Reply #6: I would say an atheist would not qualify as a Christian, but...

[pelagius]

... lest I (as a believer) grow too smug, I would also keep in mind what Jesus had to say on the topic:

‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.”

http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Matthew+7%3A21-27&vnum=yes&version=nrsvae

It almost seems that Jesus is saying how you live your life is what counts, not how loudly your profess your belief, doesn't it?