian and Jesus is God.
there are many gods and i choice Him.

 

I'm sure there's no god and I think this quote is funny, somewhat.

 

Do you feel your certain belief is based on scientific evidence? If so, can you share it with us?

 

My certain belief is just like others, faith based, a problem with that?

 

None at all. Just glad to hear you understand the basis of your beliefs. =D

 

Yes I do, and I don't need a book to tell me what to believe in and how.

 

Your choice. I take my belief system from the holy writings I found on a particular bathroom stall. I've tried to lead a purist life, never straying from the path righteousness. So far, so good.

 

Lol Christianity isn't the belief Jesus is God. It's the belief Jesus is the son of God. You don't even know your own faith.

 

But who is the daugther of God? What about His dog?
Surely He must have parents too!

 

Like everything else just make them up and start your own religion with it. Might be a little trickier today with the less gullible people in society today but you are bound to get a few followers if you offer something nice in the afterlife. You can maybe add some sort of hell to it as well just to spice it up a little.

 

That depends upon how you view your Christianity.

There are those that call themselves Christians that believe Jesus was born the Son of God, yet he is not the equal of God the Father.

 

this is the real truth,the so called Christians have closed their mind and mutated into something else,the sooner they get get out of this mental lock,the better for them and everyone else.

 

So, what do you think the REAL Christianity is?

Please understand that I'm not disagreeing with you - I just want to know where you are coming from.