"Saying you have a relationship with Christ" (Jesus Christ, ritual)

[michel]

I recently read an article that implied that Christians, who define themselves as 'having a relationship with Jesus Christ' (or perhaps as 'followers of Jesus Christ' ), call themselves that to disociate themselves from Christianity.

The reasons we might wwish to do that could be :-
a) we don't wish to be associated with Christianity in General
b) that somehow, calling ourselves Christians is 'not special enough' a description of our spirituality.

Do you agree, or disagree? If you agree, which of the two main reasons above do you think are apt (for you)? unless you have another different reason, in which case, what is it ?

[Fluffy]

I think there must be a reason why a person would choose to call themselves "follower of Christ" over "Christian"... I would assume it has more to do with returning to the core ideals of Christianity (ie Jesus and his teachings) and viewing this has more important than the rest of Christianity (ie the rest of the Bible and Church teachings).

Under that assumption, I would be much more comfortable under the category of "follower of Christ" than I would under "Christian".

[sojourner]

For most of the Church's history, Christians have been about the business of discrimination and exclusion, instead of acceptance and inclusion. This dynamic flies in the face of both what Jesus taught, and what Christians have always understood the nature of the Church to be -- ONE.

I guess I just don't understand why we can't all just be plain old Christians who follow Christ, acknowledging our differences and celebrating them, instead of fearing them.

[blueman]

I think sometimes we get caught up in what we call ourselves. I am a Christian, but it's not the name on my chest so to speak, but the way I serve Christ. We do have a personal relationship with Him, because He is a living, real spiritual being who seeks a realtionship with those who love and believe in Him. God communes with our spirit man through Christ. So whether we refer to ourselves as Christians or followers of Christ, I don't think it matters to Him all that much as opposed to what we profess to believe in.

[DavyCrocket2003]

I would like to second everything that has been said on this thread. I appreciate what you said blueman. It is so easy to get caught up in the things that don't really matter. Like what the right name for something is or whether this scripture meant this or that. The most important thing and the thing we all need to remember is Jesus Christ. He taught us by example all that we need to know. My only hope is that I can live the best I can to show my appreciation for what he has done for all of us. One day I hope to meet him again and I hope he will look on me as a friend and true follower of Christ.

[MasterOblivion]

i dont see a difference.... by dictionary definition they r the same. Christian means Christ-folower.