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what makes a Christian?
- Thread starter Eddi
- Start date
Guitar's Cry
Disciple of Pan
I think any use of Christian mythology and symbolism can make someone Christian if that is how they want to identify.
I utilize some of it myself but personally don't identify as a Christian, since I prefer the identity of "Pagan" which feels more suited to how my spirituality manifests.
I utilize some of it myself but personally don't identify as a Christian, since I prefer the identity of "Pagan" which feels more suited to how my spirituality manifests.
Heyo
Veteran Member
I've asked that question to Christians of different denominations, here, on another forum and IRL. The conclusion was always that there is nothing all would agree upon. "Christian" is a label without meaning.
AFAIK, the only requirement is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
As a general rule I let adherents of a tradition define what it means. Beyond that, this - Christianity - wikipedia - is good enough, though I've not been a big fan of wikipedia these days after the disrespect they've paid to Paganism.
It's not just about belief, it's also about how the beliefs are applied. If people's behavior's don't imitate Christ's what's the point of identifying as a Christian?
I'd add to this question: "And what VALUES do you think makes someone a Christian?"
Kelly of the Phoenix
Well-Known Member
Actually I think that it’s anyone who applies the golden rule and the sermon on the mount.
Exaltist Ethan
Bridging the Gap Between Believers and Skeptics
Upholding the Nicene or Apostle's Creed for starters would be a good place to start. Having a personal relationship to Jesus would be a way of keeping your commitment to Christianity fresh and alive. Either going to church or owning a Bible and reading from it would help too.
YoursTrue
Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
1 Peter chapter 4 brings out some important values -- about love for one another. So then since this reasonable, what do so-called Christian religions teach about that? There's a lot in that chapter so I'm not going to quote it, hopefully you can look it up. But it speaks of love among other things. We know from history that the early Christians were put to death. For a member of one sect of so-called Christianity to kill others supporting their country of citizenship even of the same religious persuasion, do you think that exemplifies the love that Jesus and his early followers had? (1 Peter 4.)
I think a Christian is defined by these two:
... The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:26
Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:31-32
Yeah but all the Abrahamic scriptures are chock full of contradictions. So I'm more interested in what people think "Christian values" are, than cherry-picking some scripture.
And, full disclosure, I don't think any of the Abrahamic religions have anything novel to offer in the way of good values. I think they all "borrowed" some existing good values. And further, because they're soooo stuck in the mud, they haven't kept up with society's improvement in good values over the centuries.
For example, the Bible and the Quran are fine with slavery, yikes!
The Bible itself as @Kelly of the Phoenix noted specifically the Sermon on the Mount:
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Twilight Hue
Twilight, not bright nor dark, good nor bad.
YoursTrue
Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
As far as slavery goes, no matter how it goes, we all are slaves to death at the very least. If you don't believe that, ok, have a nice day. Your points against the scriptures show me you do not understand that (1) having slaves was the thing then and sometimes now in the form of keeping humans as slaves, and (2) societies were different to an extent. Anyway -- again -- have a nice day.
YoursTrue
Faith-confidence in what we hope for (Hebrews 11)
And P.S. - there is no "cherry picking" values. Maybe you can describe what it means to love your enemy and your brother. What do you think?
lukethethird
unknown member
what makes a Christian?
Believing a prescribed set of beliefs.
Believing a prescribed set of beliefs.
The belief that they are Christian.