NON-CHRISTIANS ONLY: What is a Christian to you? (Jesus Christ, follower)

[Bouncing Ball]

Originally Posted by Father Heathen

A Christian to me is one who believes that Christ is the son of god who was crucified and resurrected, and also follows his teachings.

And if you believe Christ is God, instead of "just" the son?

[Somkid]

I answered: a person who is believes he is “saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone.” I spent a lot of time in theology school and my conclusion is: A Christian is a person that accepts Jesus "The Christ" as their personal Lord and Savior thus they are forgiven their transgressions and "sins" and may pass go, collect $200 and move on to "heaven". Is that right? Do I win anything?

[Father Heathen]

Originally Posted by Bouncing Ball

And if you believe Christ is God, instead of "just" the son?

Well, yeah, his own daddy.

[+Xausted]

Originally Posted by Somkid

I answered: a person who is believes he is “saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone.” I spent a lot of time in theology school and my conclusion is: A Christian is a person that accepts Jesus "The Christ" as their personal Lord and Savior thus they are forgiven their transgressions and "sins" and may pass go, collect $200 and move on to "heaven". Is that right? Do I win anything?

what he said

[Jeremy Mason]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

This thread is on the "Same Faith Debates" forum. Since I consider myself to be a Christian, I won't be participating on this thread except possibly to ask a question here or there. Please respond to the poll ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN. Please offer your opinion ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN. If you have a question for a non-Christian that will help you to understand one of his comments, feel free to ask it. Otherwise, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM POSTING.

Okay... All Christians seem to have an idea in mind who ought to be allowed to refer himself as a Christian, and some act as if they own the exclusive rights to the term. I've heard their list of essential characteristics of a Christian many times, so now I'm curious to see what non-Christians think about Christians. If you were to meet someone for the first time (either here on RF or in person) and he were to tell you that he was a Christian, what would that mean to you? Keep in mind that the poll is a multiple choice one. Please pick as many statements as you feel apply, and then explain your choices if you wish.

Katpur, I think Christians are the ones who show their love regardless of their religion. Show by example.

[Bouncing Ball]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Mason

Katpur, I think Christians are the ones who show their love regardless of their religion. Show by example.

couldn't resist posting in the "please don't post, christians"-thread?

Anyway, by your definition, I could be a christian as well..

[Father Heathen]

Originally Posted by Jeremy Mason

Katpur, I think Christians are the ones who show their love regardless of their religion. Show by example.

That is not exclusive to Christians, nor is it exactly common place among them.

[Katzpur]

I'm really enjoying seeing the results of this poll. I've got to admit that I find a few of the votes kind of interesting. Several of you voted that a Christian is someone who believes he is saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone. I'm not sure if this is what you think the majority of Christians believe or if it was just one of the first things that would come to mind if someone told you he were a Christian. Actually, it's primarily the Evangelical Christians who believe in "sola fide" or faith alone. Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, several more liberal Protestant groups (like the Episcopalians) and the Latter-day Saints all believe that the way we live our lives will play a part in God's decision to "save" us.

I was also suprised that no one so far has voted that a Christian is someone "who is likely to tell you (a non-Christian) that you're damned." Don't you guys get that all the time from Christians? I don't get it. I pretty much thought most of those who responded would pick that one.

I'm actually very pleased with the votes. Most of you are willing to call anyone a Christian who sincerely believes himself to be a Christian. That's rather "Christian" of you! I'm also pleasantly surprised that no one seems to believe that a Christian must believe in the Bible alone (i.e. the doctrine of "sola scriptura"). Maybe that's a sign that I should get out my Book of Mormon and start preaching.

Anyway, thanks for all your replies. Keep them coming, please!

[Fluffy]

If you call yourself a Christian, then you are a Christian. All the rest is posturing.

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I was also suprised that no one so far has voted that a Christian is someone "who is likely to tell you (a non-Christian) that you're damned." Don't you guys get that all the time from Christians? I don't get it. I pretty much thought most of those who responded would pick that one.

It is true that some Christians have an annoying tendency to do this. I believe that it creates a barrier between me and them. I cannot get on with someone who believes this about me, not because I don't like them or have any ill feeling towards them but simply because it makes me feel incredibly awkward around them.

Regardless, I'm very glad that thinking this way is not an inherent part of Christianity and I dearly look forward to the day when Christians can be Christians and atheists can be atheists without either wishing that the other was one of their own.

Originally Posted by Katzpur

a Christian must believe in the Bible alone

Frankly, I think that is one of the most ridiculous claims I have ever heard. If a person wishes to believe in the Bible alone then that is fine. If that person also wishes to believe they have a monopoly on the term "Christian" then I would honestly find it difficult to suppress my giggles. Talk about disconnected!