I'm an Atheist ... and I'm Still a Better Christian Than You

Ricky Gervais may be an atheist, but he still believes he's a "good Christian." No, he doesn't believe "Jesus was half man, half God," but he still manages to best many actual Christians when it comes to behavior, he explains in the Wall Street Journal. "Jesus was a man," he writes. "His message was usually one of forgiveness and kindness. These are wonderful virtues but I have seen them discarded by many so-called God-fearers when it suits them." Sure, Jesus's teachings would "make this a better world if they were followed. It’s just that they are rarely followed."

"I have seen such cruelty and prejudice performed in the name of Christianity (and many other religions for that matter) that it makes me wonder if there has been a bit too much selective reading and reinterpretation of the doctrines," he continues, and goes on test how his life stacks up against the Ten Commandments. Turns out he scores a perfect 10 out of 10—when they are interpreted correctly, that is (taking God's name in vain, for example, doesn't actually refer to using it as a curse word, according to Gervais). "Even if this doesn’t prove I am a good Christian it does prove that the Bible is a bit inconsistent, open to interpretation, and a little intolerant," he writes. His entire piece is worth a read. (More Ricky Gervais stories.)